Biblical World

Episode: Chris McKinny and Mark Janzen discuss the early vs. late date for the date of the exodus, date of the conquest, the emergence of Israel in the land of Canaan, and biblical chronology. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Mark Janzen Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help support the ongoing work of OnScript and Biblical World!

Explore the captivating world of ancient giants as they connect to biblical tales and mythologies. The hosts humorously link these legendary figures to modern sports icons while dissecting Goliath’s origins. They investigate archaeological findings that reveal cultural perceptions of giants and their narratives. The discussion illuminates the significance of figures like Nimrod and their cosmic battles, as well as the historical dynamics between the Philistines and Israelites. Prepare for a witty and enlightening journey through ancient history and myth!

Episode:In this episode, which was recorded during the excavation of the Iron Age II gate at Tel Burna, Chris and Steven Ortiz (Lipscomb University and Lanier Archaeological Center) discuss the following topics: The Lanier Archaeological Center The Gezer Archaeological Project The Tel Burna Archaeological Project The Necessity of Financial Support from Private Individuals for Archaeological Excavations Guest: Dr. Steven Ortiz is the Director of the newly established Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb University where he is also a professor of archaeology and biblical studies. He was the director of the former Tandy Institute for Archaeology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the principal investigator and co-director, along with Sam Wolff, of the Tel Gezer Excavation Project and is one of the directors of the Ilibalyk Project, Kazakhstan, and is the co-director at Tel Burna (Biblical Libnah). He has over 30 years of archaeological experience in Israel as he has been a senior staff member at a variety of major sites. Ortiz’s research and publications focus on the archaeology of David and Solomon, Iron Age I and II transition, and the border relations between Judah and Philistia. He has served or currently holds leadership positions in several scholarly and academic associations. He currently serves on the board of the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, Jerusalem. He has served ASOR since 2001 as a board member and on various committees. Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help support the ongoing work of OnScript and Biblical World!

Episode: Our first on site episode ever! That's worth celebrating, right? Chris McKinny is in the field at Tel Burna, where he's been digging for over a decade with site director Itzick Shai, whom he interviews from the top of the Tel. Guest: Prof. Itzick Shai is VP and Dean for Research and Development at Ariel University. He's an archaeologist and the director of the Tel Burna Archaeological Project. His research focuses on the Bronze and Iron Ages in the Southern Levant. He completed his PhD at Bar Ilan University and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Semitic Museum of Harvard University. Prof. Shai was a research fellow in the School of Advanced Studies at the Hebrew University and taught at Bar-Ilan University and Yellin Education College. He joined Ariel University in 2012 as a senior lecturer and in 2015 established the newest institute of archaeology in Israel. From 2018-2020, Prof. Shai was the Vice Dean of R&D at Ariel University. He is the editor of two books and has published dozens of articles in peer-reviewed journals. Since October 1, 2020, he has been the Vice President and Dean for R&D at Ariel University.  (from the Ariel University website). Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help support the ongoing work of OnScript and Biblical World!

Paul Spilsbury, Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament at Regent College, dives deep into the world of Josephus. He highlights how Josephus’ writings illuminate the New Testament and the early Christian heritage, especially regarding Christianity in Turkey. Spilsbury discusses the intersection of Judaism and Christianity, revealing the historical significance of Josephus as a bridge between these faiths. He also reflects on how his South African roots shape his biblical scholarship, adding a personal touch to the exploration of identity and culture.

Episode: Oliver Hersey (president of Jerusalem University College) speaks with his predecessor Paul Wright, who has lived and breathed the land of the Bible. They discuss Jesus and Jezreel, the Old Testament stories Jesus would've known as he overlooked the Jezreel, and much much more! Guest: Dr. Paul Wright (Ph.D., Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion) was the 10th President of Jerusalem University College (2002-2021). He was also visiting faculty at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies (2002-2020). He participated in excavations at Giloh, Ramat Rahel, and Tel Rehov. He's the author of The Holman Illustrated Guide to Biblical Geography: Reading the Land (Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Heart of the Holy Land: 40 Reflections on Scripture and Place (Rose, 2020), Rose Then and Now Bible Map Atlas: With Biblical Background and Culture (Rose, 2013), Atlas of Bible Lands (Quick Source Guide) (B&H Publishing Group, 2003), and other books as well! Give: Help support the OnScript and Biblical World podcasts as we grow and develop. Click HERE.   To learn more about JUC, click HERE.

Episode: In this episode Matt Lynch sits down with Dan Pioske to talk about the way we know about ancient Israel. Most scholars have been so text-based in their assumptions about memory transmission in the ancient world. They assume that texts & docs were the main way knowledge was preserved. Pioske suggests that there's another major way knowledge transmits--through the land. This episode explores the way that the land retains memory and provided biblical writers with a window on the past. We also discuss growing up in Minnesota, archaeology, the Philistines, David's Jerusalem, and much more! (This episode is republished from our other podcast OnScript) Guest: Dan Pioske grew up on a family farm in southern Minnesota and attended Gustavus Adolphus college. After graduating, he moved east to Princeton Theological Seminary where he received his M.Div. 2007 and his Ph.D. in Biblical Studies in 2012. He taught for two years at Union Theological Seminary, New York, as a Post-Doctoral Fellow and Instructor in Biblical Languages, and he is currently an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Georgia Southern University. He's the author of David’s Jerusalem: Between Memory and History (2015) and Memory in a Time of Prose: Studies in Epistemology, Hebrew Scribalism, and the Biblical Past (2018). He lives in Savannah, Ga, with his wife Suzette and daughters Eve and Esther. Give: Help support OnScript and Biblical World as we grow and develop. Click HERE.

Wave Nunnally, a Professor of Early Judaism and Christian Origins, shares his passion for biblical history and music. He recounts thrilling experiences in Israel and his journey in a Christian heavy metal band. The conversation touches on the importance of geography in understanding scripture, with insights from archaeological finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls. Nunnally’s humorous bow hunting tale and reflections on the literary archaeology of Josephus bring laughter and depth, showcasing how faith can be enriched by tangible historical connections.

Episode: This is the second in a multi-part series on Egypt and the Bible. Mark and Chris discuss Israel in Egypt, evidence of Egyptian influences in the Bible, Israel in Goshen, the early chapters of exodus, and none other than Moses himself. Hosts: Mark Janzen and Chris McKinny Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to support the ongoing work of Biblical World. For more: HERE is part 1 of the Egypt and the Bible series. Also, check out our series “Five Views on the Exodus”. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Episode: For part 1 see here. In this episode, we (Chris and Kyle) get into the biblical and geographical details connected with locating Sodom and the Cities of the Plain. We continue to argue for the traditional position that the cities of the Plain are to be located in the southern basin of the Dead Sea (i.e., inundation view). We also address some of the more problematic issues related to the northern view (the basis for the report in Nature) - specifically the identification of the “Kikkar of the Jordan” and the site of “Zoar.” Hosts: Chris McKinny (Geshur Media) and Kyle Keimer (Macquarie University) Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to join the big leagues and become a regular donor. Episode Images:  #1 - Kikkar 2. Plain of the Jordan 3. View from Bethel 4. Kedorlaomer's Campaign 5. Gen 19 6. Zoar 7. Dead Sea in Onomasticon 8. Medeba Map 9. Southern Basin