Biblical World

Episode: In this episode - Chris and Kyle are joined by Nathan Steinmeyer (Biblical Archaeological Review, Assistant Editor) to discuss BAR’s dig issue - one of the best resources for finding a place to dig! Also, hear about how Kyle got into archaeology.  To find a dig:  https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/digs/ To find out more about Biblical Archaeology Review:  https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/magazines/ Hosts: Chris and Kyle Give: Help support OnScript’s Biblical World HERE. Thanks to all of you who have supported us!

Episode: George Pierce joins hosts Kyle Keimer and Chris McKinny to discuss their newly edited volume The Ancient Israelite World (Routledge, 2022). This volume brings together a world-class line-up of scholars and includes a whopping 47 essays on ancient Israelite society, economy, religion, language, culture, history, and more!  Participants: Kyle, Chris, and George A. Pierce. Book: The Ancient Israelite World (Routledge, 2022). For a table of contents, see HERE. Give: Help support OnScript’s Biblical World HERE. Thanks to all of you who have supported us!

Chris McKinny, an expert in religious origins, and Kyle Keimer, a specialist in biblical contexts, dive deep into the historical and archaeological significance of Christmas. They explore the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and discuss the impact of ancient Assyrian and Babylonian conquests on the nativity narrative. Delving into the parallels of pagan deities and early Christian beliefs, they challenge traditional interpretations of Jesus' birth, emphasizing how understanding these contexts enriches the biblical stories we know today.

Dive into the intriguing historical and archaeological context of Christmas! Discover the significance of Nazareth and Bethlehem as key sites in the nativity story. Unearth the cultural shifts in Jewish society after Alexander the Great. Explore the contrasting legacies of Augustus and Jesus during the Roman Empire. Delve into the Church of the Nativity and uncover mysterious archaeological findings, including a crypt linked to local narratives. Rethink traditional beliefs about the Christmas story through the lens of history!

Episode: One site in Jerusalem, this episode explores the cultural backgrounds to the book of Ruth. We discuss agriculture, famine, marriage relationships, orphans, widows, geography and much more!  Hosts: Oliver Hersey (JUC) and Chris McKinny (Geshur Media). Find out more on Jerusalem University College and Geshur Media.  Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help support the ongoing work of OnScript and Biblical World!

Episode: In this episode, Chris and Kyle interview Koert van Bekkum (ETF Leuven) about his views on Solomon’s Administrative Division in 1 Kings 4 in its Ancient Near Eastern context. What is the purpose of this list? Are there parallels to this list in the ANE? What does this list tell us about the nature of Solomon’s “kingdom”? Hosts: Kyle and Chris Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help support the ongoing work of OnScript and Biblical World! Resource: See Koert's ARTICLE "The Situation is More Complicated: Archaeology and Text in the Historical Reconstruction of the Iron Age IIA Southern Levant."

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!