

The Listener’s Commentary
John Whittaker
The Listener’s Commentary provides clear teaching through the books of the Old and New Testament to help you learn and live the Bible. For notes, pictures, maps, and other details, visit listenerscommentary.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 13, 2025 • 36min
Genesis 12-15, pt. 2
Explore the journey of Abraham as he responds to God's call and promise. Discover the significance of his obedience in Canaan and the dramatic separation from Lot. Delve into the rescue mission that brings Lot back from captors, aided by the enigmatic priest-king Melchizedek. Unpack God's reaffirmation of His promises, including a covenant that guarantees Abraham's lineage and land. Reflect on Abraham's faith, credited as righteousness, and its lasting impact throughout biblical history.

Nov 11, 2025 • 18min
Genesis 12-15, pt. 1
Explore God's monumental call to Abraham and the deep significance of his promises. Uncover the context of Abraham’s origin and the social pressures surrounding family and offspring in ancient times. Delve into the symbolism of the 'seed' and its connection to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan. Learn about key moments, such as Abraham's separation from Lot and his rescue of him from warlords, alongside the mysterious figure of Melchizedek. This journey through Genesis highlights Abraham's vital role in the biblical narrative.

Nov 6, 2025 • 24min
Genesis 10:1-11:32
Explore the fascinating post-flood world as human populations rise and diversify. Discover the origins of nations from Noah's sons, highlighting the coastal and Near Eastern kingdoms. Delve into the infamous Tower of Babel, a symbol of human pride and confusion about God, and learn how technology propelled urban construction. Unpack the theological implications of turning divine worship into paganism. Finally, connect the division at Babel to God's grand plan for reunifying nations through Christ, reversing the chaos of confusion.

Nov 4, 2025 • 36min
Genesis 6:9-9:29
Explore the intriguing reasons behind the flood and God's grief over human wickedness. Discover Noah's unique role and his faithful obedience in building the ark. Dive into the details of animal preservation and God's specific instructions. Learn about the aftermath, including the significance of the rainbow covenant and changes in human-animal relations. Reflect on the implications of Noah's life and legacy, including the persistent nature of sin and the broader themes of righteousness and redemption illustrated in this ancient story.

Oct 30, 2025 • 29min
Genesis 4:1-6:8
The podcast dives into the story of Cain and Abel, exploring the themes of jealousy, sin, and God’s warning. It poses compelling questions about what set Abel's offering apart and details the tragic outcome of Cain's anger. The discussion extends to Cain's curse and the development of society marked by violence. Contrasting this narrative, it introduces Enoch and Noah as symbols of hope amidst corruption. Ultimately, it reflects on the importance of calling on and walking with God as paths toward redemption.

Oct 28, 2025 • 26min
Genesis 3:1-24
Dive into the heart of Genesis 3, where the serpent's cunning leads to humanity's first act of disobedience. Explore the threefold temptation that drives Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, resulting in immediate shame and hiding from God. Witness the blame game unfold as God confronts them, and uncover the consequences of their actions—including pain in childbirth and toil in toil. Amidst the judgment, discover the first glimmer of hope in a promised redeemer who will ultimately restore what was lost.

Oct 23, 2025 • 28min
Genesis 2:4-25
Delve into the intimate creation of humanity as God forms Adam from dust and breathes life into him. Discover the lush Garden of Eden, filled with trees and rivers, and the unique role humans play as caretakers of the earth. Explore how Genesis challenges ancient myths by presenting humans as divine image-bearers. The discussion highlights profound themes like companionship, the significance of the tree of knowledge, and the essence of marriage. Plus, intriguing connections to Jesus as the new Adam wrap up this thought-provoking exploration.

Oct 21, 2025 • 24min
Genesis 1:1-2:3
Explore the origins of the world and humanity through the lens of Genesis 1. Discover how creation unfolds in a structured pattern over six days, with an intriguing focus on light and celestial bodies. Delve into the relationship between humans and creation, highlighting our role as stewards made in God's image. Contrast ancient myths with the unique narrative of a single creator. Finally, embrace the idea that creation was not only good but culminated in a very good world with the advent of humanity.

Oct 16, 2025 • 20min
Introduction to Genesis
Explore the intriguing backstory of Genesis, from its traditional authorship by Moses to its historical setting during the Exodus. Delve into humanity's big questions about origins and purpose, answered through powerful narratives of creation, the fall, and the flood. Discover the structure of Genesis, divided into primeval history and patriarchal tales, showcasing God's promise to Abraham and the unfolding drama of Jacob and Joseph. Learn how to approach Genesis theologically, emphasizing its lessons on sin and divine promises.

Oct 14, 2025 • 29min
Introduction to the Torah (Pentateuch)
Dive into the fascinating world of the Pentateuch! Discover how the Torah is more than just law—it's instruction and a profound story of rescue. Explore the pivotal moments of Genesis, from creation to Abraham's call, and the liberating story of Exodus. Uncover the worship instructions in Leviticus and the lessons from Israel's wilderness journey. Delve into Deuteronomy's insights on covenant and internal transformation, culminating in hints of a coming Redeemer. This is where biblical history takes its epic turn!


