

The Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast
Matt Whitman
Welcome! You can start with today's episode or go back to the beginning of any of these five seasons:
Season 1 - Matthew (Began October, 2019 - Episodes 1-800)
Season 2 - One Book of the Bible Per Day (Began January, 2023)
Season 3 - Esther (Began April 9, 2023)
Season 4 - Nehemiah (Began January 1, 2024)
Season 5 - Galatians (Current Season Began August 26, 2024)
You can also check out the daily audio-only podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TenMinuteBibleHour
Hey I'm Matt, and if you're interested in understanding the Bible better and you prefer your Christianity quick and punchy with a healthy side of humor, and an equally healthy side of me not telling you what to do, we're probably going to get along great. This is my podcast where we pick a book of the Bible and then break it down one part at a time every weekday morning.
Season 1 - Matthew (Began October, 2019 - Episodes 1-800)
Season 2 - One Book of the Bible Per Day (Began January, 2023)
Season 3 - Esther (Began April 9, 2023)
Season 4 - Nehemiah (Began January 1, 2024)
Season 5 - Galatians (Current Season Began August 26, 2024)
You can also check out the daily audio-only podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TenMinuteBibleHour
Hey I'm Matt, and if you're interested in understanding the Bible better and you prefer your Christianity quick and punchy with a healthy side of humor, and an equally healthy side of me not telling you what to do, we're probably going to get along great. This is my podcast where we pick a book of the Bible and then break it down one part at a time every weekday morning.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 23, 2023 • 13min
EST164 - Esther Goes Scorched Earth and the Text Treats That as a Huge Win
Reflections on the victory of the Jews in Esther chapter 9 and the uncomfortable moral implications of their means. The historical use of public displays of corpses as a deterrent and Queen Esther's request to hang Haman's sons. The issuance of an edict in Sousa to hang the 10 sons of Haman and the landscape of Sousa. The moral stand and defensive actions of the Jews during a violent time. Esther and Mordecai's battle for security, resulting in the death of 75,000 people.

Nov 22, 2023 • 12min
EST163 - Xerxes Surveys a Gory Mess of His Own Making in His Own Backyard
Queen Esther plans a risky political purge, the Jews are victorious against their enemies, Xerxes reflects on the aftermath of Haman's execution, and grants Esther's request for one more day of purging.

Nov 21, 2023 • 13min
EST162 - Esther Asks for a Purge of All the Politicians Who Are Trying to Kill All the Jews
This podcast explores the concept of purges throughout history and draws parallels to a current political purge happening within a software business. It discusses past instances of purges, their impact and consequences, and reflects on the moral conflicts faced by Esther as she decides whether to save her people at the risk of her own soul and reputation.

Nov 20, 2023 • 12min
EST161 - Esther is Certainly Formidable
Learn about Christopher Columbus's journey and the unfolding violence in Esther's story. Discover Esther's request for revenge and the conflicting interpretations of her character.

Nov 17, 2023 • 10min
EST160 - Not Plundering After a Victory In the Ancient World Was Very Weird
In this podcast, the countercultural nature of the Jews in the Book of Esther is explored, as they chose not to plunder after a day of victory. The significance of plunder in the ancient world is discussed, along with the concept of a holy war declared by the author of Esther. The episode also delves into closing the chapter on past screw-ups committed by the Jewish people.

Nov 16, 2023 • 10min
EST159 - When's the Last Time You Plundered Something, and How Did That Go?
Explore the concept of plunder in various scenarios, from Black Friday sales to historical military escapades. Learn about the connection between plunder in ancient times and the Book of Esther, and the mistakes of King Saul. Discover the unique instructions given to the Jewish people regarding plunder during ancient wars. Dive into the significance of plunder in ancient warfare using the Battle of Jericho as a case study.

Nov 15, 2023 • 11min
EST158 - The Effective Reign of Mordecai the Great Is Underway, and It Is a Sight To Behold
Exploring the turbulent life of Emperor Tiberius and the attempted coup, Mordecai's rise to power in Esther, the Jews defeating their enemies, and the effective reign of Mordecai the Great.

Nov 14, 2023 • 13min
EST157 - Weirdly, All the Leaders Who Fully Supported Haman Three Pages Ago Now Full-Throatedly Support Mordecai
Exploring the repercussions of not aligning oneself with what is winning. Critically analyzing the inconsistency and hypocrisy among leaders. Highlighting the reversal of fear and support for Mordecai and the Jews against Haman's edict.

Nov 13, 2023 • 9min
EST156 - When Do You Quit Punching the Bully Who Was Trying to Beat You Senseless a Minute Ago?
Origins of superhero movies and the impact of Spider-Man reboot discussed. Discomfort with violence in Esther 9 and changing sensibilities explored. Aftermath of events in Esther 9 examined, with focus on consequences and religious/political elements.

Nov 10, 2023 • 13min
EST155 - On the Morning of Battle the Jews Were Ready and Their Enemies Wilted
The host discusses the movie 'Glory' and its portrayal of freed slaves joining the Union Army. The speaker explores the influence of film soundtracks on their imagination while reading Esther. The chapter explores the anticipation and experiences of the Jewish people and their enemies on the day of battle. Exploring the different sides in the conflict, including the Jewish side, Haman's side, and the indifferent bystanders. The speaker discusses the conflict resolution between team Mordecai, Esther, and team Haman.