The Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast
Matt Whitman
Welcome to the Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast where we pick a Bible a work our way through it a little bit each day! 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 (Began August 26, 2024)Season 6 - Philemon (CURRENT SEASON Began October 19, 2025)You can also check out the daily audio-only podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TenMinuteBibleHourMore About the Show: 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
Jan 26, 2024 • 16min
NEH020 - So Your Plan Is to Walk across a Continent on a Road Full of Bandits with a Third of a Billion Dollars and Hope We Don't Get Robbed? Precisely. And It's Going to Work.
Discussion of Ezra's journey without an armed escort, relying on God's protection. Reflecting on a large amount of gold and potential theft. The risky plan to transport money with unskilled priests. Distribution of money and sacred articles with themes of unity and shared vision.
Jan 25, 2024 • 15min
NEH019 - Ezra and His Pals Look like Tourists Which Is Already Very Attractive to Bandits, but the Fact That They're Carrying Hundreds of Millions of Dollars of Gold and Silver Will Probably Make Them More Attractive to Thieves Along the Way
The speaker shares their recent trip to Rome and a negative experience with suspected pickpocketers. The vulnerability of tourists and Ezra's concerns in the book of Ezra are discussed. The speaker reflects on past experiences of God's providence and their decision to rely on God's protection during their trip.
Jan 24, 2024 • 16min
NEH018 - There Is a Problem, Ezra Has Made It His Problem, and He Is Writing About It in a Very Personal Way
The speaker discusses their personal experience of reading the Bible as a young man and the significance of gaining a child's perspective. They explore the themes of lineage and priestly integrity in the context of Ezra's journey to Jerusalem. Ezra faces the obstacle of a limited number of people to assist him in rebuilding Jerusalem. Discusses the shortage of Levites to support the priests and how Ezra gathers more Levites and temple servants to address this deficiency.
Jan 23, 2024 • 15min
NEH017 - Ezra Knows a Good Deal When He Sees It
Explore the authority granted to Ezra and the returning exiles. Discover the excitement and anticipation of the recipients as they uncover each reward. Delve into the unbelievable wealth and prizes given to certain individuals. Explore the influence of previous rulers and the theme of 'go up' in the Book of Ezra.
Jan 22, 2024 • 14min
NEH016 - I'm Not Sure I Can Imagine a More Extravagant Pile of Prizes Than What Is Being Offered
The podcast explores the parallels between the luxurious prizes on 'The Price is Right' and the overwhelming abundance in Ezra chapter seven. It delves into the reign of Artaxerxes and his relationship with the Jewish people, discussing the tension surrounding his response to mean letters written about them. It also explores Artaxerxes' favorable treatment of Ezra and the political strategy of Persia. The concept of offering sacrifices to multiple gods and the increasing rewards for the Jewish people are also discussed.
Jan 19, 2024 • 13min
NEH015 - Like Former Oakland Athletics General Manager, Billy Beane, Ezra the Priest is a Reformer and He's Going to Rattle Some Cages
Parallels between Billy Beane and Ezra as change-makers and innovators. The significance of Ezra's genealogy in rebuilding the temple. Implications of Ezra's genealogy on the concept of priesthood. Understanding Ezra's credibility as a reformer and his passion for the law.
Jan 18, 2024 • 15min
NEH014 - What Were You Doing Sixty Years Ago?
The speaker discusses the challenges of understanding ancient history and the passage of time. They explore the political landscape during the lifetime of Ezra and Nehemiah, including a contest to find a wife for Xerxes. The chapter delves into the story of Esther and the imminent danger the Jews face, reflecting on the passage of time and drawing parallels to present-day experiences.
Jan 17, 2024 • 15min
NEH013 - The Exiles Get Their Web Redemption But It's Real and Not Snarky
Exploring the concept of redemption through the story of comedian Daniel Tash and the rebuilding of the temple in the book of Ezra. The decree for rebuilding the temple and the execution of the decree by Tatinai. The completion and dedication of the temple and the progress in rebuilding both the physical temple and their relationship with God. The absence of God's visible presence during the events in Ezra and the sense of redemption after overcoming hurdles.
Jan 16, 2024 • 14min
NEH012 - Here We Go Again vs Erasing Narratives That Once Seemed Written in Stone
This podcast explores the experience of setbacks and self-doubt, connecting it to the story of rebuilding the temple in the Book of Ezra. It discusses the motivation behind completing the construction of the temple, the obstacles faced, and the governor's inquiry to the king about the rebuilding project. It also highlights the growth of Zerubabel and his people, King Darius's shrewdness, and the belief in God's providence.
Jan 15, 2024 • 13min
NEH011 - The Old Hero Is Awakened From His Despair and Slumber
Exploring storytelling preferences from idealized heroes to characters who overcome adversity. Drawing parallels between building the temple in Ezra and completing a character arc. Role of encouragement as a catalyst for awakening and renewed purpose.
