The Bible Distilled

Resources Used: Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 2) (The New American Commentary), 2006 by Douglass K. Stewart The Life of Moses: God's First Deliverer of Israel Hardcover – April 2018, by James Montgomery Boice Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

Resources Used: Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 2) (The New American Commentary), 2006 by Douglass K. Stewart The Life of Moses: God's First Deliverer of Israel Hardcover – April 2018, by James Montgomery Boice Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Exploring Genesis (John Phillips Commentary Series) by Dr. John Phillps Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Exploring Genesis (John Phillips Commentary Series) by Dr. John Phillps Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Exploring Genesis (John Phillips Commentary Series) by Dr. John Phillps Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Exploring Genesis (John Phillips Commentary Series) by Dr. John Phillps Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

In this episode, Caleb and Ben talk about Jacob's backsliding and neglect for his daughter Dinah. They also talk about all the dysfunction in his family, the favoritism he still has towards Rachel, Rachel's death, Isaac's death, and the tragic beginning of Joseph's story. Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/111-joseph-and-the-coat

In this episode, Ben and Caleb discuss this weird wrestling match Jacob has with… God??? Jacob also gets a name change, and ends up reconciling with his estranged brother, Esau. Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/109-wrestling-with-god https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/110-a-brothers-hug-with-dr-ray-ortlund

In this episode, Ben and Caleb discuss the first part of Jacob's (aka the deceiver) life. They wrestle through why God chooses to remain faithful to his chosen one, even though Jacob is clearly a disaster. Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/108-tale-of-two-sisters

In this episode, Ben and Caleb talk about the death of Abraham and how God will ultimately bless the nations through him. They also discuss Isaac's life and how his marriage to Rebekah is a larger picture of what God is doing in all of the Bible. Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/107-tale-of-two-brothers

In this episode, Jonathan and Caleb talk about child sacrifice?!?! What is happening in this story of God commanding Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. There has to be something more here. They also deal with what seems to be a tragic ending to Hagar, but how ultimately God has not abandoned here, but blesses her and reminds her of His unfailing love towards her and Ishmael. They also talk about how weird the similarities are between the story of Hagar and the story of Abraham and Isaac. Resources used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/106-the-birth-and-sacrifice-of-isaac

In this episode, Caleb and Ben talk about another challenging story of God's wrath on a city. They talk about how Sodom ultimately was the representation of all human wickedness and evil concentrated in one city. It's a pretty hopeless story, but there is a glimmering light of hope buried in the end of this narrative! Resources used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/104-the-story-of-sodom Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

In this episode, Caleb and Ben talk about God's unfailing love and commitment towards Abraham (he gets a name change!). They also talk about this weird sign of the covenant and what that was to symbolize for Him, his family, and the nation of Israel, and ultimately the church of Jesus. Resources Used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/103-abraham-hagar-and-the-child

In this episode, Caleb and Ben deal with a really hard story in Scripture: the story of Hagar. They talk about how badly people are hurt when we choose to define for ourselves what is good and evil. They also discuss God's overwhelming compassion and grace towards the marginalized and least of these. Resources used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/103-abraham-hagar-and-the-child

In this episode, Jonathan and Caleb dig deep into the covenant God makes with Abraham, giving us a foreshadow for what He would do to save us through Christ. Resources used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/102-abrahamic-covenant

In this episode, Jonathan and Caleb talk about this mysterious figure in Genesis 14: Melchizedek, and why he is important to the storyline of the Bible, and how he plays a role that emulates what our original purpose on earth was/ is. Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: a Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2008. Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. Bible Project "The Royal Priest" Podcast Series: https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/the-royal-priest/

In this episode, Caleb and Jonathan talk about the beginning of Abram's narrative, and how messy it is. They deal with the question, why did God decide to partner with this guy who is not righteous at all? Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2: Genesis 12-36 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Genesis 11:27-50:26: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Kenneth Matthews Knowing Faith. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/100-family-drama Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

In this episode, Ben and Caleb talk about the man God chooses to bless and partner with. Through Abram, God would bring about a people who would come this promised seed/ rescuer from Genesis 3:15. Resources used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-11 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice The New American Commentary: Genesis 1- 11:26 by Kenneth Matthews Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: a Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2008. Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. Bible Project. Covenants. https://bibleproject.com/learn/covenants/ Knowing Faith. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/99-father-abraham

In this episode, Ben and Caleb recap where we are so far in the Biblical Narrative. They explore themes that have been developing, and talk about Genesis 1-11 within the scope of the greater meta narrative of the Bible. Resources used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-11 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice The New American Commentary: Genesis 1- 11:26 by Kenneth Matthews Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: a Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2008. Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

In this episode, Caleb bores Ben with some buried treasure in a genealogy! Just kidding, it's good stuff. They also talk about the Tower of Babel, and how when humans try and be their own god, how God intervenes to ultimately save them from themselves. Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-11 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice The New American Commentary: Genesis 1- 11:26 by Kenneth Matthews Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: a Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2008. Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. Knowing Faith: https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/94-a-really-tall-tower-babel Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/podcast/whats-so-bad-about-babel/

In this episode, Caleb and Ben talk about a hard story in Scripture: God flooding the world. They discuss whether or not God is justified in doing this, how He chooses to save this one family, and ultimately through Noah how he is going to work to put the world back together. Resources used: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-11 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: a Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2008. Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. Knowing Faith. https://knowing-faith.simplecast.com/episodes/92-flood-actually Bema Discipleship: https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/4 Chiasm in Noah: https://chiasmus.dns-systems.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/genesis-flood-chiasm-sds.pdf

In this episode, Ben and Caleb talk through the Cain and Abel story, and what might the author be trying to communicate through this sad story. They set up a major theme that will be traced throughout the whole Bible: when Humans trust God and obey Him, they are reflecting his image-- they are acting the most human. When they give into sin, it is like an animal crouching ready to devour us-- we in fact become more animal like rather than human. Resources: Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-11 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Bema Discipleship -- https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/3 Bible Project -- https://bibleproject.com/podcast/generosity-qr-overpopulation-cains-sacrifice-manna-hoarding/ Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: a Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2008. Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

In this episode, Caleb and Jonathan talk about a second creation account???? Not really, but a more detailed version of the same story in Genesis 1. They also mention how humanity's original sin was ultimately not trusting God and His word, and choosing to define for ourselves what is good and evil, and how ultimately that has dragged the world back into chaos. They also discuss God's plan to redeem humans set out in Genesis 3:15. Resources Used: https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/2 https://bibleproject.com/learn/tree-of-life/ Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-11 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: a Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2008. Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. Chiasm in Genesis 2-3 -- https://www.chiasmusxchange.com/large-scale-chiasmus/genesis-24-324/

In this episode, Ben and Caleb talk about the first chapter of Scripture. They talk about the literary design of the chapter, what the point of Genesis 1 is, and why God made humanity. Resources Used: https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/1 https://bibleproject.com/learn/genesis-1-11/ Genesis: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 1: Genesis 1-11 by Dr. James Montgomery Boice The New American Commentary: Genesis 1- 11:26 by Kenneth Matthews Richter, Sandra L. The Epic of Eden: a Christian Entry into the Old Testament. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2008. Sailhamer, John. The Pentateuch as Narrative: a Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995.

Welcome to the Bible Distilled! In this episode, Ben and Caleb talk about why they are doing this podcast, why the Bible is so hard to understand, and their hopes and dreams for the podcast.