Podcasts about ancient near eastern thought

In this episode JC Schroeder talks about how looking at the historical-cultural context of Scripture can help open up the Bible for us and our sermons. It helps us to see the connections and distinctions between the world of the Bible and the Bible itself. Having this material in our sermons can help to clarify the text and lead to greater love and transformation.

Did the OT Israelites have a hope of eternal life in heaven? Ps. 49:15 is often understood to say that God will “take” the psalmist “to himself.” But the phrase “to himself” is not in the Hebrew. It is by noticing such things in that and similar passages that we are better equipped to answer the larger question as far as the original author is concerned. Dr. John Walton, Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton Graduate School, is a frequent contributor to this podcast. His publications include Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament Theology for Christians: From Ancient Context to Enduring Belief.

“The ziggurat was the most dominant buildings of the temple complex, so it is no surprise that it draws the attention of the author of Genesis. In summary, the project is a temple complex featuring a ziggurat, which was designed to make it convenient for the god to come down to his temple, bless his people, and receive their worship. This understanding of ziggurats makes an important point drawn from the ancient Near Eastern context to clarify the biblical text: the tower of Babel was not built for people to go up, but for the god to come down.” - John H. Walton, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew BibleMorning everyone! I hope you are ready because this episode dives into the events surrounding chapters 10 and 11 in Genesis. I'm sure you know the story of the “Tower of Babel” but what is its significance? Why did mankind seek to build this tower? What was their motivations? How does the rebellion continue between YHWH's earthy and heavenly families? Well, hopefully today's episode will shed some light on these questions and more! To dive into more, I'd recommend the below resources!Video:Articles:“Nimrod Before and After the Bible”“Xelua, Aztec History”Books:“The Gods of the Nations: Studies in Ancient Near Eastern National Theology” by Dr. Daniel Block“The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible” by Dr. Michael Heiser“Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible” by Dr. John Walton“The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament”“Myths and Legends of Babylonia and Assyria” by Lewis Spence“The Chaldean Account of Genesis” by George Smith This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.entangledkingdoms.com

John H. Walton (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. Previously he was professor of Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for twenty years. Some of Walton's books include The Lost World of Adam and Eve, The Lost World of Scripture, The Lost World of Genesis One, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament, The Essential Bible Companion, The NIV Application Commentary: Genesis, and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (with Victor Matthews and Mark Chavalas). Walton's ministry experience includes church classes for all age groups, high school Bible studies, and adult Sunday school classes, as well as serving as a teacher for "The Bible in 90 Days." John and his wife, Kim, live in Wheaton, Illinois, and have three adult children. Episode Talking Points: Genesis One: Why is proper interpretation so important to John? The Bible and Science The Bible and History Biblical Authority Anti-supernatural presuppositions Pastoral concerns: How to speak about Genesis one to young children and new Christ-followers. Resources: The Bible Story Handbook The Lost World of Genesis One --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support

What does the Bible really say about the origins of the universe? The biblical authors had a completely different framework for this question than we do. When we expect the Bible to settle our debates, we close ourselves off from understanding the text as they intended it. In this episode, join Tim and Jon as they kick off a new series on Genesis 1-3, beginning with a look at ancient cosmologies.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-8:15)Part two (8:15-12:30)Part three (12:30-20:00)Part four (20:00-27:00)Part five (27:00-end)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.John H. Walton, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old TestamentWilliam Brown, The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of WonderShow Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTSLofi Birds“Imagination” by Montell Fish“All Night” by Unwritten StoriesShow produced by Dan Gummel, Zack McKinley, and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

The New Testament writers are very concerned with presenting Christ as a "living sacrifice" - but since most of us aren't in the habit of sacrificing animals anymore (or we've sworn it off at the strong urging of our sponsor), this episode presents an overview of the Ancient Near Eastern sacrificial systems. Show Notes: 1.  "Atonement."  In The Jewish Annotated New Testament.  2nd edition.  Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler, eds.  2017. 2.  John Walton, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament.  2nd edition.  2018. 3. Naphtali Meshel, "Sacrifice and the Temple."  In The Jewish Annotated New Testament.  2nd edition.  Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler, eds.  2017. 4.  Pete Enns.  "The (Not So) Radical Idea of Jesus's Death Atoning for the Sins of Others."  Blog post.  2019. 5.  Mark Boda.  A Severe Mercy:  Sin and its Remedy in the Old Testament.  2009.  

Interpreting Scripture is about three things; context, context, context. There are different kinds of context when it comes to interpreting The Bible. There's "Immediate Context" which is to interpret a verse in light of the verses that come before and after, there's the context of scripture as a whole, and there's cultural context. When it comes to that last one, much homework needs to be done. Cultural context is reading a biblical passage the way it's original author and audience would have understood it, according to their cultural cognitive environment. Knowing the cultural context can sometimes let you see additional meaning to a passage or even to alert you to how you may have been reading something INTO the text something that was never there. In this episode, Evan Minton interviews Leading Old Testament scholar John Walton on his book "Ancient Near Eastern Thought and The Old Testament" which helps people to do just that. "Ancient Near Eastern Thought and The Old Testament: can be purchased here --> https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Near-Eastern-Thought-Testament/dp/1540960218 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/evan-minton/support

Support the show: Patreon l Glow l Episode Transcript The story of creation and how this universe that we swirl around in is ordered is something that has always bubbled in my head. Each time I think I have it figured out I learn something new that entirely shifts my perspective. Can a historical study of the Old Testament help?  Guest Bio: John H. Walton (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. Previously he was professor of Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for twenty years. Some of Walton's books include The Lost World of Adam and Eve, The Lost World of Scripture, The Lost World of Genesis One,Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament, The Essential Bible Companion, The NIV Application Commentary: Genesis, and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (with Victor Matthews and Mark Chavalas). Walton's ministry experience includes church classes for all age groups, high school Bible studies, and adult Sunday school classes, as well as serving as a teacher for "The Bible in 90 Days." John and his wife, Kim, live in Wheaton, Illinois, and have three adult children. Guest Socials: Twitter: Facebook:  Web:  Special Music for this episode was provided by The Silver Pages You can also find selections from all our episodes on our Spotify Playlist.  I am so grateful for you and want to invite you to become a part of the beloved community being developed here. Consider becoming a Patreon supporter of the show. You'll have access to many perks as well as guaranteeing the future of these conversations; even $1/Month goes so far as this show is 100% listener supported.  https://www.patreon.com/canisaythisatchurch

In this episode I present the final installment of my series on Genesis 1 and what I think is the best handling of the text - the Polemical Literary Framework. This is part 5 of the series so I recommend listening back to the previous episodes before jumping into this one.  Enjoy the show!  The Mentionables Conference 2018 registration: https://thementionables.org/ Sources: John Walton “Reading Genesis Through Ancient Eyes” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci-6ekUmQFE Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology (Eisenbrauns: 2011) The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (IVP, 2009) Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament (Baker: 2006) Ancient Israelite Literature in Its Cultural Context: A Survey of parallels between biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1989)“Creation in Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 and the Ancient Near East: Order out of Disorder after Chaoskampf,” Calvin Theological Journal 43 (2008): 48-63. “Interpreting the Bible as an Ancient Near Eastern Document” in Israel-Ancient Kingdom or Late Invention? Archaeology, Ancient Civilizations, and the Bible, ed. D. Block (Nashville: Broadman/Holman, 2008) 298-327.  Futato, Mark (Spring 1998)."Because it Had Rained: A Study of Genesis 2:5–7 With Implications for Genesis 2:4–25 and Genesis 1:1–2:3" (PDF). Westminster Theological Journal. Gordon. 60 (1): 1–21  Irons, Lee (January 2000)."The Framework Interpretation: An Exegetical Summary". Ordained Servant. Upper register. 9 (1): 7–11 Kline, Meredith (1996)."Space and Time in the Genesis Cosmogony". Perspectives on Science & Christian Faith (48): 2–15  Miller and Soden In the Beginning… We Misunderstand. (Kregel: 2012) Currid, John Against the Gods (Crossway: 2013) “The Nature of Polemical Thought and Writing,” https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/sdg/polemic.html  Niehaus, Jeffrey Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology (Kregel: 2008)

Did God really create the world in six days? Or is the Bible actually saying something subtly different? Did God make Eve from Adam's rib? Or is that a misreading of the text? To discuss these and other absorbing questions arising from his fascinating-yet-controversial book, The Lost World of Adam and Eve, we are joined by Dr. John H. Walton, Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School, Illinois. Analysing Genesis chapters 2 and 3 in the context of other Ancient Near East literature, Walton proposes literary and theological understandings of the "Adam and Eve" narrative that in some ways complement—yet in other ways challenge—traditional interpretations. Prior to his current position as Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School, Dr. Walton was Professor of Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for twenty years. Some of his other books include: The Lost World of Scripture, The Lost World of Genesis One, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament and The Essential Bible Companion. (For show notes please visit http://themindrenewed.com)

Did God really create the world in six days? Or is the Bible actually saying something subtly different? Did God make Eve from Adam's rib? Or is that a misreading of the text? To discuss these and other absorbing questions arising from his fascinating-yet-controversial book, The Lost World of Adam and Eve, we are joined by Dr. John H. Walton, Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School, Illinois. Analysing Genesis chapters 2 and 3 in the context of other Ancient Near East literature, Walton proposes literary and theological understandings of the "Adam and Eve" narrative that in some ways complement—yet in other ways challenge—traditional interpretations. Prior to his current position as Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School, Dr. Walton was Professor of Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for twenty years. Some of his other books include: The Lost World of Scripture, The Lost World of Genesis One, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament and The Essential Bible Companion. (For show notes please visit http://themindrenewed.com)

For centuries the story of Adam and Eve has resonated richly through the corridors of art, literature, and theology. But, for most modern readers, taking it at face value is incongruous. New insights from anthropology and population genetics–let alone evolutional biology–complicate any attempt to reconcile them with a biblical account of human origins. Indeed, for many Christians who want to take seriously the authority of the Bible, insisting on a literal understanding of Genesis 2-3 looks painfully like a “tear here” strip between faith and science. Who were the historical Adam and Eve? What if we’ve been reading Genesis–and its claims regarding material origins–wrong? In what cultural context was this couple, this garden, this tree, this serpent portrayed? Following his groundbreaking Lost World of Genesis One, John Walton explores the ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis 2-3, creating space for a faithful reading of Scripture along with full engagement with science for a new way forward in the human origins debate. John Walton is a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois and an editor and writer of Old Testament comparative studies and commentaries. Throughout his research, Walton has focused his attention on comparing the culture and literature of the Bible and the ancient Near East. He has published dozens of books, including Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology (Eisenbrauns, 2011), The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (IVP, 2009), and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament (Baker Books, 2006). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For centuries the story of Adam and Eve has resonated richly through the corridors of art, literature, and theology. But, for most modern readers, taking it at face value is incongruous. New insights from anthropology and population genetics–let alone evolutional biology–complicate any attempt to reconcile them with a biblical account of human origins. Indeed, for many Christians who want to take seriously the authority of the Bible, insisting on a literal understanding of Genesis 2-3 looks painfully like a “tear here” strip between faith and science. Who were the historical Adam and Eve? What if we’ve been reading Genesis–and its claims regarding material origins–wrong? In what cultural context was this couple, this garden, this tree, this serpent portrayed? Following his groundbreaking Lost World of Genesis One, John Walton explores the ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis 2-3, creating space for a faithful reading of Scripture along with full engagement with science for a new way forward in the human origins debate. John Walton is a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois and an editor and writer of Old Testament comparative studies and commentaries. Throughout his research, Walton has focused his attention on comparing the culture and literature of the Bible and the ancient Near East. He has published dozens of books, including Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology (Eisenbrauns, 2011), The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (IVP, 2009), and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament (Baker Books, 2006). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For centuries the story of Adam and Eve has resonated richly through the corridors of art, literature, and theology. But, for most modern readers, taking it at face value is incongruous. New insights from anthropology and population genetics–let alone evolutional biology–complicate any attempt to reconcile them with a biblical account of human origins. Indeed, for many Christians who want to take seriously the authority of the Bible, insisting on a literal understanding of Genesis 2-3 looks painfully like a “tear here” strip between faith and science. Who were the historical Adam and Eve? What if we’ve been reading Genesis–and its claims regarding material origins–wrong? In what cultural context was this couple, this garden, this tree, this serpent portrayed? Following his groundbreaking Lost World of Genesis One, John Walton explores the ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis 2-3, creating space for a faithful reading of Scripture along with full engagement with science for a new way forward in the human origins debate. John Walton is a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois and an editor and writer of Old Testament comparative studies and commentaries. Throughout his research, Walton has focused his attention on comparing the culture and literature of the Bible and the ancient Near East. He has published dozens of books, including Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology (Eisenbrauns, 2011), The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (IVP, 2009), and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament (Baker Books, 2006). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For centuries the story of Adam and Eve has resonated richly through the corridors of art, literature, and theology. But, for most modern readers, taking it at face value is incongruous. New insights from anthropology and population genetics–let alone evolutional biology–complicate any attempt to reconcile them with a biblical account of human origins. Indeed, for many Christians who want to take seriously the authority of the Bible, insisting on a literal understanding of Genesis 2-3 looks painfully like a “tear here” strip between faith and science. Who were the historical Adam and Eve? What if we’ve been reading Genesis–and its claims regarding material origins–wrong? In what cultural context was this couple, this garden, this tree, this serpent portrayed? Following his groundbreaking Lost World of Genesis One, John Walton explores the ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis 2-3, creating space for a faithful reading of Scripture along with full engagement with science for a new way forward in the human origins debate. John Walton is a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois and an editor and writer of Old Testament comparative studies and commentaries. Throughout his research, Walton has focused his attention on comparing the culture and literature of the Bible and the ancient Near East. He has published dozens of books, including Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology (Eisenbrauns, 2011), The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (IVP, 2009), and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament (Baker Books, 2006). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For centuries the story of Adam and Eve has resonated richly through the corridors of art, literature, and theology. But, for most modern readers, taking it at face value is incongruous. New insights from anthropology and population genetics–let alone evolutional biology–complicate any attempt to reconcile them with a biblical account of human origins. Indeed, for many Christians who want to take seriously the authority of the Bible, insisting on a literal understanding of Genesis 2-3 looks painfully like a “tear here” strip between faith and science. Who were the historical Adam and Eve? What if we’ve been reading Genesis–and its claims regarding material origins–wrong? In what cultural context was this couple, this garden, this tree, this serpent portrayed? Following his groundbreaking Lost World of Genesis One, John Walton explores the ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis 2-3, creating space for a faithful reading of Scripture along with full engagement with science for a new way forward in the human origins debate. John Walton is a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois and an editor and writer of Old Testament comparative studies and commentaries. Throughout his research, Walton has focused his attention on comparing the culture and literature of the Bible and the ancient Near East. He has published dozens of books, including Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology (Eisenbrauns, 2011), The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (IVP, 2009), and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament (Baker Books, 2006). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For centuries the story of Adam and Eve has resonated richly through the corridors of art, literature, and theology. But, for most modern readers, taking it at face value is incongruous. New insights from anthropology and population genetics–let alone evolutional biology–complicate any attempt to reconcile them with a biblical account of human origins. Indeed, for many Christians who want to take seriously the authority of the Bible, insisting on a literal understanding of Genesis 2-3 looks painfully like a “tear here” strip between faith and science. Who were the historical Adam and Eve? What if we’ve been reading Genesis–and its claims regarding material origins–wrong? In what cultural context was this couple, this garden, this tree, this serpent portrayed? Following his groundbreaking Lost World of Genesis One, John Walton explores the ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis 2-3, creating space for a faithful reading of Scripture along with full engagement with science for a new way forward in the human origins debate. John Walton is a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois and an editor and writer of Old Testament comparative studies and commentaries. Throughout his research, Walton has focused his attention on comparing the culture and literature of the Bible and the ancient Near East. He has published dozens of books, including Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology (Eisenbrauns, 2011), The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (IVP, 2009), and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament (Baker Books, 2006). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Voices In My Head Podcast I am joined by Dr. John H. Walton, author of "The Lost World of Genesis One". John's research and his energized presentations are rooted in his passion for drawing people into a better understanding of God's self-revelation in Scripture. He is currently a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School and he focuses his research on the literature and cultures of the ancient Near East and the Old Testament, with a particular interest in Genesis.  In addition to teaching for 20 years at Moody Bible Institute, John has authored many articles and books, including The Lost World of Genesis One, Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology, and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament all available from Inter-varsity Press. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

This week on the Voices In My Head Podcast I am joined by Dr. John H. Walton, author of "The Lost World of Genesis One". John's research and his energized presentations are rooted in his passion for drawing people into a better understanding of God's self-revelation in Scripture. He is currently a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School and he focuses his research on the literature and cultures of the ancient Near East and the Old Testament, with a particular interest in Genesis.  In addition to teaching for 20 years at Moody Bible Institute, John has authored many articles and books, including The Lost World of Genesis One, Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology, and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament all available from Inter-varsity Press.