Talking Scripture

Mike Day & Bryce Dunford

Tips to help you understand and find relevance in scripture. Mike Day and Bryce Dunford are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who love to teach the scriptures. They explain and illustrate relevance in the text and discuss ideas for understanding and applying Come Follow Me and beyond.

  1. 12 HR AGO

    Ep 370 | Numbers, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 4-10)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(02:35) The Israelites murmur and complain in the wilderness. How we respond to our afflictions will shape our character. We can strive to see God’s hand in our lives like Nephi and Francis Webster.(15:34) The book of Numbers contains evidence that it is a compilation of separate traditions. Understanding these traditions helps to explain some contradictions in the text.(21:48) Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna. The Lord abundantly blesses them with quail.(25:11) Moses complains that he can’t bear the burden alone and is commanded to choose 70 to assist him. The very essence of Christianity is to have compassion for those who are downtrodden.(29:24) The Greek translation of manna leads to fascinating possibilities. The Israelites loathe the manna and want something exciting and new.(35:41) Aaron and Miriam challenge Moses’ authority. Numbers 12 portrays Moses as God’s authorized representative, emphasizing hierarchical priesthood authority.(39:08) Moses sends 12 spies to search the land of Canaan. Ten of them bring back a negative report, telling of giants inhabiting the land. Joshua and Caleb give a positive report and say that Israel can take the land of Canaan.(43:20) Moses stands as intercessor, working to convince the Lord to not smite the Israelites. The adult Israelites murmur and want to die in the wilderness. The Lord grants this request, while also emphasizing that he desires to have a righteous people who will build Zion.(47:34) Miriam and Aaron die in the wilderness. Moses will see, but not enter the promised land.(49:42) The king of Edom refuses to let Israel pass peacefully through his land. We can choose to not be offended.(52:04) The Israelites are plagued and bitten by fiery serpents. Moses lifts up a serpent of brass to save those who will look upon it. This story is told in greater detail in the Book of Mormon. We should not be slothful because of the easiness of the way.(1:00:00) Og, the king of Bashan, is described as the last of the giants. His bed is described with the same dimensions as that of Marduk, a Mesopotamian deity.(1:02:16) Balak offers Balaam money, cattle, and great honors to curse Israel. Balaam refuses, and instead pronounces great blessings upon Israel.(1:13:54) Another perspective on why the Lord was angry with Balaam. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 370 | Numbers, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 4-10) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

    1hr 27min
  2. 23 APR

    Ep 369 | Exodus 35-40; Leviticus, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 27-May 3)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(04:02) The Nephites saw the Savior Jesus Christ in the Law of Moses.(12:08) The children of Israel willingly donated material to construct The Tabernacle, giving even more than was needed.(15:52) The articles of The Tabernacle.(20:01) Aaron and his sons are washed, anointed, and clothed in priesthood robes.(22:20) The Tabernacle is a miniature cosmos, which parallels the creation of the earth in its literary construction. The glory of the Lord fills it.(26:13) Scholars have mapped a chiastic structure in the first five books of the Bible. The apex can be seen as Leviticus 16, which focuses on the Day of Atonement. In this way, we see that the center of the Pentateuch is Jesus Christ.(27:48) Walking through the steps of offering a sacrifice at The Tabernacle.(37:29) The five offerings are meant to separate the clean from the unclean. Leviticus contains only a fragmentary record of the institution of the priesthood.(40:40) Kosher and purity laws in Leviticus 11-15.(45:41) Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement.(50:11) The scapegoat, as portrayed in the Day of Atonement, can be interpreted in many ways.(58:35) Israel is commanded to not reap the corners of their fields and to leave their gleanings for the poor. This symbol of the circle in the square can also represent the temple, the unification of heaven and earth, and is found in the book of Ruth.(1:01:47) Prohibition of mingling seed and garments of linen and wool. The holy and the profane are not to be mixed.(1:04:58) Israel is commanded to be different from their neighbors in grooming standards.(1:06:29) Israel is to keep the Feasts of the Passover, of Unleavened Bread, of Pentecost or Firstfruits, of Trumpets, of the Day of Atonement, and of Tabernacles. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 369 | Exodus 35-40; Leviticus, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 27-May 3) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

    1hr 21min
  3. 16 APR

    Ep 368 | Exodus 19-20; 24; 31-34, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 20-26)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(06:04) The Lord covenants to make Israel a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Time, pressure, and heat create jewels.(14:07) The cultural context of Exodus 19.15. Our doctrine is that intimacy and having children is holy and good within the bonds of marriage.(15:08) The greatness of the glory of God requires transfiguration for individuals to enter into his presence.(17:14) D&C 84 adds that Moses was preparing Israel for temple covenants to bring them into the presence of God.(20:13) The Lord reveals the Ten Commandments.(28:34) Rhymes to easily remember the Ten Commandments.(33:37) An example of a modern day set of Ten Commandments.(52:06) Additions to The Ten Commandments are found in chapters 21-23, The Covenant Code. There are conflicting messages in the Bible about slavery.(59:26) The Israelites accept the covenant and ratify it. The Joseph Smith Translation clarifies the ambiguity in the Bible about whether or not God can be seen.(1:02:55) As we are willing to receive light, we will receive more light.(1:07:32) The Tabernacle is planned. Elder Bednar encourages us to discuss the temple more often.(1:13:49) Symbols of Christ in The Tabernacle portray our journey back to our Heavenly Home.(1:19:56) Artisans furnish The Tabernacle. The Lord doesn’t give a commandment without preparing a way for it to be accomplished. The talents we posses are part of God’s divine plan.(1:23:46)The Sabbath Day is observed. We need to rest and be refreshed. (1:24:49) Aaron makes a golden calf for Israel to worship while Moses is on the mountain. The Levites enact violence against the apostates.(1:32:59) When the Kingdom of Israel splits around 921 BC, Jeroboam constructs golden calves in Dan and Bethel. The story of the golden calf may be a message to Israel casting Jeroboam as an apostate king, perhaps portraying a theological rift after the schism in Israel.(1:34:46) The bull (calf) was a symbol for God in the ancient Near East and represents strength and might. It may also be a representation of the pedestal or footstool of God.(1:37:38) The stone tablets are broken and the Israelites are given a lesser law. This may also help us see the Book of Mormon in a new light.(1:48:21) Moses represents the Savior Jesus Christ as he offers a prayer pleading for the Israelites. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 368 | Exodus 19-20; 24; 31-34, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 20-26) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

    1hr 53min
  4. 9 APR

    Ep 367 | Exodus 14-18, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 13-19)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(02:16) The children of Israel murmur and complain in the wilderness. As a comparison, Nephi’s trust in God blesses his wilderness experience.(08:42) The Book of Mormon gives added insight as to why murmuring is such a problem. The key to happiness is to remember the greatness of God in both pain and prosperity.(19:07) A possible location of Sinai is discussed as evidence of historicity in the book of Exodus. Revelation came to Moses “when he was on the move.”(23:26) The night crossing of the Red Sea can represent Jesus conquering chaos in our lives. Psalm 74 also addresses these themes.(29:00) The children of Israel sing the Song of the Sea and rejoice in their deliverance.(36:40) The beginning and end of the Exodus story has women standing as witnesses to the miraculous. Miriam is there at Moses’ birth and at the Song of the Sea.(42:46) Some approaches to Biblical scholarship may be helpful in understanding why the Bible has some traditions that cast Miriam in a bad light.(46:58) Miriam dies at Kadesh and the water dries up. Miriam as a symbol of the women in the New Testament named Mary who witnessed Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection.(51:07) The bitter water is sweetened with a tree. The Savior heals us too.(54:59) The Lord rains manna from heaven and sends quail for meat to feed the children of Israel for 40 years. God will take care of us in the deserts of our lives.(1:02:07) Moses smites a rock and water gushes forth. Jewish theologians over the years had a tradition that the rock at the beginning and at the end of Exodus was the same rock. Paul worked this tradition into his discussion of Christ, and so to him, the rock was Jesus.(1:07:27) Amalek battles with the Israelites and Moses’ hands are held up so that Israel may be victorious. We sustain the prophet and our local leaders, and by so doing, we hold up their hands that hang down.(1:10:22) An invitation to remember what God has done for us.(1:13:23) Jethro counsels Moses to delegate certain tasks. Delegation gives opportunities for growth. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 367 | Exodus 14-18, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 13-19) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

    1hr 27min
  5. 2 APR

    Ep 366 | Exodus 7-13, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 6-12)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Multiplying signs and the law of increasing witnesses. God increases in severity as an act of kindness towards those he strives to redeem.(05:02) The Lord wants to save Israel. A summary of the escalation of the plagues as a sign of God’s mercy towards Egypt.(17:11) Nephi’s journey to the Promised Land has many parallels with the Exodus story.(19:38) Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he is angry that the Israelites are spared from the plagues. The world often attempts to dismiss God’s miracles.(21:06) The ten plagues can be seen as a contest between the Egyptian gods and the power of Jehovah. Later, Christians will interpret the signs given by the magicians of Pharaoh as the power of the adversary.(30:26) Moses did not present the whole truth to Pharaoh, rather he only gave him what was needful. Truth is to be given gradually.(43:39) The significant and relevance of the Passover. The blood of the Lamb saved Israel anciently and continues to do so today. Jesus is the Passover Lamb, slain for the sins of the world.(52:34) The Passover ordinance was changed from a local family experience to a national pilgrimage in the writings of Deuteronomy.(53:59) The mark of the blood of the lamb saves the righteous.(56:11) Accurately numbering the Israelites is difficult because of the nuanced meaning of the word eleph. Israel likely was composed of a mixed multitude when they departed Egypt.(1:00:10) These chapters emphasize the importance of remembering. As we remember who saved Israel from destruction, our hearts are pointed to the Savior who saves us as well. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 366 | Exodus 7-13, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 6-12) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

    1hr 7min

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Tips to help you understand and find relevance in scripture. Mike Day and Bryce Dunford are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who love to teach the scriptures. They explain and illustrate relevance in the text and discuss ideas for understanding and applying Come Follow Me and beyond.

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