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. 10 hr ago

    Ep 386 | Psalms 49-86, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 24-30)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) A brief summary of the psalms.(02:51) Psalm 49 can be read as a resurrection text. “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave.”(09:20) Psalm 50 teaches that God will come and establish order and peace.(11:53) Psalm 51 is a prayer asking for forgiveness and a new heart. Hesed is a word used to describe God’s lovingkindness, or his everlasting love. Repentance is rebuilding our relationship with the Savior.(28:59) Psalm 61 can be read as a plea of the king before he goes out to battle and can be seen in the setting of the temple drama. Compared to God, we are nothing. The teaching of works is found here, but is often lost.(33:32) To be built upon the Rock is emphasized in the Psalms and also in the Book of Mormon.(41:43) Psalm 63 is a veil type-scene, as the king approaches the presence of God. “In the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice…thy right hand upholdeth me.” This psalm is connected to Malachi 4.(52:10) Psalm 64 is a prayer for help. Psalm 65 is an expression of thanks for the abundant harvest feast and the blessing of water in the land.(59:02) Psalm 66 is an example of how the sacred temple drama was participatory.(1:03:31) Psalm 68 depicts God as one who loves the widows and the fatherless. It also portrays the battle between light and darkness.(1:06:12) Psalm 69 teaches that God will bless and help us, but we are also here to be tested. “Deliver me out of the mire and let me not sink.” Psalm 70 is a prayer to God for deliverance.(1:09:35) Psalm 72 portrays the coronation of the king. Isaiah 61 contains all five essential parts of the ancient coronation ceremony.(1:14:31) Psalm 74 shows God’s conflict with the dragon and the sea. Creation and order come out of chaos.(1:15:32) Psalm 77 and 78 retell the story of Moses, a mighty king who carried Israel out of Egypt. This establishes his legitimacy and is tied to the temple drama and God’s sovereignty on earth. We must teach our children.(1:21:03) Psalm 82 portrays the Council of the Gods, or the council before the world was. Jesus quotes this passage, “Ye are gods and children of the Most High.”(1:27:13) Psalm 85 teaches that truth will spring out of the earth and righteousness shall look down from heaven.(1:30:56) Psalm 86 highlights King David as he begs for forgiveness. David works to repent by reconnecting with God. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 386 | Psalms 49-86, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 24-30) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

  2. 6 days ago

    Ep 385 | Psalms 1-46, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 17-23)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) The historical background and purpose of the Psalms.(02:14) Many scholars assert that several of the Psalms were used in Israel’s temple worship, especially during the first temple period. They can be divided into hymns of praise, pleas for help or laments, and thanksgiving songs.(08:44) Some LDS scholars see the setting of the Psalms directly connected to the temple.(15:13) In Psalm 1 the Tree of Life is seen, similar to Nephi’s dream in 1 Nephi 8-11.(17:14) Psalm 2 is an enthronement Psalm. The king is set on a holy hill in Zion and is adopted as a Son of God.(20:36) By making a covenant with God, the king is given the promise of invulnerability. This is both literal and symbolic.(23:35) Psalm 8 depicts God’s glorious creations. We are central in his creations.(26:21) “For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels”. The original Hebrew text states that man is “a little lower than the Elohim.”(29:28) Psalm 19 emphasizes the laws of the Lord, portraying the law as “sweeter than honeycomb.”(31:37) Psalm 20 is a plea for help. We receive increased divine attention when we go to the temple.(33:02) Psalm 21 portrays the king receiving the requested blessing, as he comes before the Lord and receives a crown in his presence.(36:29) Psalm 22 describes the Messiah’s battle with evil. We are given a glimpse into the Savior’s struggle in Gethsemane and Golgotha as he cries out during the day and the night. Justin, in his dialogue with Trypho, connects the sufferer’s cry in Psalm 22 with Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.(42:28) Jesus, though mocked while on the cross, did not revile against those who ridiculed him.(45:31) The Bulls of Bashan compass the Messiah. His bones are out of joint, he is poured out like water, and his hands and feet are pierced.(51:36) The Savior’s post-mortal ministry in the spirit world.(56:50) Psalm 23 shows the plan of salvation in the pattern of a three-act play. The rod or staff is an extension of God.(1:01:22) Changing the tenses of the verbs in Psalm 23 can provide additional application.(1:05:03) Psalm 24, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?” As we demonstrate our trust in Jesus and are cleansed, we are promised we will one day come into the Father’s presence.(1:07:45) Psalm 24 as a depiction of the ascent of the king coming into the hill of the Lord, with the priests and the Ark of the Covenant.(1:08:58) Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm. Psalm 29 portrays God’s victory over chaos as his “voice is upon the waters.”(1:12:00) Psalm 40 describes how the king’s feet are established on the rock, a symbol of sacred kingship. The king prays for the tender mercies and the lovingkindness of the Lord.(1:15:48) The song of redeeming love.(1:20:14) Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God.” → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 385 | Psalms 1-46, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 17-23) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

  3. 6 Aug

    Ep 384 | Job, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 10-16)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) An overview of the two parts of Job: the frame and the poem.(07:31) In the frame, Job is described as a just and perfect man whose property and children are destroyed, yet he praises and blesses the Lord. In the end, he receives back more than he lost.(16:53) The poem describes Job’s complaints. He even curses being born.(22:42) Three friends come to “comfort” Job. How to properly engage with someone who is suffering. Rigid orthodoxies and a lack of true empathy can destroy relationships.(34:52) Our capacity for joy is connected to pain.(40:20) When we can’t see the purpose of pain, we can still trust in God’s wisdom. It is not possible for mortals to entirely understand his plan. After Job’s revelatory experience with God, his perspective changes.(46:39) The ideology of the Deuteronomist is challenged in the poem. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? The answers may not come in this life, but pain will ultimately be resolved in “the third act.”(53:19) Jesus, our Redeemer, will overcome all the injustices of mortality.(1:00:25) Another way to see Job 19.25. The redeemer in this alternate reading is Job’s defender who will one day come and vindicate him, and will defend his statements regarding the injustice of God.(1:03:29) A hymn to wisdom and then Job’s final speech. The Lord speaks to Job about his mighty works. God’s creative power and wisdom far exceed the Behemoth and the Leviathan.(1:09:22) The book of Job can also be read as a temple text, a journey that returns Job back into God’s presence. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 384 | Job, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 10-16) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

  4. 30 Jul

    Ep 383 | Esther, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 3-9)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(07:23) King Ahasuerus seeks a new queen and Esther is put forth by her uncle Mordecai. He compels Esther to not reveal her Jewish heritage to the king. She is chosen as the new queen.(14:42) The villainous Haman arranges to get the king to sign a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.(16:28) Xerxes is depicted as an unwitting king, as are other kings in the Bible.(19:07) Esther is determined to approach the king for his help, even at the risk of her life. Mordecai tells Esther that she is born for this time and in this kingdom to save her people. The Jews fast to be saved from Haman’s decree.(25:17) Esther tells the king her true identity as a Jew and also Haman’s evil plot to destroy them. Haman is hanged on his own gallows by order of the king.(27:12) Mordecai is honored, Queen Esther gets the house of Haman, and a decree is made to preserve the Jews.(28:38) The Jews have rest from their enemies. The house of Haman is destroyed as collective punishment for his crimes. The Feast of Purim is instituted to commemorate their deliverance.(32:44) Mordecai, the Jew, stands next to the king in power and might. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 383 | Esther, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 3-9) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

  5. 23 Jul

    Ep 382 | Ezra; Nehemiah, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 27-August 2)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) King Cyrus of Persia overtakes Babylon. He believes the Jewish people Babylon conquered should be able to go home.(01:51) The books of Ezra and Nehemiah provide brief accounts of the rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel and Jeshua work alongside the Jews and inspire them as they rebuild. Haggai and Zechariah are prophets during this time.(04:29) The historical timeline of Second Temple Judaism. There is emphasis among the Jews on keeping the Law. Many apocalyptic texts, though preserved and read by some, are not made canon.(08:32) Our enemies may try to discourage, mock, and conspire against the rebuilding of Zion, but this work will continue even if at times it seems to falter.(24:30) The people of the land that opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem were the Samaritans. They also read Torah, believed in Moses’ prophetic mission, and loved God. They offered to help rebuild the Jerusalem temple, but were forbidden. The Lord needs people outside the church to help.(33:44) How we should respond to opposition as we rebuild Zion.(42:32) George Q. Cannon relates the experience of building the Nauvoo Temple during great persecution. We should defend the faith as we build the kingdom.(49:10) The work of rebuilding is accomplished through the guidance of prophets. Sacrifices and feasts commence again during the Second Temple Period. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 382 | Ezra; Nehemiah, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 27-August 2) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

  6. 16 Jul

    Ep 381 | 1-2 Chronicles, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 20-26)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) Although 1-2 Kings and 1-2 Chronicles cover the same time period, they are very different histories.(17:25) When you violate god’s laws you are left to your own strength. The 4-4-4 principle.(29:37) 2 Chronicles 20 emphasizes the protective power of God’s temple. The battle isn’t ours alone. Moab besieges Jehoshaphat. (41:22) Elder Christofferson taught that no injustice in mortality is permanent.(43:50) 2 Chronicles 30 is Hezekiah’s invitation to Israel to come to the temple.(51:01) Some from the north came to the temple. Perhaps Lehi’s ancestors were among them. The second temple is destroyed in 70 AD, just a short time after Christ.(54:37) Asa’s trust in God. The discrepancy regarding Azariah in 2 Chronicles 15 is explained.(58:35) 2 Chronicles 18 portrays God among his divine council. Micaiah enters the council and is sent to deceive wicked king Ahab.(1:07:59) The power of the temple and covenants are valid and protective. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 381 | 1-2 Chronicles, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 20-26) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

  7. 9 Jul

    Ep 380 | 2 Kings 16-25, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 13-19)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) Israel is scattered because they rejected God’s statutes and covenants.(09:05) Israel caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire and the Lord was very angry with them for this. These chapters are a warning to us today. We are to take care of the weakest among us. When we do, we show the Lord we desire his presence.(11:48) In 721 BC the Assyrian empire carried away the ten tribes of Israel. The text offers clues as to when this record was written.(13:21) King Hezekiah sends an invitation to all of Israel to return to the temple in order to avoid destruction. Individual families who are obedient are saved.(19:01) The Israelites have divided loyalties to many gods. Being committed to our faith significantly impacts our posterity.(21:33) In Isaiah’s day, the kingdom of Judah is ruled by King Hezekiah. He takes a bold stand against the Assyrian army and Rabshakeh’s rhetoric. This story is also found in Isaiah 36-37.(26:23) Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord promises to stop the Assyrian army, defend Jerusalem, and preserve a remnant of Judah. The incredible fulfillment of this prophecy is a pivot point in world history.(36:37) Hezekiah allows Babylon to see all the precious things of his house and he is reprimanded by Isaiah for doing so. Isaiah prophesies that Babylon will carry Judah into exile.(39:09) Hezekiah secures the city of Jerusalem by building a tunnel to divert water from the Spring of Gihon into the pool of Siloam inside Jerusalem’s walls. He also covers up the water source so that his enemies cannot access it. God honors our best efforts with blessings.(43:43) Manasseh is an evil king of Judah who shed innocent blood, including sacrificing his own son. According to tradition, he even killed the prophet Isaiah.(46:12) Josiah is 8 years old when he began to reign as king. Hilkiah, the high priest in Josiah’s day, discovered “The Book of the Law,” which many believe to be the core text of Deuteronomy. The prophetess Huldah proclaims that God’s wrath will come upon the people of Judah.(50:29) Josiah’s religious reforms are outlined in 2 Kings 23. Josiah burns the Asherah, takes down the high places, slays many priests, stops child sacrifice, and holds Passover.(55:37) The Book of Mormon and doctrines of the Restoration help bring balance to the reforms of Josiah.(1:04:42) Josiah is killed in battle and is replaced by a series of unrighteous kings. King Zedekiah is the last of the kings of Judah. Many of the people of Judah are carried captive into Babylon during this time. This is where the story of Lehi in the Book of Mormon picks up. He prophesies of the coming destruction and takes his family into the wilderness for safety.(1:09:33) After King Zedekiah is captured, Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed by the Babylonians. Gedaliah, a Judean, is appointed to govern the remnant. King Jehoiachin, after over 30 years of captivity in Babylon, is released and allowed to live, sparking hope for the return of the Davidic dynasty.(1:12:05) One son of Zedekiah, Mulek, flees to the Americas and his posterity are the people of Zarahemla, or the “Mulekites” in the Book of Mormon.(1:15:01) Christ is The King. If we put someone or something else on that throne, we will end up lost, captive, and scattered. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 380 | 2 Kings 16-25, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 13-19) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

  8. 2 Jul

    Ep 379 | 2 Kings 2-7, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 6-12)

    → Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(05:08) Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume King Ahaziah’s soldiers that were sent to apprehend him.(12:02) Elisha is wrapped in the mantel of Elijah. Youth that mock Elisha are attacked by bears.(25:30) Possible reasons for Elijah being taken to heaven and translated.(26:29) Judah, Israel, and Edom join forces against Moab. They are in desperate need of water as they pass through the Negev desert. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, directs his partners to the prophet Elisha who can provide the miracle they need.(30:08) The king of Edom, desperate to escape Judah, Israel, and Edom, sacrifices his own son to his god Chemosh. He is able to escape. This story emphasizes that monolatry existed in the ancient Near East.(33:27) Elisha multiplies the widow’s oil. If we are willing to give what we have to God, he will give us back so much more.(38:07) Elisha raises the son of a widow woman from the dead. Prophets are types of Christ.(40:38) Naaman comes to Elisha to be healed of leprosy, but then second-guesses Elisha’s instructions because they seemed too simple. One dip blessings compared to seven dip blessings. Faithfulness to God’s commandments brings miracles.(48:12) Elisha refuses to accept a reward from Naaman for being healed. Gehazi secretly obtains the reward and is cursed with leprosy.(50:33) Naaman desires to take home some dirt from the place of his miraculous healing. Cultural context helps us understand why he would want to do this.(53:53) The sons of the prophets leave for more space. Elisha causes an ax to float.(56:44) Syria wages war against Israel in an effort to capture Elisha, their secret weapon. The Syrians are smitten with blindness and are led away in peace.(1:02:14) A seam in the text can be found in 2 Kings 6. Oral traditions that were written and later stitched together by editors leave evidence of their work. Israel, under siege by their enemy and experiencing a famine, is in need of a miracle. The Syrians leave their spoils behind and Elisha’s promise of plentiful food is fulfilled.(1:08:40) Jezebel’s death fulfills the earlier prophecy of Elijah. Time vindicates the prophets. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 379 | 2 Kings 2-7, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 6-12) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Day & Bryce Dunford
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Talking Scripture

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