Reasoning Through the Bible

Glenn Smith and Steve Allem
  • 4.6 (19)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible study podcast dedicated to teaching Scripture from chapter one, verse one, with careful attention to historical context, theology, and faithful application.Each episode offers in-depth, expository teaching rooted in the authority of the biblical text and the shared foundations of the historic Christian faith. While taught from an evangelical perspective, this podcast warmly welcomes all Christians seeking deeper engagement with God’s Word.Designed for listeners who desire serious Bible study rather than topical devotionals, Reasoning Through the Bible explores entire books of Scripture in an orderly and thoughtful manner—examining authorship, setting, theological themes, and the meaning of each passage within the whole of Scripture.Whether you are studying the Bible personally, teaching in the Church, or simply longing to grow in understanding and faith, this podcast aims to encourage careful listening to God’s Word through faithful, verse-by-verse exposition.

  1. 11h ago

    When a Foolish Vow Changes Everything - Judges 11:35–12:15 (Session 12)

    Jephthah returns from victory over the Ammonites only to discover that his only daughter is the first person to come from his house to greet him. His careless vow suddenly becomes the defining crisis of his story. In this session, Glenn and Steve examine whether Jephthah actually sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering. Although the wording of the original vow refers to a burnt offering, the later passage repeatedly emphasizes her virginity, her lack of marriage, and the end of Jephthah’s family line. This provides a strong contextual case that she may have been permanently dedicated to the Lord rather than killed. The discussion also explains that human sacrifice was clearly forbidden under the Mosaic Law. Jephthah could have appealed to the provisions of the law regarding an invalid vow rather than carrying out something God had prohibited. Jephthah’s story offers a sobering lesson: a person may genuinely trust God, follow His direction, and still make a very foolish decision. The Bible does not hide the flaws of its people, and believers should be careful not to place Christian leaders on pedestals or discard everything good they have taught when a weakness is later revealed. Judges 12 then records another conflict with the tribe of Ephraim. They threaten Jephthah because they were not included in the battle, even though Jephthah says he had previously asked for their help. Their jealousy and divisiveness lead to civil war and the deaths of forty-two thousand Israelites. The session closes by examining how internal division destroys churches and communities. When believers turn inward and fight each other, ministry, outreach, and witness quickly suffer. Scripture: Judges 11:35–12:15 Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study Questions discussed in this session: Can people be in the will of God and still make foolish mistakes? Can jealousy and hatred cause people to be unreasonable? What should we do when we meet people who cause division? How effective is the church when it’s fighting amongst itself?  Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    When a Foolish Vow Changes Everything - Judges 11:35–12:15 (Session 12)

  2. 1d ago

    When You Only Call God in a Crisis - Judges 10:1–11:34 (Session 11)

    God refuses to help Israel because they refuse to repent, treating God like a Judges 10 records Israel falling once again into widespread idolatry. This time the people are not worshiping just one or two false gods. Scripture lists the gods of numerous surrounding nations before concluding that Israel had forsaken the Lord and no longer served Him. In this session, Glenn and Steve begin by making an important distinction about suffering. Judges repeatedly connects Israel’s deliberate sin with painful consequences, but Scripture does not teach that every instance of suffering is caused by a person’s individual sin. Job provides a clear example of righteous suffering whose full purpose was never explained to the person experiencing it. Israel’s situation in Judges 10, however, resulted directly from rebellion. After eighteen years of oppression, the people finally cry out to God. This time God responds differently. He reminds them of all the previous times He delivered them and tells them to seek help from the false gods they chose. The passage raises an important question: Did Israel really want God, or did they simply want relief from suffering? Treating God like a repairman—ignoring Him until something breaks—is not the same as genuine repentance. Eventually Israel puts away the foreign gods and begins serving the Lord again. Judges 11 then introduces Jephthah. Born to a prostitute, he is rejected by his brothers for circumstances beyond his control. Yet when Ammon threatens Israel, the same people who rejected him suddenly need his help. Rather than respond with bitterness, Jephthah appears calm and recognizes that any victory must come from Yahweh. He first attempts to negotiate with the Ammonite king, presenting historical, theological, and chronological arguments for Israel’s right to the land. The session concludes with Jephthah making a dangerous vow before battle. God gives him victory, but when Jephthah returns home, his only daughter comes out to meet him. The consequences of that vow will be examined in the next session. Scripture: Judges 10:1–11:34 Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study Questions discussed in this session: Would God sell Israel to its enemies? What would have happen for God say He will not help? Is it wise to make vows to God? What happens when we only go to God when we need help?  Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    When You Only Call God in a Crisis - Judges 10:1–11:34 (Session 11)

  3. 4d ago

    When Ambition Has No Moral Compass - Judges 9:1-57 (Session 10)

    Judges 9 introduces Abimelech, one of Gideon’s sons, and records one of the darkest chapters yet in Israel’s spiritual decline. Unlike the judges whom God raised up as deliverers, Abimelech seeks power for himself. With money taken from the temple of Baal-Berith, he hires reckless men and murders his brothers so that he can become king. In this session, Glenn and Steve examine what happens when ambition and power operate without a moral compass. Israel was supposed to be different from the nations around them, yet the people of Shechem willingly support a violent man because he is one of their relatives and promises the kind of leadership they desire. The only surviving brother, Jotham, responds with the parable of the trees. Valuable trees refuse to abandon their useful work in order to rule, but eventually the worthless bramble accepts the position. The warning is clear: the people have chosen a ruler who provides no real protection and will ultimately bring destruction. The chapter then descends into betrayal, crime, civil war, and violence. Abimelech and the people who empowered him eventually turn against one another. Judges 9 also raises the difficult question of God sending an evil spirit between Abimelech and Shechem. The discussion considers this statement in its larger context of divine judgment on people already committed to violence and idolatry. Abimelech eventually dies after a woman drops a millstone on his head. Even in his final moments, he appears more concerned about his reputation than about getting right with God. Judges 9 reminds us that sin may appear to go unpunished for a time, but God is not mocked. It also warns us to be careful whom we trust, whom we follow, and what ultimately serves as the anchor of our lives. Scripture: Judges 9 Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study Questions discussed in this session: What happens when we hire relatives?What would cause tribes of Israel to fight each other?Should churches try to be like the world? What happens when we make worthless people our leaders? Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    When Ambition Has No Moral Compass - Judges 9:1-57 (Session 10)

  4. 5d ago

    When Victory Becomes a Spiritual Trap - Judges 7:16 – 8:35 (Session9)

    Judges 7 concludes with one of the most unlikely military victories in Scripture. Gideon’s three hundred men surround the Midianite camp at night carrying trumpets, clay pitchers, and torches. When they break the pitchers, reveal the torches, and sound the trumpets, confusion spreads through the enormous enemy camp. The Midianites turn their swords against one another and flee. The strategy makes no sense from a human military perspective. That is precisely the point. God reduced Gideon’s army so dramatically that Israel could not claim the victory came through its own strength. Yahweh alone deserved the glory. Yet this session also shows how quickly spiritual danger can follow success. The soldiers cry, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon,” perhaps revealing the first hint that Gideon’s name is beginning to share attention that belongs to God. Judges 8 then records Gideon’s conflict with the tribe of Ephraim. They complain that they were not called into the battle earlier, even though they had years of opportunity to resist Midian. Gideon calms them through flattering language, exposing the danger of appealing to pride rather than dealing directly with truth. As Gideon pursues the remaining Midianite kings, the Israelite towns of Succoth and Penuel refuse to provide food. Their fear reveals how comfortable they had become living under oppression. They are more afraid of Midian’s possible return than willing to support the deliverer God has raised up. Gideon later returns and punishes these towns with extreme violence. His response goes beyond equal justice and reveals a troubling change in his character. Instead of asking God how to respond, Gideon acts according to what seems right in his own eyes. The decline continues when Gideon takes valuable spoil from the defeated kings and accepts a large collection of gold earrings from Israel. Although he refuses the title of king and correctly says that the Lord should rule over Israel, he increasingly adopts the wealth and privileges associated with royalty. Gideon then uses the gold to make an ephod. Whatever his original intentions may have been, the object becomes a center of false worship and a snare to Gideon, his household, and Israel. The man who began by tearing down an idol ends by creating an object that becomes an idol. This passage warns that victory, recognition, wealth, and influence can become dangerous when humility and obedience are lost. Scripture: Judges 7:16–8:35 Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study  Questions discussed in this session: What happens when people go for a long time living around evil? Why would tribes of Israel fight among themselves?How can Israel forget God so quickly?How many times should God need to remind us of His being worthy?  Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    When Victory Becomes a Spiritual Trap - Judges 7:16 – 8:35 (Session9)

  5. 6d ago

    God May Reduce Your Strength Before the Victory - Judges 6:25-7:15 (Session 8)

    Before Gideon can confront the Midianites, God gives him a more personal assignment. He must tear down the altar of Baal that belongs to his own father, cut down the Asherah beside it, and build an altar to the Lord in its place. In this session, Glenn and Steve examine why spiritual restoration must begin close to home. Gideon is called to deliver Israel from Midian, but the first enemy he must confront is the idolatry within his own family and community. Following God may create conflict with family traditions, established religion, or the expectations of people around us, but obedience to Christ must come first. Gideon obeys, though he acts at night because he is afraid. His fear does not prevent him from doing what God commanded. This provides an honest picture of faith: obedience does not always require the complete absence of fear. When the people discover that Baal’s altar has been destroyed, they demand Gideon’s death. His father Joash responds by asking why Baal cannot defend himself if he truly is a god. Gideon’s act exposes the powerlessness of the idol and earns him the name Jerubbaal, meaning, “Let Baal contend against him.” The session also discusses Gideon’s request for the signs involving the fleece. Gideon has already seen God’s power and received the Spirit of the Lord, but he continues to seek reassurance. The conversation distinguishes between sincerely asking God for guidance and manipulating circumstances until they appear to confirm what a person already wants. Judges 7 then records one of the most surprising battle preparations in Scripture. Gideon gathers thirty-two thousand men, but God says the army is too large. After the fearful soldiers leave and another test reduces the force further, only three hundred remain. God gives the reason plainly: Israel might boast that its own strength produced the victory. The army must become so small that only God can receive the glory. Even after all these signs, Gideon remains afraid. God does not condemn him. Instead, He tells Gideon to approach the enemy camp, where he overhears a Midianite dream predicting Israel’s victory. God patiently provides the encouragement Gideon needs at the moment he needs it. Scripture: Judges 6:25–7:15 Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study Questions discussed in this session: Did Gideon obey with full or partial faith? Do we sometimes move forward on partial faith? What happens when we make a public proclamation about our faith in God?Do we ever have confidence one minute, and have doubts another? Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    God May Reduce Your Strength Before the Victory - Judges 6:25-7:15 (Session 8)

  6. Jul 21

    God Sees What You Can Become - Judges 6:7–24 (Session 7)

    Judges 6 opens with Israel suffering under Midianite oppression because the nation has once again turned from God. For seven years, the Midianites invade at harvest time, destroy crops, steal livestock, and leave Israel impoverished and hiding in caves. When the people finally cry out, God first sends a prophet. Before providing deliverance, He reminds Israel of everything He has already done: bringing them out of Egypt, defeating their enemies, and giving them the land. The problem was not God’s lack of power. Israel had invited evil into its life through disobedience and then forgotten the Lord’s past faithfulness. This session then introduces Gideon, who is threshing wheat inside a winepress to hide from the Midianites. Wheat was normally threshed on an exposed hill where the wind could separate the grain from the chaff. Gideon is instead working in a confined hole, showing the fear, frustration, and defeat that had overtaken Israel. The Angel of the Lord appears and calls Gideon a “mighty man of valor.” At that moment, Gideon does not look like a warrior. He is hiding, questioning God, and describing himself as the least important member of the weakest family in Manasseh. Yet God sees Gideon according to what he will become through divine power. The study also examines the identity of the Angel of the Lord. The passage moves naturally from calling Him the Angel of the Lord to identifying Him as the Lord Himself, supporting the understanding that this was a physical manifestation of God and, as many scholars conclude, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Gideon asks for assurance, and God patiently provides a sign by consuming the offering with fire. The passage reminds us that asking for guidance is different from using signs as excuses to avoid obedience. The central assurance is simple: “I will be with you.” Gideon’s success will not depend on his family status, confidence, resources, or natural ability. It will depend on God’s presence. Scripture: Judges 6:7–24 Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study  Questions discussed in this session: What should we do if we are in frustration and defeat? If God says he is with us, can we move forward in confidence?Is it wise for us to look to God for a sign? What does God do to build our faith?  Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    God Sees What You Can Become - Judges 6:7–24 (Session 7)

  7. Jul 20

    When Evil Camps Out in Your Life - Judges 4:17–6:7 (Session 6)

    Judges 4 concludes with Sisera fleeing from the battlefield after God destroys his army. Once the commander of nine hundred iron chariots, Sisera suddenly finds himself running on foot and searching for safety. He enters the tent of Jael because there was peace between her household and King Jabin, but the refuge he trusts becomes the place of his death. In this session, Glenn and Steve discuss why no true peace can be found while running from God. Sisera believed he had control during twenty years of oppression, but his situation changed within minutes. His defeat also fulfills Deborah’s prophecy that the honor of victory would go to a woman. Jael acts freely, yet her actions accomplish what God had already declared, providing an example of divine providence working through human decisions. Judges 5 then records the Song of Deborah, a poetic celebration of God’s victory. The song praises Yahweh as Israel’s true commander and emphasizes the importance of leaders who lead and people who willingly respond. Some tribes answer the call to battle, while others remain home because everyday responsibilities become more important than joining God’s work. The session also examines what life was like under Canaanite oppression. Roads became unsafe, travelers avoided the highways, military strength had disappeared, and Israel lacked courageous leadership. When people and societies turn from God, peace and security begin to disappear. After God provides victory, the land rests for forty years. Yet Judges 6 begins another cycle. Israel again does evil in the Lord’s sight, and the Midianites raid the land for seven years. They destroy crops, steal livestock, and leave Israel impoverished and hiding in mountain caves. The Midianites function like parasites, allowing Israel to labor and then returning at harvest time to consume the results. Only after seven years does Israel finally cry out to God. This passage warns believers not to tolerate sin and spiritual oppression when God is ready to hear genuine repentance. The fastest way out is not pride, self-reliance, or trying to repair everything alone. It is returning to God and allowing Him to address what has taken root. Scripture: Judges 4:17–6:7 Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study  Questions discussed in this session:  Can people who are not following God also be fulfilling God’s will? Are nations and cultures safe even if they disobey God? How should church leaders act when there is disagreement in the church?Does the Bible contain good literature? What happens when evil comes and stays in our life? Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    When Evil Camps Out in Your Life - Judges 4:17–6:7 (Session 6)

  8. Jul 17

    When Your Faith Feels Too Small - Judges 4:1–16 (Session 5)

    Judges 4 begins another cycle of Israel’s rebellion, oppression, and deliverance. After Ehud dies, the people once again do evil in the sight of the Lord. God allows Jabin, king of Canaan, and his commander Sisera to oppress Israel cruelly for twenty years with an army supported by nine hundred iron chariots. The problem, however, was not the strength of the chariots. Israel had already seen God defeat powerful armies and fortified cities. Their weakness came from turning away from the Lord and losing the protection and blessing that came through obedience. In this session, Glenn and Steve introduce Deborah, a prophetess and respected leader who judged Israel beneath the palm of Deborah. She summons Barak and reminds him that God has already commanded him to gather ten thousand men and confront Sisera’s army. Barak hesitates and agrees to go only if Deborah accompanies him. His response reveals a mixture of faith and doubt. Yet Deborah remains faithful, holds him accountable, and goes with him. Together, they demonstrate how God can use believers with different strengths: Deborah provides spiritual confidence and accountability, while Barak ultimately obeys and leads the army. The passage reaches its turning point when Deborah declares, “Arise! For this is the day in which the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Behold, the LORD has gone out before you.” God had already declared the victory before the battle began. This study encourages believers who sometimes feel more like Barak than Joshua. Faith may be mixed with fear, hesitation, or uncertainty, but God can still work through those who ultimately trust and obey Him. Scripture: Judges 4:1–16 Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study Questions discussed in this session:   What do we do if we find ourselves with doubting God?When God commands us to do something, do we need experience before we trust Him? Do we have to be in perfect obedience before God can bless us? Does God give us signs that He is with us? Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    When Your Faith Feels Too Small - Judges 4:1–16 (Session 5)
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4.6
out of 5
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About

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible study podcast dedicated to teaching Scripture from chapter one, verse one, with careful attention to historical context, theology, and faithful application.Each episode offers in-depth, expository teaching rooted in the authority of the biblical text and the shared foundations of the historic Christian faith. While taught from an evangelical perspective, this podcast warmly welcomes all Christians seeking deeper engagement with God’s Word.Designed for listeners who desire serious Bible study rather than topical devotionals, Reasoning Through the Bible explores entire books of Scripture in an orderly and thoughtful manner—examining authorship, setting, theological themes, and the meaning of each passage within the whole of Scripture.Whether you are studying the Bible personally, teaching in the Church, or simply longing to grow in understanding and faith, this podcast aims to encourage careful listening to God’s Word through faithful, verse-by-verse exposition.

Information

  • Creator
    Glenn Smith and Steve Allem
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    686
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reasoning Through the Bible
  • Show Website
    Reasoning Through the Bible

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