The Old Testament in Context

Discovering the Old Testament as They Knew It
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The Old Testament in Context is a podcast journey into the world of the Old Testament, revealing its stories as their original audience understood them. We delve into ancient cultures, archaeological finds, and daily life practices that bring biblical narratives to life—from ancient winemaking near Ararat to the gods of Israel’s neighbors. Join us to explore the world behind Scripture, where understanding the past deepens our connection to the Bible’s message for today. Perfect for history enthusiasts, Bible readers, and those curious about faith’s ancient roots.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    The Land of Canaan: Why This Specific Place?

    Of all the places God could have planted His people — the fertile Nile, the rich plains of Mesopotamia — He chose a narrow, contested strip of land wedged between empires. Why? In this episode, we explore the geography of Canaan: a land so compact you could walk across it in a few days, yet packed with more geographic diversity than regions ten times its size. From the coastal plain to the central hills to the Dead Sea — the lowest land elevation on earth — this land was built for dependence, exposure, and encounter. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Why there? 0:34 - What this series is about 1:10 - The space between empires 3:15 - A land of remarkable diversity 6:10 - Why this place? Position, dependence, exposure 9:24 - Many names, one land 10:24 - What's next 🔗 LINKS OT in Context App: https://otincontext.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtestamentincontext 🎬 PREVIOUS: Jericho: 11,000 Years of History 🎬 NEXT: Coming soon #OldTestament #BibleStudy #BiblicalGeography #Christianity #BibleHistory #Archaeology

    12 min

  2. FEB 5

    The One Story: How It All Fits Together

    Quick—tell me the story of the Old Testament. Not a story FROM the Old Testament. The story. The whole thing. If that's hard to answer, you're not alone. Most of us know the pieces—David and Goliath, the Exodus, a talking donkey somewhere in the middle—but we've never seen how they fit together. Today, we fix that. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Tell me the story 0:37 - Intro 1:09 - The puzzle problem 2:49 - Four words that change everything 4:43 - The thread that holds it together 6:34 - Everything points forward 8:15 - Why this changes how you read 9:07 - What's next 🔗 LINKS OT in Context App: https://otincontext.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtestamentincontext 🎬 PREVIOUS: Let Me Show You: Your First Exploration of the Ancient World 🎬 NEXT: The Land of Canaan: Why This Specific Place? #OldTestament #BibleStudy #BiblicalGeography #Christianity #BibleHistory

    10 min

  3. JAN 31

    Jericho: 11,000 Years of History

    Think the oldest cities are in Europe? Think again. Jericho has been inhabited, conquered, and rebuilt for over 11,000 years—older than Stonehenge, older than the pyramids, older than widespread agriculture. Most people only know Joshua 6, but this city appears throughout the Old Testament at every major transition point: Balaam's blessing, the conquest, Ehud's assassination of Eglon, David's humiliated ambassadors, Hiel's curse, and Elijah's departure. Let's explore the city that won't stay dead. 🔗 LINKS OT in Context App: https://otincontext.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtestamentincontext 🎬 PREVIOUS: Let Me Show You: Your First Exploration of the Ancient World 🎬 NEXT: The Exodus Route Debate

    10 min

  4. JAN 24

    Let Me Show You: Your First Exploration of the Ancient World

    In the last two episodes, I told you geography changes everything about how you read the Bible. Now let me show you. This is OT in Context—the tool I built because I couldn't find what I needed anywhere else. In this episode, I'll walk you through your first exploration: finding Abraham, tracing his thousand-mile journey from Ur to Canaan, and watching 1,400 years of history unfold. We'll look at Joshua's tribal allotments around 1400 BC—with Egypt and Mittani looming nearby—then jump forward 700 years to see Assyria at its terrifying peak. This is the world of the Old Testament, and now you can explore it yourself. 🔗 LINKS OT in Context App: https://otincontext.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtestamentincontext 🎬 PREVIOUS: Stop Reading the Bible Like Fantasy: Why Geography Matters 🎬 NEXT: Jericho: 11,000 Years of History

    9 min

  5. JAN 13

    Stop Reading the Bible Like Fantasy: Why Geography Matters

    I realized I was reading biblical place names the same way I'd read Tolkien or Lewis—familiar words with no real meaning. Bethel. Beersheba. Babylon. I couldn't point to any of them on a map. The Bible isn't fiction. Old Testament history IS world history. Same places. Same terrain. Same story. And when we read it like fantasy, we miss so much. In this episode, I start building the mental map we need—explaining why geography shapes everything in Scripture, why Israel's location made them both wealthy and vulnerable, and how the Fertile Crescent explains almost every story in the Old Testament. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - I was reading the Bible like fantasy0:57 - The Middle Earth Problem1:32 - The Bible isn't fiction (same places, same terrain)1:56 - Abraham's journey (measured!)2:55 - Why geography shapes history3:40 - The Fertile Crescent explained5:03 - Israel: The Land Between6:52 - Building your mental map8:14 - The Bible happened in a real place9:15 - What's next 🔗 LINKSOT in Context App: https://otincontext.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtestamentincontextYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@otincontext 🎬 PREVIOUS: Why Modern Readers Struggle with the Old Testament🎬 NEXT: The Fertile Crescent: Crossroads of Civilization

    10 min

  6. JAN 5

    Why Modern Readers Struggle with the Old Testament (And What to Do About It)

    How much of your Bible do you actually use? If you're like most Christians, the answer is about a third. The Old Testament remains a mystery—but it doesn't have to be. In this first episode, I explore why modern readers struggle with the Old Testament, why we're actually less equipped than the Pharisees were (and they still missed Jesus), and what we can do about it. I'm Scott Smith—not a scholar, just a Sunday School teacher from Michigan who got frustrated and started digging. This series is what I've learned. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - How much of your Bible do you use?0:23 - Who I am and why I made this0:34 - The uncomfortable truth about our ignorance3:00 - What Scripture did the Apostles have?3:54 - The Road to Emmaus5:03 - The Pharisees Problem (the key insight)7:13 - But there's hope7:50 - What this series will cover10:00 - What's next 🔗 LINKS OT in Context App: https://otincontext.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtestamentincontext YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@otincontext 📚 THIS SERIES COVERS: - Geography of the biblical world - History and empires - The story from creation to Christ - Archaeology and evidence - Theology and deeper meaning 🎬 NEXT EPISODE: Why Geography Matters

    10 min

  7. 11/27/2024

    The Unfolding Names of God in the Old Testament

    Join us as we explore the names of God in the Old Testament, from El to Yahweh-Tsidkenu. Discover their cultural significance, how they reveal God's character, and their connection to His covenant with Israel. Read the article here: https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/p/the-unfolding-names-of-god-in-the-old-testament And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

    15 min

  8. 11/22/2024

    Echoes of Eden: How the Garden Shapes the Old Testament Story

    Explore how the Garden of Eden shapes the Old Testament narrative, from sacred spaces to prophetic hope. Discover the deeper themes of divine presence, covenant, and restoration that connect the ancient story to God’s ultimate plan for humanity. A fresh look at Eden’s echoes in Scripture. Read the article here: https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/p/echoes-of-eden-how-the-garden-shapes-the-old-testament-story And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

    14 min

  9. 11/18/2024

    Ancient Wine Cave Near Ararat: Could This Be the World’s Oldest Winery?

    An ancient cave near Mount Ararat has revealed an astonishing secret that dates back over 6,000 years! Could this discovery connect us to the world of the Old Testament in ways we never expected? Read more here: https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/p/ancient-wine-cave-near-ararat-could-this-be-the-world-s-oldest-winery And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

    17 min

  10. 11/06/2024

    Idols and Icons: The Gods of Israel’s Neighbors

    This episode dives into the ancient polytheistic cultures surrounding Israel, exploring the powerful allure of deities like Baal, Asherah, and Molech. Join us to uncover the tensions between Israel's monotheistic worship of Yahweh and the spiritual challenges posed by neighboring gods, as well as the persistent prophetic calls to loyalty and faithfulness. This episode examines how these ancient stories resonate today, reminding us of the modern "idols" that compete for our devotion. Rediscover the Old Testament as its original audience experienced it. Read more here: https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/p/idols-and-icons-the-gods-of-israel-s-neighbors And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

    17 min

  11. 10/30/2024

    Joshua’s Standing Stone at Shechem: A Testament to Israel’s Covenant

    In this episode, we delve into the fascinating story of Joshua's standing stone at Shechem, a powerful symbol of Israel's covenant with God as recounted in Joshua 24. We explore the cultural and spiritual significance of standing stones in the ancient Near East and their role as enduring reminders of faith and commitment. Join us as we discuss the biblical account, the potential archaeological connections at Shechem, and what this story means for believers today. Tune in to uncover the rich history and timeless lessons behind this remarkable monument. Read more here: https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/p/joshua-s-standing-stone-at-shechem-a-testament-to-israel-s-covenant And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

    5 min

  12. 10/23/2024

    How the Ancients Viewed Divine Kingship

    In this episode, we delve into the ancient concept of divine kingship, exploring how civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia viewed their rulers as earthly embodiments of the divine. We'll contrast these perspectives with Israel's unique understanding of kingship, where monarchs were seen as God's chosen leaders but not divine themselves. Join us as we uncover how these ancient beliefs illuminate the Bible's portrayal of God's unparalleled sovereignty and the promise of a perfect, eternal reign. Read the article here: https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/p/how-the-ancients-viewed-divine-kingship And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

    14 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Old Testament in Context is a podcast journey into the world of the Old Testament, revealing its stories as their original audience understood them. We delve into ancient cultures, archaeological finds, and daily life practices that bring biblical narratives to life—from ancient winemaking near Ararat to the gods of Israel’s neighbors. Join us to explore the world behind Scripture, where understanding the past deepens our connection to the Bible’s message for today. Perfect for history enthusiasts, Bible readers, and those curious about faith’s ancient roots.

Information

  • Creator
    Discovering the Old Testament as They Knew It
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Discovering the Old Testament as They Knew It
  • Show Website
    The Old Testament in Context

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