The Scripture Study Podcast

Susan Petersen & Cindy Madsen
  • 5.0 (10)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY

 The Scripture Study is a space for anyone who loves the Word and wants more—more understanding, more clarity, more depth. This podcast is for aspiring scriptorians, passionate learners, and those seeking to strengthen their scripture study habits. Together, we explore the text deeply, unpack meaning, and develop the tools needed to study scripture with intention and insight. Come curious, come hungry, and come ready to grow.

  1. 5D AGO

    From Bondage to Blessing: Understanding God’s Call to Leave Egypt and Trust His Provision

    In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the biblical theme of "Out of Egypt," focusing on the Exodus story and its significance throughout Scripture. They discuss the Hebrew phrase yetziat mitzrayim, Egypt's cultural influence, and how Matthew connects Jesus to the Exodus through the prophet Hosea. The hosts examine Israel's struggle to leave Egypt's comfort despite enslavement, the wilderness journey's lessons on trusting God, and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart. They draw parallels to modern life, encouraging listeners to identify their own "Egypt" and embrace God's call to spiritual freedom. 00:00 Introduction to "Out of Egypt" 03:22 The Prophet Hosea and Jesus 06:36 Jesus Called Out of Egypt 14:10 Leaving a Place of Ease 16:05 The Lot Story as Foreshadowing 22:36 Egypt vs. the Promised Land 27:28 The Symbolism of Bread 32:29 The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Resources Instagram (Susan Petersen) https://www.instagram.com/susan.m.petersen/ Biblical Stories and Concepts Exodus https://www.britannica.com/topic/Exodus-Old-Testament Egypt https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt Manna https://www.britannica.com/topic/manna-food Books and Authors Hosea https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hosea-Hebrew-prophet Yael Ziegler https://etzion.org.il/en/authors/yael-ziegler Notable Quotes Matthew 2:15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A15&version=NIV Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

    37 min

  2. MAY 6

    Exploring Exodus Theology: How God’s Deliverance Shapes Identity, Ethics, and Hope

    In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore "Exodus theology," examining how the Book of Exodus serves as a foundational theological pattern throughout Scripture. Drawing on scholars like N.T. Wright and Nahum Sarna, they discuss how the Exodus shaped Israel's identity, ethics, and worship. They explore typology, showing how Exodus themes prefigure Christ's life, death, and resurrection as the ultimate new Exodus. Susan Petersen also shares a personal story about forgiveness, illustrating how these ancient narratives remain relevant for believers navigating hardship today. 00:00 Introduction to the Exodus 06:07 The Exodus as Israel's Identity 12:10 The Exodus Pattern in Later History 18:50 Understanding Eschatology and Typology 25:55 Traditional vs. Modern Typology 35:43 Common Examples of Typology 38:20 Theological Themes of the Exodus 46:20 Jesus and the New Exodus 50:50 Christ's Life as an Exodus Reenactment 59:29 The Unfinished Drama of the Exodus Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Resources Instagram (Susan Petersen) https://www.instagram.com/susan.m.petersen/ Scholars and Authors N.T. Wright https://www.ntwrightonline.org/ Nahum Sarna https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/sarna-nahum-m Books The Past Is Yet to Come by Barbara Isbell https://www.fontespress.com/product/the-past-is-yet-to-come-exodus-typology-in-revelation/ Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

    1h 2m

  3. APR 30

    The Biblical Power Suit: What Joseph’s Coat Teaches Us About God’s Presence and Protection

    In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the powerful symbolism of clothing in the biblical story of Joseph. They examine how Joseph's famous coat, the kito net passim, represented identity, authority, and favoritism, fueling his brothers' jealousy. The hosts discuss how clothing throughout the narrative serves as a tool of deception, vulnerability, and ultimately restoration. Drawing on Midrashic literature, scholarly insights, and broader biblical themes, they connect Joseph's story to the spiritual metaphor of being "clothed in Christ," encouraging listeners to reflect on their own spiritual identity. 00:00 Introduction 03:40 The Holy Garment 06:06 The Significance of Joseph's Coat 11:05 Translating "Kito Net Passim" 18:03 Midrashic Interpretation of the Coat 25:31 Joseph Stripped of His Coat 30:08 The Development of Joseph's Character 38:03 Jacob's Refusal to Be Comforted 44:55 Clothing, Deception, and Potiphar's Wife 51:27 Putting on Christ and Clothing Others 57:40 Joseph Clothed by Pharaoh 59:06 The Wedding Feast of the Lamb Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Resources Instagram (Susan Petersen) https://www.instagram.com/susan.m.petersen/ Wearing God by Laura F. Winner https://www.harpercollins.com/products/wearing-god-lauren-f-winner The Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780465022553/the-art-of-biblical-narrative Covenant and Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ How Colorful was Joseph’s Coat? by Sarah Rudolph https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/how-colorful-was-josephs-coat/ Genesis Rabbah https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis_Rabbah Midrash Aggadah https://www.sefaria.org/Midrash_Aggadah Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/samson-raphael-hirsch Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

    1h 3m

  4. APR 23

    Wrestling with Jacob: When Trickster Tales Meet Divine Transformation

    In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the biblical character Jacob, examining his moral complexities and human flaws as portrayed in Genesis. They discuss the Hebrew word "tom," recurring themes of deception, and the principle of divine measure-for-measure justice. The hosts also critique feminist biblical criticism for imposing modern frameworks onto ancient texts, using the story of Dinah and Shechem as an example. Throughout, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen encourage listeners to approach scripture with humility, embracing its complexity while trusting in God's transformative purposes through imperfect people. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Jacob and the Word "Tom" 04:28 Binary Thinking vs. Biblical Nuance 09:41 Jacob’s Narrative Arc 14:51 Oral Culture and Literary Echoes 19:06 Historical and Legal Context of Birthright 25:04 Spiritual Karma and Redemption 32:02 Jacob’s Deceit and Its Consequences 42:28 Ancient Marriage and Women’s Rights Context 52:21 Power of Scripture and Personal Revelation 56:22 Selective Application and Double Standards 01:02:30 Dinah and Shechem 01:09:57 Outro and Listener Invitation Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Resources Biblical Interpretation and Scholarship Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/samson-raphael-hirsch Nahum Sarna https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/nahum-m-sarna Walter Brueggemann https://www.walterbrueggemann.com/ Claus Westermann https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claus_Westermann Terence E. Fretheim (likely correct for “Frensham”) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terence_E._Fretheim Ancient Literature and Parallels Epic of Gilgamesh https://www.britannica.com/topic/Epic-of-Gilgamesh Isaiah 3:10–11 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/3 Doctrine and Covenants 111:1 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/111 Feminist and Critical Approaches Feminist Biblical Criticism https://www.britannica.com/topic/feminist-biblical-criticism Sam Walter Foss https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/sam-walter-foss Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

    1h 11m

  5. APR 13

    From Eden to Esau: The Spiritual Power of Eating and Desire in Scripture

    this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the theology of food in the biblical story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25–28). They examine how food and appetite drive key narrative moments, including Esau selling his birthright for stew and Jacob's deceptive meal securing Isaac's blessing. Drawing on rabbinic commentaries and scholars like Gordon Wenham and Norman Wirzba, they highlight parallels with the Garden of Eden and discuss how food symbolizes desire, deception, and spiritual consequence, ultimately reflecting deeper truths about gratitude, community, and humanity's dependence on God. 00:00 Introduction 05:17 Food and Appetite in Genesis 25 & 27 12:02 Meal Scenes as Narrative Structure 16:30 Food’s Symbolic Burden and Obligations 20:19 Theology of Food in Jewish Life 24:43 Parallels with the Garden of Eden 30:25 Food Temptation Pattern in Genesis 36:22 Introduction to Theology of Food 39:40 Esau’s Character and the Birthright 43:41 Rebecca’s Role and Parental Favoritism 47:11 Jacob’s Character Arc and Deceit Motif 53:18 Conclusion: Food, Banquet, and Restoration Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Resources Come Follow Me https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/come-follow-me Midrash https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/midrash-101/ Biblical Commentary on Genesis by Gordon Wenham https://www.logos.com/product/208093/genesis-2-vols Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating by Norman Wirzba https://archive.org/details/foodfaiththeolog0000wirz Essays on Agriculture and Food Responsibility by Wendell Berry https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/34 Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

    54 min

  6. APR 13

    From Wells to Word Motifs: Decoding the Literary Craftsmanship of Genesis’ Patriarchs

    In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore literary criticism of the Hebrew Bible, focusing on the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Esau. Drawing on scholar Robert Alter's work, they examine key techniques including type scenes, dialogue-driven characterization, intentional narrative gaps, and word motifs. The hosts analyze well scenes in Genesis as symbols of life, fertility, and covenant. They encourage listeners to embrace the Bible's moral complexity and ambiguity rather than seeking simple answers. The next episode will focus on the theology of food in these same stories. 00:00 Introduction 02:38 Symbolism of Wells in Ancient Near East 05:14 Jacob and Rachel at the Well 08:07 Moses and Zipporah at the Well 09:16 Repetition and Variation in Well Stories 13:49 Importance of Original Language and Translation 20:21 Purposeful Repetition and Word Motifs 24:47 Well Motifs in Isaac’s Story 28:10 Saint Augustine’s Rule for Interpretation 33:21 Isaac’s Character and Transition to Food Theme 33:40 Outro and Preview of Part Two Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Resources Calvin Theological Seminary https://calvinseminary.edu/ The Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780465022553/the-art-of-biblical-narrativehttps://www.amazon.com/Art-Biblical-Narrative-Robert-Alter/dp/0465022553 Come Follow Me https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/come-follow-me Disruptive Torah (Madlik by Jeffrey Stern) https://madlik.com/ https://www.sefaria.org/collections/madlik-disruptive-torah Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

    34 min

  7. APR 8

    Unlocking Ancient Secrets: The Hero’s Journey Hidden in Scripture

    In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore biblical literary criticism as a scholarly tool for understanding the Bible's composition and meaning. Cindy explains various critical approaches, emphasizing that "criticism" means analysis, not negativity. They discuss how biblical narratives use literary devices like the "two ways" doctrine, paired stories, and the hero's journey. Using Abraham and Lot as contrasting examples, they examine moral choices and consequences, before diving into the Binding of Isaac as a profound test of faith, obedience, and trust in God's promises. 00:00 Podcast Introduction 02:18 Types of Biblical Criticism 05:17 Layperson’s Access to the Bible 08:06 Transition to Abraham Story 11:58 Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard 18:33 The Hero’s Journey and Monomyth 26:09 Wisdom, Knowledge, and Redemption 36:11 The Binding of Isaac: Introduction 46:50 Christ as the Fulfillment 46:56 Podcast Closing and Reflections Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Resources Calvin Theological Seminary https://calvinseminary.edu/ The Book of Mormon https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/29099/the-hero-with-a-thousand-faces-by-joseph-campbell/ Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

    49 min

  8. APR 4

    Exploring God’s Justice and Compassion Through the Turbulent Tales of Genesis and Ezekiel

    In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis chapters 19-21 and Ezekiel 16, examining the stories of Hagar, Sarah, Ishmael, Isaac, and Lot. They discuss ancient legal customs, including the Hammurabi Code, to provide context for inheritance rights and social dynamics. Key themes include God's compassion toward marginalized figures like Hagar and Ishmael, the multifaceted destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and how prophetic literature reinterprets earlier narratives. Throughout, the hosts emphasize understanding God's character—His justice, mercy, and covenant faithfulness—rather than simply assigning blame to biblical figures. 00:00 Introduction  03:51 Biblical Patterns of Sibling Rivalry 09:49 God’s Perspective and Hagar’s Covenant 16:19 Transition to the Story of Lot and Sodom 25:31 Divine Acceptance and Hospitality 33:55 Ezekiel’s List of Sodom’s Sins 43:45 Ezekiel’s Shocking Rhetoric 50:26 Marriage Metaphor and Idolatry 01:03:27 Conclusion and Preview Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Resources Bible Translations and Tools New Living Translation (NLT) — free online reading https://www.bible.com/versions/116-nlt-new-living-translation NIV Translation — Bible Gateway (NIV) https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/ NRSV Translation — Bible Gateway (NRSV) https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Revised-Standard-Version-NRSV-Bible/ Net Bible — online NET Bible https://www.netbible.org/ Hammurabi Code — Yale Avalon Project (full text) https://avalon.law.yale.edu/ancient/hamframe.asp Books and Articles Ishmael and Hagar's Exile and the Hammurabi Code — Times of Israel blog https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/yishmael-and-hagars-exile-and-hammurabis-code/ Videos Reflections at Faith of an Observer: The Hugh Nibley Story — YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYPVZvRXpIY Biblical Concepts and References Covenantal God / Covenant (general concept) — GotQuestions.org explanation https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-covenant.html Join Us The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!

    1h 5m
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About

 The Scripture Study is a space for anyone who loves the Word and wants more—more understanding, more clarity, more depth. This podcast is for aspiring scriptorians, passionate learners, and those seeking to strengthen their scripture study habits. Together, we explore the text deeply, unpack meaning, and develop the tools needed to study scripture with intention and insight. Come curious, come hungry, and come ready to grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Petersen & Cindy Madsen
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Scripture Study Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Scripture Study Podcast

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