58. How Ancient History Transforms Our Biblical Understanding with Dr. Mark Chavalas

Dr. Mark Chavalas joins us to talk about the Bible, Ancient Mesopotamia, archeology, and the Historical context to the Old Testament. Mark Chavalas is a Professor, scholar, and a historian with a focus on ancient near eastern history and languages. He is also an educator, speaker, author, editor and archaeologist. He received his PhD from UCLA. He is one of the authors and editors of the IVP Background Commentary Old Testament. His scholarly focus is on the languages, history, and archaeology of Mesopotamia, particularly the regions that comprised ancient Babylonia and Assyria. He has taught at various institutions and just recently retired as a professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he taught for over 30 years. Mark has excavated nine seasons in Syria at various sites, and has had fellowships at schools including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and UC Berkeley. Mark's Books: IVP Background commentary : https://www.amazon.com/IVP-Bible-Background-Commentary-Testament/dp/0830814191/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PFKAWH44LJLC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-p_X_gzOc_5XeRX4p7bDrzJJkxQKuT62_3sst9VFgvrlSpYaCKIZX1Kztk9Sj9wynVKrDulCEbtJNEAyhUkOzQhgZ8dlMX1jxz1NyzvA4HdDgRKXnqsxh9Al1z9w527QA9ePKsclYvsjhGAjhhmWoid5stteTRDwCLVwMh4ltDvXZYn-dMsv-9D23g_q3hJ1tO8y74orEb5GkGAh2kwhIgE_yhIIDOlyus4nJrhkrCE.9voDtJxauZ5N0AbBoP4ltO_vjWnnlbJ3hJnKb8q_Swo&dib_tag=se&keywords=ivp+bible+background+commentary+old+testament&qid=1731513244&s=books&sprefix=ivp+bible+background+commentary+old+testame%2Cstripbooks%2C321&sr=1-1 ESV Archaeology Study Bible - https://www.amazon.com/Archaeology-TruTone-Walnut-Portfolio-Design/dp/1433595745/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lGwAPEFEX2eUGb1FdRyPj-3pLiflm-WrcuBddxiKfl6h3qPGU1htG5k5FIwTJpHCOaY2Mwn8s4TCS2LqkUP-0PCb1sOXTbHr2swTN-0He9ImgcepRFvVSbypVxxeRsXY4dSyBFa8o639oOTk4Lz0_eQhNgiZa4ZKS9DjtOt--uxYhyvZqyJfLgN8yItp4ktr5tSbu95ChIK_-Lv7vnZ7G496ygndlDdgbji-9FpA8_Y.lUG_ymm-cwdnUCBusGdvvVFzqkHNBgXUz6pah5sYdo&dib_tag=se&qid=1731512928&refinements=p_27%3AMark+W.+Chavalas&s=books&sr=1-2 This unique episode is an honor as we get to sit down and learn about the ancient near east with literally one of the top scholars in the world on this topic. What we discuss: - Mark's journey going from UCLA to Professor in La Crosse, WI - The significance of ancient Mesopotamian customs and their impact on Christian identity. - The challenges and joys of uncovering ancient truths, and how these insights can transform our view of the Bible. - Mark's first hand experience on archaeological digs in Syria, uncovering clay tablets and ancient texts. - Mark's reflections on the Old Testament, Christian identity, and life's transformative power. - The unique opportunity of being a Christian and teaching from the Bible at a secular University Whether you're a history buff, a curious learner, or someone seeking to learn more about the Bible and who God is, this episode is perfect for you. We hope you enjoy and learn a ton from our very own Mark Chavalas.