Listener Questions

Do some Old Testament stories have you stumped or make you cringe? Welcome to this special Q&A edition of the Bible Book Club! You sent in your toughest biblical questions, and you didn’t go easy on us! Our listener Rebecca kicks off the episode with a big one. Why do innocent people get punished for the actions of someone else? We dive into the social context of the time and give you an honest answer. The questions keep coming. Why does Jesus' family tree run through Joseph when he wasn't Jesus' biological father? Why did Joseph marry an Egyptian? Where was Satan for most of the Old Testament? And how does Susan actually prep every lesson for the Bible Book Club? From confusing Old Testament laws to sticky theological dilemmas, we dig beneath the surface to uncover the historical context, cultural backdrop, and incredible grace woven throughout Scripture. In our Listener Questions Bible study, we cover: [3:20] Contagious Sin: How one man's rebellion swept up whole households in Numbers 16 and Joshua 7, and why some of Korah's family stepped away and lived. [5:29] Old Testament Laws: The heart behind a law that’s hard to stomach in Deuteronomy 22. [9:45] How Susan Studies: The routine behind every episode of the Bible Book Club, from three commentaries and BibleHub.com to praying over each lesson, plus a friendly word of caution. [12:56] Jesus' Lineage: Why Matthew and Luke offer two distinct genealogies for Jesus and how both, legally and biologically, trace back to King David. [16:18] Unexpected Marriages: How Joseph and Moses married outside the Hebrew faith without breaking biblical laws. [20:15] Spiritual Warfare: What the Hebrew word for Satan actually means and why God allowed evil spirits to torment King Saul in 1 Samuel 16. Show Notes: Genealogy of Jesus Group Discussion Questions [1:22] When you read difficult Old Testament laws or judgments, do you tend to wrestle with them or gloss over them? How does exploring historical context change your perspective? [6:37] David never held Amnon accountable for assaulting Tamar, and his silence spirals into Absalom’s revenge and rebellion. Compare that with the story of the Greek father who confronted his son for cheating. Where’s the line between respecting the adults in our lives and lovingly holding them accountable, and what happens to the vulnerable people around us when we stay quiet? [18:17] God uses Goshen to keep Israel from blending into Egyptian culture. What is your “Goshen,” the practices, people, or boundaries that keep you from slowly taking on the sinful practices of our society? Contact Bible Book Club! Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. Social: Instagram or Facebook Website: Bible Book Club Review Us: Apple Podcast or Spotify Join the Fun: DONATE or Buy merch This episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, starting with Genesis and journeying all the way through the Bible. Thanks for listening!