They Did Evil in the Eyes of the LORD: Biblical Kings, Gaza, Iran, and the Corruption of Power

In this episode, the hosts examine and critique Sean Dempsey's essay They Did Evil in the Eyes of the LORD, which explores the recurring biblical theme of Israel's kings falling into corruption, pride, and injustice. The discussion analyzes Dempsey's argument that the biblical books of Kings provide a timeless warning about the dangers of political power, nationalism, and tribal loyalty, while drawing parallels to contemporary conflicts such as the war in Gaza. Along the way, the hosts wrestle with questions of moral accountability, the nature of leadership, and whether the same patterns that doomed the rulers of ancient Israel continue to shape nations and political movements today.