The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Episode 244 explores whether wealth is a sign of righteousness or wickedness by examining Old and New Testament passages. Lance Smith argues the Bible presents a nuanced view: wealth can be a blessing or a spiritual danger, and it reveals the condition of the heart rather than serving as a moral scoreboard. The episode highlights examples from Scripture, explains stewardship and dependence on God, and concludes that wealth is neutral—what matters is how we use it and whom we serve. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: [email protected]  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/rich.html  “Wealth and Righteousness,” Ron Blue Institute: https://ronblueinstitute.com/article/wealth-and-righteousness/ “A Biblical View of Wealth,” Costi Hinn, For the Gospel: https://www.forthegospel.org/read/a-biblical-view-of-wealth “Are Riches and Righteousness At Odds?,” Institute for Faith, Work & Economics: https://institutefc.org/are-riches-and-righteousness-at-odds/ “Wealth and Stewardship: Key Biblical Principles,” Michael W. Austin, Christian Research Institute: https://www.equip.org/articles/wealth-stewardship-key-biblical-principles/ “The Danger of Wealth,” Christian Stewardship Network: https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2022/7/7/the-danger-of-wealth “What Does the Bible Say About Wealth and Provision?,” Theology of Work Project: https://www.theologyofwork.org/key-topics/provision-wealth/ “Reflections on Wealth and Poverty in the Hebrew Bible,” Joel Kaminsky: https://scholarworks.smith.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=rel_facpubs “The Morality of Wealth,” Ismar Schorsch, Jewish Theological Seminary: https://www.jtsa.edu/torah/the-morality-of-wealth/

In this episode, Lance Smith examines Numbers 14:29 and the common question of why archaeologists haven’t found mass graves for the Israelites who died during the 40 years in the wilderness. He reviews biblical, cultural, and archaeological explanations including nomadic burial practices, shallow or exposed interments, secondary bone collection, harsh desert conditions, and limited excavation. The episode argues the absence of durable graves fits the Bible’s description of a judged, transient generation and explains why lack of visible remains is not evidence against the Exodus account. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: [email protected]  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  Franz, Gordon. “Where are the Israelite Burials From the Wilderness Wanderings?” Associates for Biblical Research. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/exodus-from-egypt/3811-where-are-the-israelite-burials-from-the-wilderness-wanderings “Why haven’t we found the graves of the Israelites in the wilderness?” BibleAsk.org. https://bibleask.org/why-havent-we-found-the-graves-of-the-israelites-in-the-wilderness/ Christian Think Tank material on related archaeological questions: https://www.christian-thinktank.com/noai.html “Ancient Israelite Tombs and Burial Practices,” Posen Library. https://www.posenlibrary.com/guide/ancient-israelite-tombs-and-burial-practices  “Israel in the Wilderness: Evidence in the Right Place and at the Right Time?” Truth in Time. https://truthintime.org/israel-in-the-wilderness-evidence-in-the-right-place-and-at-the-right-time/ Maritis, Tony. “Is There Any Archaeological Proof At All For The Biblical Exodus?” Medium. https://tonymaritis.medium.com/is-there-any-archaeological-proof-at-all-for-the-biblical-exodus-3f770d0b6763

Host Lance Smith examines apparent Bible conflicts about stealing—Rachel taking her fathers household idols and the Israelites leaving Egypt with silver and gold—by reviewing context, translations, and scholarship. The episode shows the Bible consistently condemns theft and explains the highlighted Old Testament cases as descriptive, cultural, or acts of divine justice rather than endorsements of stealing. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: [email protected]  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/steal.html  “What Does the Bible Say about Stealing?,” Vivian Bricker, Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-the-bible-say-about-stealing.html Bar Niv, Moshe. “Regulating Theft – Lessons from Biblical Law.” Rutgers Journal of Law & Religion, Vol. 16, 2014. https://sites.camden.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/03/Regulating-Theft-Bar-Niv.pdf “Israelite Plundering and a Missing Donkey,” Eric Lyons, Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/israelite-plundering-and-a-missing-donkey-649/ “Exodus 3:22 – The Israelites Leave Egypt,” Wayne Jackson, Christian Courier. https://christiancourier.com/articles/exodus-3-22-the-israelites-leave-egypt “What is the meaning of ‘spoiled the Egyptians’ in Exodus 12:36?,” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/spoiled-the-Egyptians.html “Why did people keep family idols in the Bible?,” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/family-idols.html “Laban Searches for His Stolen Idols—Genesis 31:33,” Emanuel Tov, TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/laban-searches-for-his-stolen-idols-genesis-31-33 “Rachel’s Teraphim: A Critique of the Northern Kingdom,” Erin D. Darby, TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/rachels-teraphim-a-critique-of-the-northern-kingdom “Why Steal the Household gods?,” Entrusted to the Dirt. https://entrustedtothedirt.com/2021/03/22/why-steal-the-household-gods/ Sláma, Petr. “‘Thus they despoiled the Egyptians’ (Exod 12:36 and parallels): On the scandal of asking silver and gold from innocent neighbours.” https://www.academia.edu/38556165/_Thus_they_despoiled_the_Egyptians_Exod_12_36_and_parallels_On_the_scandal_of_asking_silver_and_gold_from_innocent_neighbours 

In episode 241 Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction in Numbers 14 about whether the Amalekites and Canaanites dwelt in the valley or the hills. He explains how the same people in the southern Negev could be described both ways depending on perspective and terrain, showing the verses are complementary rather than contradictory. The episode connects this close reading to a broader point about trusting Scripture and obeying God, and points listeners to further resources and commentary. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: [email protected]  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  “Shelach – Emek and Har: The Dwelling Place of the Amalekites and the Canaanites,” Israel Koschitzky Virtual Beit Midrash (Yeshivat Har Etzion). https://www.etzion.org.il/en/tanakh/studies-tanakh/core-studies-tanakh/shelach-emek-and-har-dwelling-place-amalekites-and “Do the Amalekites live in the land of the Negeb OR in the valley?” contradictionsinthebible.com. https://contradictionsinthebible.com/amalekites-live-in-negeb-or-valley/ Bible Hub Commentaries on Numbers 14:25. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/numbers/14-25.htm StudyLight Verse-by-Verse Commentaries on Numbers 14:25. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/numbers/14-25.html “The Amalekites,” Jewish Virtual Library. https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-amalekites (Plus additional geographical insights from Biblical Archaeology Society and related sources on Negev terrain.)

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:16–17 and parallel Gospel passages to explain why Jesus’ question, “Why callest thou me good?”, does not deny his goodness or divinity. The episode clarifies translation differences, context with the rich young man, Jesus’ teaching method, and how the passage exposes misplaced confidence while strengthening trust in Scripture. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: [email protected]  Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/jesus-good.html  GotQuestions.org articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/good-God-alone.html , https://www.gotquestions.org/why-do-you-call-me-good.html , https://www.gotquestions.org/rich-young-ruler.html Catholic Answers: “Why Different Translations for Matthew 19:16-17?” https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-different-translations-for-matthew-1916-17 Douglas Groothuis, “Jesus: Philosopher and Apologist,” Christian Research Journal (2002/updated 2009) https://www.equip.org/articles/jesus-philosopher-and-apologist/ Terry J. Hedrick, “Jesus as Shepherd in the Gospel of Matthew,” PhD thesis, Durham University (2007) https://etheses.durham.ac.uk/id/eprint/2536/1/2536_547.pdf Answering Islam rebuttal by David Thompson: https://www.answering-islam.org/authors/thompson/rebuttals/questionmark/response_where_i_am_god.html Hold Fast Blog: “Why Do You Call Me Good? Mark 10:18” https://holdfast.blog/2025/11/15/why-do-you-call-me-good-mark-1018/ Beautiful Christian Life: “What Point Was Jesus Making to the Rich Young Ruler?” https://beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/what-point-was-jesus-making-to-the-rich-young-ruler

Show Notes: Today as we prepare to begin our journey into Bible Difficulties and Answers, we discuss the third of three philosophical arguments for the existence of God. In this episode we discuss the Moral Argument. Why do we agree certain things are right and wrong? Where does this standard of good and evil arise? And what does CS Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, say about Moral Law? References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following: https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/04/world/major-soviet-paper-says-20-million-died-as-victims-of-stalin.html Michael Ruse, "Evolutionary Theory and Christian Ethics," in The Darwinian Paradigm (London: Routledge, 1989), pp. 262-269. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/existence-nature-of-god/does-god-exist?utm_campaign=youtube-targeting&utm_source=pd-google&utm_medium=search&utm_content=dge-responsive&utm_term=doesgodexist&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsburBhCIARIsAExmsu75Mbl68skYyGgCCV5E7o2_BpP9J2lpbJfdER03HKNP-J-XRkKI-v4aAm71EALw_wcB#notes2 C. S. Lewis (2003). “A Mind Awake: An Anthology of C. S. Lewis”, p.37, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-do-we-call-it-evil-in-the-first-place-2/ https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/resources-to-help-you-respond-to-the-problem-of-evil-free-bible-insert/ https://www.undergroundthomist.org/whistling-past-the-graveyard http://www.rightreason.org/2010/a-simple-explanation-of-the-moral-argument/