What in the Word?

#102: 1 Sam 25: David's Defender Dies

In 1 Samuel 25, there's an abrupt notice about the death of Samuel the prophet and a shift in action as David arises. Samuel has been David's primary defender up until now; how will God care for him, and how will David manage without the prophet? Join us as we witness how God orchestrates His plans through unusual means and demonstrates His remarkable ability to fulfill promises and teach lessons at the same time.
If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.

#101: Josh 13-19: Waiting in Weakness

Joshua chapters 13 through 19 can be a challenging read, but they lay out significant themes of divine promise and Israel's distinct relationship with God. They illustrate the paradox of the gospel, show how God's eternal plan unfurls, and have hope for those who are waiting in weakness. 
If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.
 

#100: Josh 8: Devoted to Destruction

The fall of the city of Ai in Joshua chapter 8 is a tough thing to understand, and it's natural it should inspire the question: "What did Ai do to deserve this?" We look into the cultural, historical, and theological context to address the question and how it all applies to us. 
If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.
 

#99: Deut 21: Ancient Laws; Modern Times

Deuteronomy 21 has some unique, often puzzling laws. These laws, like many in Deuteronomy and Leviticus, are not always easy to apply 1-to-1 onto our modern cultures, but what they do reveal is more and more of God's character, culminating in the revelation of the Trinity through Jesus Christ.
Deut 21 is a great place to look back and look forward and reflect on how to faithfully apply biblical laws in today's world. 
 
If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.

#98: Zech 1: What You See Is Not What You Get

Zechariah speaks to God's people who've returned to their homeland yet faced disappointment and unmet expectations. Discover how Zechariah encourages the people to look at the true reality behind visible reality, where God remains their active king despite the absence of a temple or a Davidic ruler. 
 

#97: Psalm 116: The Paradox of Freedom and Servitude; Death and Life

Psalm 116, like many others, is rich with wordplay and parallelism, some of which helps us understand the Psalmist's talk of being God's "slave" yet celebrating freedom from his bonds.
If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.

#96: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel: Same Same, But Different

Take a look with us quickly at the various perspectives on judgment presented by these three books.
 

#95: Phil 1: Prison Releases Proclaimers

How can Paul rejoice that there are people out proclaiming the gospel with false motives, doing it in envy or to hurt another Christian? Join us as we look at how Paul's circumstances fuel a bold proclamation among believers and his strategic use of it as an encouragement to the Philippians. 
If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.

#94: Num 28-29: Riches, Rest, and Relation

Num 28 and 29 repeat some information we get earlier in the law; but they're not just empty repetition. They offer a new generation of Israelites implicit promises of blessing, connect creation and redemption through the God who gives both, and shine a light on the only path for true self-worth and rest found in life with God.
If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.

#93: Num 24-25: Short Answer: Don't Be a, Ahem, Donkey...

Numbers 24 and 25 have funny and important moments surrounding Balaam, a pagan prophet, who experiences firsthand how God can use an unexpected instrument. His story is set up to illustrate three key points of Numbers that are worth thinking through for everyone who loves to live with God. 
If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.