What in the Word?

#12. Ex 8: Pharoah's Magicians

In this episode, we explore the role of Pharaoh's magicians. While their appearance is brief, it serves a critical comedic and theological purpose. The narrative dismisses the magicians to illustrate their impotence and the absence of any real Egyptian gods.
We also discuss how the magicians' fate contrasts with Moses and Aaron's significant roles. Join us as we see how association with the true God brings genuine honor and power.
And if you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll try to cover it.

#11. Exod 1-2: What's in a Name?

Welcome to this episode of What in the Word? and a bit about Exodus 1 and 2. These chapters, though familiar, have some profundities it's easy to miss.
Two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, stand out. Their fear of God leads them to defy Pharaoh's orders, and this section honors them by drawing attention to them by name as they – and some other women – are used by God to turn Pharaoh's plans against him.
Throughout these chapters, the importance of knowing God is a major theme. Whether it's the midwives' trust in God, Moses' journey from impetuousness to humility, or Pharaoh's fatal ignorance, knowing God transforms lives. Not knowing him is deadly.
Join us as we look at the implications of knowing God in the book of Exodus. And if you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, send an email to whatintheword@tuta.com and we'll try and cover it.

#10. Gen 49: Blessings?

In this episode, we're looking at Jacob's odd "blessings." They don't really sound like what we think of as blessings!
We'll draw comparisons with another set of blessings in Luke 2 and see how these so-called "anti-blessings" are blessings within God's larger plan. Join us as we think about these blessings as well as how God uses our words.
Shoot an email to whatintheword@tuta.com if you have a part of the Bible that makes you wonder!

#9. Gen 48: Firstborns Foiled Again!

In Genesis 48, we have an intriguing scene where Joseph brings his sons to receive a blessing from Jacob. Jacob adopts his grandsons as sons, granting them a full portion of his inheritance. However, Jacob also crosses his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim, the younger son, overturning traditional firstborn rights.
This act of overturning firstborn rights is a recurring theme in Genesis. But why does God do it?
Join us as we look at how the overturning of firstborn rights in Genesis assures us God's promises don't depend on human means and are absolutely certain: even when in the natural course of events they seem impossible.
Shoot an email to whatintheword@tuta.com if you have a part of the Bible that makes you wonder!

#8. Gen 47: Joseph Makes Some Slaves

Welcome to What in the Word, where we explore often overlooked Bible passages to see what they might have to show us. In this episode, we look at the "forgotten half" of Genesis 47.
Joseph, sold into Egypt by his brothers, rises to power by interpreting Pharaoh's dreams. He advises storing surplus grain during seven years of plenty to survive the ensuing seven years of famine. As the famine unfolds, Joseph's actions lead to the enrichment of Pharaoh and the salvation of Egypt and beyond.
However, Joseph's methods can raise some questions, as he eventually acquires all the land and people of Egypt for Pharaoh, making them slaves.
Discover what's going on and how Joseph's relationship with God is at the root of it all.
Shoot an email to whatintheword@tuta.com if you have a part of the Bible that makes you wonder!

#5. Gen 31: Laban's Idols

Welcome to What in the Word, the podcast where we look at bits of the Bible that often get missed and ask "why is this exciting?" In today's episode, we look at Genesis 31, focusing on the peculiar story of Laban's idols and Rachel's theft of them.
This narrative highlights the theme of God's protection and blessing over Jacob, despite, not because, of human deception.
Shoot an email to whatintheword@tuta.com if you have a part of the Bible that makes you wonder!

#7. Gen 34: Simeon and Levi Do Some Murder Part 2

In this episode, we look more at Genesis 34, focusing not on heroes and villains but on the context and overarching themes within the story of Genesis and what we learn about God.
We discuss how God's promises face new threats—not from barrenness as seen with Sarah and Rebekah, but from faithlessness.
Through Dinah's story, we see the profound suffering and consequences that arise from sin. Yet, we also see the triumph of God's faithfulness, turning curses into blessings and maintaining His promises despite human failure.
Shoot an email to whatintheword@tuta.com if you have a part of the Bible that makes you wonder!

#6. Gen 34: Simeon and Levi Do Some Murder Part 1

Welcome to What in the Word, where we look at sometimes perplexing passages of the Bible and see why they're helpful. In this episode, we explore Genesis 34.
Join us as we look at the intense story of Jacob, his daughter Dinah, and the violent consequences of Shechem's abuse. Learn about the cultural complexities of this passage, the broader implications within the narrative of Jacob's life, and the ongoing story of God's promise. Stay tuned for part two, where we dive deeper into the actions of Simeon and Levi.
Shoot an email to whatintheword@tuta.com if you have a part of the Bible that makes you wonder!

#4. Gen 23: Property Transaction

Welcome to What in the Word, the podcast where we look at some lesser-known parts of the Bible and explore their significance. In this episode, we check out the closing verses of Genesis chapter 22 and the entirety of chapter 23.
We begin by examining the brief genealogy at the end of chapter 22, which introduces us to Rebekah, a key figure in the upcoming stories of Isaac and Jacob. This genealogy connects the line of promise through both maternal and paternal lines, contrasting Israel's heritage with that of Ishmael and Esau.
Chapter 23 shifts to the death of Sarah and Abraham's purchase of a burial plot in Canaan. This transaction is not just a simple property deal; it's a significant moment that marks Abraham's first ownership of land in the Promised Land.
Join us as we uncover the layers of meaning in these often-overlooked verses and see how they set the stage for the continuing saga of God's covenant with His people.
Shoot an email to whatintheword@tuta.com if you have a part of the Bible that makes you wonder!

#3. Gen 12: Abram Gets Blessed

Welcome to What in the Word, where we look at some intriguing passages of the Bible and uncover their exciting significance. In this episode, we explore Genesis 12, where Pharaoh and Sarah bless Abram amidst a severe famine.
Discover how this story highlights God's unwavering promises and His ability to keep his promises, regardless of human actions. We reflect on the parallels between Abram's time and ours and see that God's faithfulness and power are unstoppable.
Shoot an email to whatintheword@tuta.com if you have a part of the Bible that makes you wonder!