What if the stories at the end of Genesis weren’t just family drama—but political storytelling?

In this episode, Nate and Shelby revisit six key moments from Genesis 27 to 50—including Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing, Dinah and Shechem, Judah and Tamar, and Joseph’s rise in Egypt—to explore how these stories may have been written to explain Israel’s political identity, tribal dynamics, and national origin.

We talk about:

Why Jacob and Esau’s rivalry reflects Israel vs. Edom

What Jacob’s wrestling match really says about the name "Israel"

How the story of Dinah might not be about justice at all

The subversive role of Tamar and why she’s called righteous

Why Joseph marrying an Egyptian priest’s daughter created tension later

And how Genesis closes by blessing tribes that already existed

These aren’t just ancient stories—they’re layered political texts that reveal how Israel saw itself and its neighbors. Join us as we read Genesis a little more historically, and a little more honestly.

Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  [email protected]

Become a member and get:

1. Bonus episodes and aftershows

2. All full-length, ad-free episodes

3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners)

Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices