In the Bible, the army of Israel is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. How did the army come to be and how was it formed? Was there always a standing army? How were wars fought during Bible times? In this latest episode of Bible Backdrop, I look at how the Israelite military was formed from the very first battle in Genesis to the formation of the professional army under Saul and David. 

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Skilled labor was essential to ancient Israel during Bible times. This episode of Bible Backdrop delves into 4 different types of skilled laborers and what they provided to the economy and society. We look at carpenters, stone workers, metal workers, potters and tent makers. Each one provided a necessary service for both the community and the nation.

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How did people earn a living during Bible times? What was the economy like? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we take a look at some of the jobs people did and how they were able to make a living. We cover agriculture, livestock, fishing and trade.

If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5 star rating and review. You can find this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. You can also get in touch with the show; the e-mail is mentioned in the podcast. Thank you for listening!

The family structure in the Bible was extremely important. Extended families were large and tied to the land. What did this mean for people during this time? What laws protected the family and their tie to the land? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, I look at the family structures and how this affected people during this time. I also look at how the establishment of the monarchy changed this dynamic. 

Bible Backdrop looks at the history and culture surrounding the Bible. If you are enjoying this podcast, please put in a 5-star rating and review. If you wish to contact the show, you can do so by the e-mail in the episode.

Homes in Bible times were much different than our homes today. Multiple generations lived under one roof and living quarters were tight. This episode of Bible Backdrop goes into some of the details about homes in Bible times. Why was the roof so important? Where did people stay most of the time? Listen to this episode to learn more!

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What did people eat during Bible times? What foods were readily available and what was only eaten by the wealthy? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we look at the food of the Bible: fruits, vegetables, meat and grains. All of it is significant and will help as you study the Bible. 

Bible Backdrop is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Also, you can find us on the GoodPods app. If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5-star rating and review. Word of mouth is still the best way for this podcast to spread, so tell a friend and have them subscribe.

We see them throughout the Old Testament, but who exactly were the Philistines? Where did they come from? Why were they in conflict with the Israelites? What were they like? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, we look at the history, culture, religion and politics of the Philistine people. While being a "cultural philistine" is seen as a negative, the actual people were quite advanced. Want to learn more? Download and listen to the latest episode.

Are you enjoying Bible Backdrop? If so, please leave a 5 star rating and review. You can find Bible Backdrop on Apple, Spotify and Stitcher. You can also get in touch with the show in the e-mail that I give out in the episode. 

We hear about the Sanhedrin in the New Testament, but what are its origins? Is there evidence in the Old Testament? What did they do and how was it formed? Today's episode of Bible Backdrop dives into the history and structure of the Sanhedrin. We discuss the theories of when it started, what it took to be a judge, and what kind of cases they handled.

If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5-star rating and review. You can get in touch with the show via the e-mail I mention in this episode.

We all know the parable of the Good Samaritan and the story of the woman at the well, but who exactly were the Samaritans? Where did they come from? What did they believe? What happened to them? In this episode of Bible Backdrop, I take a look at the history of the Samaritans and their affect on the nation of Israel. Stay for a few minutes after the main episode is over to hear some unscripted thoughts from your host! If you enjoy Bible Backdrop, tell a friend and have them subscribe. You can also get in touch with the show at the e-mail address in the episode.

Finishing out the series on the cities where Paul wrote his epistles, today we talk about Colossae and Thessalonica. What was Colossae's chief export? How did Thessalonica become a Roman "free city?" Why did Paul have to leave so quickly? Listen to this episode to learn more.

If you enjoy Bible Backdrop, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. If you wish to get in touch with the show, there is an e-mail address given in the episode. Thank you for listening!