Bible Talk — A podcast by 9Marks

When the Queen of Sheba shows up, Solomon’s reign takes her breath away. His people are blessed, his coffers are full, and she seems to trust the Lord. But is this the beginning of the end?

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 10.

When we read the Old Testament, we’re tempted to see characters as either all good or all bad. But when we get to 1 Kings 9 and see Solomon’s interactions with Hiram the King of Tyre, well, it’s more complicated than that.

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

The glory of the LORD has filled the Temple. So . . . now what? How do God's people actually use it? 

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton about 1 Kings 8:31–66, which doubles as a kind of user's manual for the temple.

The biblical storyline takes a leap forward when the LORD’s glory fills the Temple. While this moment is significant, it also becomes clear that the Temple isn’t the end goal.

Listen to Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 1 Kings 8:1–30.

The Lord's presence has more or less been a nomad since Genesis 3. But with the temple, he's about to have a permanent address (kind of). In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 6–7.

So . . . Jim Hamilton had a wild idea: let's do a whole episode on 1 Kings 6:1. Alex Duke was dubious, even aghast. But he and Sam Emadi obliged. This conversation is the result.

 In this episode of Bible Talk, they talk about burn layers and interpretive priority and Indiana Jones.

The story of the Old Testament is the story of God's people returning to God's presence. The building of the temple significantly advances that story. In 1 Kings 5, we get Phase 1 of Solomon's construction project. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

Solomon is wise. Solomon is wealthy. Solomon is worth listening to. This is his Platinum Age, better than anything that came with his father David. Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 3:16–4:34.

We all know the story about Solomon pleading with the Lord for wisdom. But do you remember how it begins? It’s surprising.

Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Kings 2:12–3:15, which highlights Solomon’s shrewdness and his sinfulness.

King David is on his deathbed. What does he say to his son? “Be strong. Follow the Lord and all his ways. If you don’t . . .”

Jim Hamilton, Alex Duke, and Sam Emadi chat about 1 Kings 2:1–12.