Who exactly was Nimrod from the Bible?In this episode, Dr. Mark Chavalas kicks off our new Tower of Babel Series by uncovering the mysterious figure of Nimrod in Genesis 10–11. Was he just a legendary hunter? A Mesopotamian king like Sargon? Or a rebellious archetype against God?

🔥 In This Episode:

➡️ Why Genesis 10 interrupts the genealogy to highlight Nimrod

➡️ What his name actually means (“Let us rebel”)

➡️ Whether Nimrod was connected to the Nephilim and giants of Genesis 6

➡️ Archaeological clues from Mesopotamian kings like Sargon and Naram-Sin

➡️ How Jewish and Rabbinic tradition tied Nimrod to Abraham

➡️ Why the Bible calls him a “mighty hunter before the Lord” — positive or negative?➡️ How Nimrod sets the stage for the Tower of Babel

📚 Why This Episode Matters: Understanding Nimrod gives us a glimpse into the ancient Near Eastern world and the theological backdrop for the Tower of Babel. Far from a side note, his story raises questions about rebellion, empire, and humanity’s attempts to replace God with their own power.

💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments: Do you think Nimrod was a real historical king like Sargon, or more of an archetype of rebellion?

🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareJoin us on the journey to uncover the Bible through history, archaeology, and context.#Nimrod #TowerOfBabel #BuriedBiblePodcast #BibleHistory #Genesis

If tattoos in the ancient world were mostly marks of slavery, what does that mean for Christians today?

In this follow-up episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Keagan Walz and Dr. Mark Chavalas tackle the big question: how do we apply Old Testament laws—like Leviticus 19:28—to our modern lives?

From ancient Near Eastern branding practices to the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, we explore how cultural context, biblical law, and the law of love intersect. Whether you believe tattoos are permissible or prohibited, this episode dives deep into scripture, history, and practical application—while encouraging respectful discussion among believers.

🔥 In This Episode:

➡️ What tattoos meant in the ancient world (branding & slavery)

➡️ The connection between Leviticus 19 and Acts 15’s four stipulations

➡️ How the early church navigated Old Testament law for Gentiles

➡️ The “law of love” as the guiding principle for application today

➡️ Why conscience, wisdom, and unity matter more than winning debates

📚 RESOURCES:

- W. Edward Glenny – “The Septuagint and Apostolic Hermeneutics: Amos 9 in Acts 15”- Tremper Longman III

– Making Sense of the Old Testament: Three Crucial Questions

💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Where do you land on this? Are tattoos a matter of conscience, or should believers avoid them altogether?

🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share

#TattoosInTheBible #BiblicalContext #OldTestamentLaw #BuriedBiblePodcast #BibleStudy #AncientNearEast #ChristianityToday #Acts15 #Leviticus19 #LawOfLove #biblicalapplication

Are tattoos really forbidden in the Bible? Or have we misunderstood Leviticus 19:28 all along?

Tattoos have become a hot-button issue in modern Christian circles, often used as a litmus test for holiness. But does Leviticus 19:28 actually prohibit body art—or is it condemning something far different?

Dr. Mark Chavalas takes you on a scholarly journey into the ONE VERSE in the entire Bible that mentions tattoos. Through ancient Near Eastern history, ancient slave practices, biblical language, rabbinical interpretation, and literary context, we uncover what tattooing meant in the ancient world—and what it meant to be marked.

📖 In This Episode:

➡️ The real Hebrew word behind "tattoo" and why it's a one-time use mystery

➡️ Why cutting and marking the body were likely two separate prohibitions

➡️ How Mesopotamian slaves were branded—and why that matters

➡️ What ancient mourning rituals reveal (and what they don’t)

➡️ The poetic irony of God saying He tattoos our names on His hands (Isaiah 49)

➡️ What early rabbinical and modern scholars say—and where they get it wrong

➡️ Why your tattoo probably isn’t what Leviticus was warning about

➡️ A method to responsibly apply Old Testament laws today

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

David Bernat, “Tattoos: What Exactly Is Prohibited?”

Mark Chavalas, Adventures in Leviticus, Biblical Archaeology Review, Vol. 42.6 — View Article (BAS Library)

Huehnergard & Liebowitz, The Biblical Prohibition Against Tattooing (Vetus Testamentum 63) —

JoAnn Scurlock, Magico-Medical Means of Dealing with Ghosts (Book excerpt)

Pritchard (Ed.), Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament —

Jacob Milgrom, Leviticus 17–22 (AYB) —

🔥 Let’s Talk in the Comments: Do you believe Christians should avoid tattoos? Why or why not?----------

MORE Questions 👉 [email protected]

🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf you found this episode helpful, subscribe and share it with someone wrestling with this topic!

#BuriedBible #TattoosInTheBible #Leviticus19 #BibleContext #AncientNearEast #ChristianPodcast #ShouldChristiansGetTattoos #BiblicalInterpretation #SlaveBranding #DrMarkChavalas

Abraham's covenant in Genesis 15, the smoking firepot, and the flaming torch—what do they really mean?

Who walked between the pieces? Was it God or is there something more going on...Dr. Mark Chavalas, breaks down the strange covenant ritual with Abraham — focusing on the smoking firepot and flaming torch — to uncover what ancient Mesopotamian texts reveal that most modern readers miss. The smoking firepot and flaming torch are often assumed to represent God, but ancient texts suggest: It very well may not be God at all....so what does it mean?

🔥 In This Episode:

➡️ Why Genesis 15 isn’t about God “passing through”

➡️ What the firepot and torch actually represent

➡️ How Mesopotamian adoption rituals and treaties illuminate this scene

➡️ Why this covenant changes how we view the Abraham story — and the whole Bible

📚 Academic Books and Commentaries

▸ The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament— John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas

▸ Mesopotamia and the Bible: Comparative Explorations— Edited by Mark Chavalas & K. Lawson Younger

▸ Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament (ANET)— Edited by James B. Pritchard

▸ Treaty of the Great King: The Covenant Structure of Deuteronomy— Meredith G. Kline

💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think this changes how we understand the Abrahamic covenant? What surprised you the most?

🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share if you want more Bible deep dives from the ancient world!

#BuriedBible #Genesis15 #Abraham #AncientNearEast #OldTestament #BiblePodcast #BiblicalContext #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #biblestudy #Covenant #Firepot #FlamingTorch

What kind of God makes a covenant like this? And why does Abraham cut animals in half and wait in the dark for a smoking firepot?

In this episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Keagan Walz and Dr. Mark Chavalas explore one of the most mysterious and misunderstood scenes in Scripture: the animal-splitting covenant ritual of Genesis 15. Abraham is promised land and descendants, but then God asks him to cut animals in half—what does that mean?

Dr. Chavalas unpacks the ancient Near Eastern background of covenant rituals, adoption laws, and Mesopotamian treaties to reveal what’s really going on with the “smoking pot and flaming torch.” Was this a legal contract? A divine promise? Or something else entirely?

🔥 In This Episode:

➡️ What Genesis 15 meant to its original audience

➡️ Why Abraham cuts animals in half — and what it symbolized

➡️ How this ritual compares to Mesopotamian treaties and oaths

➡️ The meaning of Abraham’s deep sleep and terrifying darkness

➡️ What inheritance laws at Nuzi and Mari tell us about Abraham’s world

➡️ Why understanding ancient treaties transforms your view of God’s promises

📚 Why This Episode Matters:

Genesis 15 is a foundational covenant moment — not just for Abraham, but for the entire biblical story. Understanding this strange ritual through ancient eyes deepens our grasp of God’s character and the radical nature of His promises.

💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:What surprised you most about this ancient ritual? Have you ever heard Genesis 15 taught like this before?

🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf you’re passionate about understanding the Bible in its original context, help others find this podcast by subscribing and sharing!

▶️ Watch now and uncover what’s buried beneath the surface.

#BuriedBible #Genesis15 #CovenantRitual #BiblePodcast #AncientNearEast #BiblicalContext #DrMarkChavalas #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalHistory #SmokingPotFlamingTorch

Before Israel became a nation, before God made the covenant.....who was Abraham?In this episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, we return to Genesis to set the stage for one of the strangest covenant rituals in the Bible — Genesis 15:17. But before we dive into the mystery of the smoking firepot and flaming torch, we take a step back to explore the backstory of Abraham himself & Abraham's calling in Genesis 12–15. .Dr. Mark Chavalas, ancient Near East scholar, reveals what the Bible doesn’t spell out plainly: Abraham likely wasn’t a monotheist when God called him. So why was he chosen? And what exactly did he understand about the God who made him a promise?🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Was Abraham still a pagan when God called him?➡️ What gods did Abraham’s Amorite ancestors worship?➡️ The literary and historical backdrop to Genesis 15➡️ Abraham's connection to the Amorites and the moon god➡️ How Genesis 14 prepares us for the covenant in Genesis 15:17➡️ What happened between Babel and the call of Abraham➡️ Why Abraham’s faith is a model of slow, loyal obedience📚 Why This Episode Matters:This episode reframes the story of Abraham in its ancient Near Eastern context, revealing how God's covenant didn’t begin with perfect theology but with loyal relationship. It reminds us that faith often begins with a step—not certainty. Understanding Abraham’s background helps us better grasp the radical nature of God's promise and the mystery of divine election.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think Abraham understood who God truly was when he was first called? How do you relate to his slow journey of trust and faith?🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf you’re enjoying these deep dives, hit the like button and share this episode. Subscribing helps spread biblical literacy rooted in historical context!Watch the full episode now — and don’t miss part two, where we uncover the shocking truth behind the smoking firepot and flaming torch!📜Sources & Further Reading:- The World Around the Old Testament (ed. Bill Arnold & Brent Strawn) — featuring Dan Fleming’s authoritative chapter on the Amorites- Apocalypse of Abraham (Jewish pseudepigrapha) — a fictional yet insightful window into how early Jewish thinkers imagined Abraham’s pre-call life- Journal of Northwest Semitic Languages, Vol. 51 (2024) — featuring Hugo At-Ross’s article on Amorite grammar and verb structure- Andrew George & Manfred Krebernik’s article: “Two Remarkable Vocabularies: Amorite–Akkadian Bilinguals” in Revue d’Assyriologie et d’archéologie orientale, Vol. 116 (2022)- Moshe Weinfeld, “The Covenant of Grant in the Old Testament and in the Ancient Near East” in Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 90, No. 2 (1970), pp. 184–203- Genesis 12–15, Joshua 24:2, Hebrews 11, Romans 4, Galatians 3#BuriedBible #Abraham #Genesis15 #BiblicalHistory #AncientNearEast #DrMarkChavalas #FaithJourney #BiblePodcast #HistoricalContext #Monotheism #BibleStudy #oldtestament

Did the Anunnaki Come from Planet Nibiru? Or Is It All a Misreading of Ancient Texts?Welcome to another episode of the Buried Bible Podcast! We’re diving deep into one of the most sensationalized ideas in ancient alien theory: the claim that the Anunnaki are alien beings from a mysterious Planet called Nibiru. But is there any actual evidence for this in the ancient texts—or have modern theorists simply connected dots that aren’t there?Join your hosts Keagan Walz and Dr. Mark Chavalas—Mesopotamian scholar, archaeologist, and professor with decades of experience—as they explore the claims, the sources, and the misinterpretations surrounding Nibiru and the Anunnaki. With a pile of primary texts, ancient dictionaries, and peer-reviewed scholarship at hand, Dr. Chavalas cuts through the modern myths and conspiracy theories and offers insight into what ancient Mesopotamians really believed about the cosmos.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Is Nibiru a secret planet… or something far less mysterious?➡️ Where the word “Nibiru” comes from and what it meant in Mesopotamian astronomy➡️ The one—and only—fragmented line that refers to Gilgamesh as “judge of the Anunnaki”➡️ The ancient Mesopotamian obsession with stars and omens➡️ Cylinder seal VA 243: Debunking the “12th Planet” myth➡️ Why there’s no known connection between the Anunnaki and Nibiru in any ancient text➡️ How conspiracies stitch together fragments to build shaky theories➡️ Biblical wisdom on why Christians should approach this soberly📚 Why This Episode Matters:The internet is flooded with sensational claims about ancient aliens, hidden planets, and lost knowledge. But when we go back to the original sources, the narrative changes dramatically. This episode empowers listeners to pursue truth, think critically, and avoid building theology or worldview on speculation.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:What questions do you have about the Anunnaki or Nibiru? Have you heard other theories you'd like us to investigate? Drop them below or email us directly—we’d love to hear from you!🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share:If you enjoyed this breakdown of ancient texts vs. modern myths, hit that like button, subscribe for more biblical history content, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear the truth.📜 Books & Sources Referenced in This Episode:- The Epic of Gilgamesh, trans. Andrew George (Penguin Classics, 2003)- Chicago Assyrian Dictionary, Vol. N, Part II (1980), page 145- Michael S. Heiser, The Myth of the 12th Planet (free article)- Ursula CalmeyerSeidl, Die babylonischen Kudurru-Reliefs: Symbole mesopotamischer Gottheiten- Emanuel Freriedman, The Marduk Star Nibiru, Cuneiform Digital Library Bulletin, 2015- Stephen Langdon, The Babylonian Epic of Creation (1923)- Wilfred G. Lambert, Babylonian Creation Myths (2013)- Jeremy Black, Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia- Francesca Rochberg, The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture#BuriedBiblePodcast #Anunnaki #Nibiru #AncientAliens #Mesopotamia #Gilgamesh #AncientNearEast #BiblicalHistory #MichaelHeiser #ChristianPodcast #BibleContext #AncientAstronautTheory #debunkinglifehacks

Are the Anunnaki ancient gods, space aliens, or something else entirely? Why are so many Christians talking about them—and what does any of this have to do with the Bible?Dr. Mark Chavalas tackles one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—topics on the internet. We peel back the layers of internet conspiracy, pop theology, and pseudo-scholarship to ask: Who were the Anunnaki? Were they gods, giants, fallen angels… or simply misunderstood figures in Mesopotamian texts?Dr. Chavalas offers a scholarly, myth-busting look at the real sources: ancient cuneiform tablets, academic lexicons, and peer-reviewed research. Along the way, we confront the flawed methods of figures like Zecharia Sitchin and ask why modern Christians have been drawn into alien narratives with no historical foundation.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ What “Anunnaki” actually means in Sumerian and Akkadian➡️ Why Mesopotamian scholars don’t even talk about ancient aliens➡️ How fringe ideas became mainstream in Christian circles➡️ What Mike Heiser got right—and why it matters➡️ The real difference between myth, language, and theology➡️ Why the Anunnaki have nothing to do with Genesis, Nephilim, or aliens💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Have you ever come across Anunnaki theories online? What questions do you still have?OR 👇📩 Email: [email protected]📘 Primary Sources & Lexicons**The Anunnaki Gods According to Ancient Mesopotamian Sources**English translations of the four major German scholarly articles, edited by Michael S. Heiser & translated by Dorothea Clapper.**Chicago Assyrian Dictionary (CAD)**The definitive multi-volume Akkadian–English dictionary from the Oriental Institute.**Akkadisches Handwörterbuch (AHw)** – Wolfram von SodenComprehensive German lexicon of Akkadian, based on Bruno Meißner’s work.**Manuel d’Épigraphie Akkadienne** – René LabatEssential guide to cuneiform signs, syllabary, and ideograms in Akkadian.📚 Why This Episode Matters:The internet is full of noise—but historical truth still matters. As Christians who want to love God with our minds, we need to separate fact from fiction and test everything against real sources. This episode equips you with a clear lens to discern truth, think critically, and stay rooted in Scripture.🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf this helped clarify things for you, hit that 👍, subscribe, and share it with a friend who’s searching for truth.📡 Coming Next: Planet Nibiru, the End of the World, and More...We’re just getting started. Buckle up as we explore where these ancient alien theories really come from—and what’s actually hiding in the texts.#BuriedBiblePodcast #Anunnaki #AncientAliensDebunked #Mesopotamia #SitchinIsWrong #AncientNearEast #Cuneiform #BiblePodcast #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTruth #spiritualdiscernment

What do the Nephilim have to do with your faith? Are they just ancient footnotes—or a window into a much bigger spiritual reality? What ultimately is the role of giants in the biblical narrative?Welcome to the wrap-up episode on our Nephilim series! In this final episode of our Nephilim series, Keagan Walz and Dr. Mark Chavalas reflect on everything we’ve uncovered: Genesis 6, the “sons of God,” ancient Mesopotamian texts, Jewish traditions, and the mysterious Apkallu. We explore unanswered questions and look to answer why the Nephilim matter—not as a fringe topic, but as a meaningful thread in the biblical narrative. These ancient figures reveal the Bible’s supernatural worldview, deepen our understanding of divine rebellion, and expand our perspective on the spiritual reality behind the text.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Why the Nephilim are more than just ancient footnotes➡️ The tension of the Nephilim both before and after the flood➡️ The link between naming, identity, and power in the ancient world➡️ Why the number seven keeps showing up—and what it meant to ancient people➡️ What Paul really meant by “principalities and powers”➡️ How Mesopotamian myths like the Apkallu parallel—but also differ from—the Nephilim💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Share your thoughts or questions—we want to hear from you! What stood out most from this series?OR 👇Email: [email protected]📚 Why This Episode Matters:Understanding the Nephilim isn’t about sensationalism—it’s about seeing the full depth of the biblical world. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible assumes a supernatural framework that modern readers often miss. This episode helps recover that lens and invites you to read Scripture more faithfully and fully.🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf this helped expand your view of Scripture, hit that 👍, subscribe, and share this with a friend hungry for the truth of God’s Word!📡 Coming Next: The Anunnaki & Planet Nibiru?!Get ready to debunk myths, explore real Mesopotamian sources, and find out what’s actually behind the conspiracy theories in our upcoming series.#BuriedBiblePodcast #Nephilim #Genesis6 #AncientNearEast #BiblicalGiants #ancienthistory #SpiritualWarfare #BiblePodcast #christianpodcast

Who Were the Apkallu—and What Do They Have to Do with the Bible?In this episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Dr. Mark Chavalas explores mysterious figures from ancient Mesopotamian texts known as the Apkallu—seven pre-flood sages often depicted with fish heads—who emerge from the sea to bestow knowledge on humanity. Sound familiar? These ancient beings may hold the key to understanding the biblical Nephilim, the flood narrative, and why so many other early traditions point to supernatural rebellion.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Who (or what) were the Apkallu?➡️ How the Apkallu compare to the “sons of God” of Genesis 6➡️ How ancient rituals invoked these beings in magic, healing, and house protection➡️ Why early Mesopotamian texts describe them being punished and banished to the underworld➡️ The deep connection between the Apkallu, the flood story, and divine rebellion➡️ What this means for interpreting Genesis—and why it matters➡️ Why Mesopotamian texts matter for biblical interpretation📚 Why This Episode Matters:Most Christians have never heard of the Apkallu—but they’re all over Mesopotamian lore and may be the cultural backdrop behind one of the most controversial passages in the Bible. If we want to understand the Nephilim, the Watchers, and the flood narrative, we need to explore these shadowy sages and the cultural memory they represent.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Did the biblical writers respond to the Apkallu stories—or were they influenced by them? What do you make of ancient hybrid beings showing up across so many cultures?📧 POST YOUR WRAP-UP QUESTIONSEmail ---- [email protected]—Episode 18 is our Nephilim wrap‑up and your input makes it epic.🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share if you love exploring the Bible through the lens of history and context.📚 Cited Books & TextsMesopotamian Texts & Resources:Babyloniaca of Berossus (Fragments compiled by Stanley Burstein) – AmazonIn Search of the Lost Sages by Josephine Fechner – AmazonThe Sumerian King List and Uruk King List – Online TranslationsMyths from Mesopotamia by Stephanie Dalley – Oxford World’s ClassicsMaklu: Ancient Anti-Witchcraft Rituals by Tzvi Abusch – Society of Biblical LiteratureBiblical & Comparative Resources:Reversing Hermon by Dr. Michael Heiser – AmazonThe East Face of Helicon by Martin L. West – AmazonThe Book of Enoch (1 Enoch) – EarlyJewishWritings.comGenesis 6 and the Sons of God – Peer-reviewed articles on JSTOR, Academia.edu#BuriedBiblePodcast #Nephilim #Apkallu #Genesis6 #BibleHistory #AncientNearEast #BiblicalScholarship #Watchers #Mesopotamia #Enoch #BiblicalMystery #ChristianPodcast