The Book of Psalms is far more than ancient poetry—it’s the prayerbook of the Church and a vital guide for encountering Jesus. In this episode, we interview Chad Bird, author and scholar who specializes in teaching the Old Testament to Christians. We ask a variety of questions related to his newest book "Untamed Prayers." We explore why the Psalms are essential for Christians today. We discuss how the New Testament interprets the Psalms, the connection between David and Jesus, and how to see Christ even in Psalms that aren’t quoted in the New Testament. We also talk about the beauty of reading the Psalms in Hebrew, the intentional structure of the book, and how the Church Fathers used the Psalms for formation and devotion. From wrestling with the language of enemies to learning how to pray through every season of life, this episode is a call to dive deeper into the Psalms and meet Jesus there.

Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He holds master's degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He has contributed articles to Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Modern Reformation, The Federalist, Lutheran Forum, and other journals and websites. He is also the author of several books, including The Christ Key & Limping with God.

Untamed Prayers - 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms: https://a.co/d/eeZ9ilM

Chapters

0:00–1:08 Intro
1:09–3:29 Why Psalms is important
3:30–7:06 How the New Testament interprets Psalms
7:07–11:45 Thinking about David and Jesus
11:46–16:19 Seeing Jesus in Psalms even if the chapter isn’t quoted in the New Testament
16:20–22:31 Insights from Reading Psalms in Hebrew
22:32–31:14 Intentional ordering of Psalms
31:15–34:11 Psalms as the prayerbook of the Church
34:12–37:50 Church Fathers and Psalms
37:51–41:30 Prayerbook of the soldiers of Christ
41:31–45:38 Encountering Jesus in Psalms
45:39–53:04 Understanding “enemies” in Psalms
53:05–56:34 Admonishment to read the Psalms

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Read the Bible in Hebrew with Matthew: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights

Psalm 1 is rich with meaning, and reading it in Hebrew brings out layers we often miss. In this episode, Matthew (MA in Biblical Literature and Semitic Languages) walks through key Hebrew language insights that deepen our understanding of this foundational psalm. We explore the meaning of the word “happy” or “blessed,” the beautiful poetic style of the psalm, and how Hebrew parallelism and verb tense in verse 1 set the tone for the whole psalm. We also dive into what it really means to “meditate” on God’s law, why Torah is central to this psalm, and how Psalm 1 connects to Genesis, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ. Whether you know Hebrew or not, this episode will help you appreciate the beauty and depth of Psalm 1 in a whole new way.

Chapters

0:00-2:00 Intro
2:01-3:45 Psalm 1 in Hebrew and English
3:46-17:50 Happiness Word Study
17:51-20:31 Beautiful style in Psalm 1
20:32-33:26 Parallelism and Tense in Psalm 1:1
33:27-40:28 What is “Meditate” and “Law”?
40:29-52:02 Why meditating on Torah is strongly emphasized
52:03-59:12 Parallels to Genesis, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel
59:13-1:04:09 Jesus and Psalm 1

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The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most fascinating and important archaeological discoveries for understanding the world of the Bible. In this episode, we sit down with Dead Sea Scrolls scholar, Dr. Andrew Perrin, to explore the rich and complex world of these ancient texts. From the famous Isaiah Scroll and the commentary on Habakkuk to Aramaic dream visions, scribal traditions, and the Pseudepigrapha, this conversation uncovers the diversity of writings found at Qumran. We also dive into the Enoch literature, the War Scroll, and how the theme of Messiah shows up in the scrolls. Along the way, we discuss the historical context of Scripture, the role of scribes, and the importance of curiosity when it comes to exploring these texts. Whether you’re new to the Dead Sea Scrolls or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers insights, resources, and plenty to reflect on.

Link to Dr. Andrew Perrin’s book “Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds: Rediscovering the Dead Sea Scrolls” https://a.co/d/essK7cm

Dr. Andrew Perrin’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DrAndrewPerrin/featured

Dr. Andrew Perrin’s recommended Dead Sea Scroll Resources

Digital Images of Dead Sea Scrolls: https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/?locale=en_US

Dead Sea Scrolls Bible: https://a.co/d/44awjn8

The Dead Sea Scrolls: a New Translation: https://a.co/d/aJSzXnV

Chapters

0:00-2:09 Intro
2:10-10:21 Isaiah in the Dead Sea Scrolls
10:22-18:28 Commentary on Habakkuk in the Dead Sea Scrolls
18:29-24:10 Aramaic dream vision texts
24:11-30:02 Scribal and Sacred Languages
30:03-37:12 Pseudepigrapha
37:13-43:25 Enoch
43:26-49:38 The War Scroll and Ritual Purity
49:39-53:12 Historical context of Scripture
53:13-57:02 The influence of scribes
57:03-1:02:29 Theme of Messiah in Dead Sea Scrolls
1:02:30-1:10:36 Personal thoughts on searching and being curious
1:10:37- Resources for Dead Sea Scrolls

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What happens after Israel escapes Egypt? In part two of our exploration of “service” in Exodus, Matthew Delaney and Dr. Nathan French pick up where the story left off—moving from liberation to covenant, from slavery to worship. We trace the development of this theme through key moments in Exodus 15–40, including the image of God vs. the images of idols, the meaning of Sabbath, and the construction of the tabernacle. Along the way, we reflect on the relationship between salvation and obedience and how God’s presence reshapes what it means to truly serve. This episode offers a deeper look at how the Exodus story calls God’s people to a new kind of life.

Listen to part 1 here: 

Biblical Wisdom Video Course: https://hebrewbibleinsights.teachable.com/p/biblicalwisdom

Chapters

0:00-7:57 Review of “service” in Exodus 1–14
7:58-14:42 Salvation, Covenant, and Works
14:43-32:53 Image of God vs images of gods
33:04-42:38 The service of Sabbath
42:39-48:22 Slavery, apologetics, and Bible study
48:23-1:05:12 Tabernacle and the presence of God

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What does it really mean to “serve” in the book of Exodus? In this episode, Matthew Delaney and Dr. Nathan French explore how a single Hebrew word weaves through the early chapters of Exodus—from Israel’s oppression under Pharaoh to their calling to worship Yahweh. By tracing this vocabulary across key moments in Exodus 1–14, we uncover a powerful theme: the Exodus is not just about escaping slavery—it’s about being set free to worship. Along the way, we also explore fascinating connections with Genesis, the meaning of Passover, and how this theme shapes our understanding of purpose, identity, and calling today.

Chapters

0:00-2:58 Intro
2:59-6:53 Hebrew “service” in Exodus
6:54-10:05 Vocabulary Connections in Genesis
10:06-16:34 The Problem in Exodus: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 1–2
16:35-31:48 Purpose in Exodus: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 3–4
31:49-43:06 Pharaoh’s Response: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 5
43:07-48:25 That they may serve/worship me: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 7–10
48:26-1:03:41 Passover as Worship: Tracing “service” vocabulary from Exodus 12–13
1:03:42-1:07:37 Escaping Egypt: Tracing “service” vocabulary in Exodus 14

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Dive into the diverse roles of biblical prophets with Dr. Todd Hibbard. In this episode, we discuss his book "Prophets and Prophecy," examining the phenomenological aspects of prophecy and its implications for economic and legal criticisms in ancient Israel and Judah. Dr. Hibbard also connects these insights to modern Christian perspectives and the teachings of Jesus, offering a transformative look at how these ancient messages influence our understanding of justice and righteousness today.

Todd Hibbard is Professor and Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy. He has a PhD in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity from the University of Notre Dame

"Prophets and Prophecy" by Todd Hibbard: https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/4987-2/prophets-and-prophecy.aspx

"Prophets and Prophecy" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Prophets-Prophecy-Ancient-Israel-Judah-ebook/dp/B0DWNCLDFZ/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sxBHKoR22_luBKs21tBXq1fv1BwHay9GHSMiV3gXuhyTjJEFe46bpThS4woa9_oar7l090zyKjwhqejMz9U_Eg.Ub67uRwgXOZlaiDQK2qP8hNdvIBpUTwprV5KuOasmrA&dib_tag=se&qid=1742787297&refinements=p_27%3AJ+Todd+Hibbard&s=books&sr=1-2

Chapters

0:00-6:33 Intro
6:34-14:56 Diversity of what prophets do
14:57-23:39 The Phenomena of Prophecy
23:40-28:28 Prophets of the Bible vs prophets of the ancient Near East
28:29-34:15 Prophets as Social Critics
34:16-41:00 The economy of ancient Israel
41:01-45:45 Where to start with prophets
45:46-53:39 Proverbs and Prophets
53:40-1:00:59 Jesus as a prophetic social critic

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Read 1 Enoch with us in the Hebrew Bible Book Club: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights
In today's episode, we explore the significance of the Book of 1 Enoch and its impact on early Christian thought. Although most Christians today do not consider this book canonical, 1 Enoch offers valuable insights into Jewish eschatology and its influence on the New Testament. It is even quoted by Jude who says that Enoch prophesied. We delve into how early Christians, including church fathers like St. Irenaeus, engaged with Enoch's visions and teachings, and what this means for understanding prophetic traditions and the Gospel today. Join us as we uncover why 1 Enoch remains a vital text for Christians seeking a deeper historical and theological context.

Chapters

0:00-7:12 Why does the book of 1 Enoch matter?
7:13-12:39 How we first encountered 1 Enoch
12:40-19:42 1 Enoch and the Biblical Canon
19:43-27:02 Enoch in Scripture and Enoch as a prophet
27:03-37:10 St. Irenaeus of the early church and Enoch
37:11-46:08 Prophetic tradition, the ancient Near East, and Enoch
46:09-55:35 The Incarnation, the Gospel, and Enoch

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Read 1 Enoch with us in the Hebrew Bible Book Club: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights

In today’s episode, we tackle an important question: How should we evaluate biblical characters? Are they flawless heroes, irredeemable villains, or something more complex? We explore how to move beyond simplistic views by looking at the actual text and learning from the wisdom of St. John Chrysostom.

We also discuss themes of exile, repentance, and restoration. This conversation is all about embracing the depth of Scripture and avoiding the trap of false dichotomies—biblical characters are neither perfect saints nor one-dimensional sinners. There’s so much we can learn from their lives, struggles, and faith.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of these ancient stories and discover how they speak to us today.

Chapters
0:00-11:18 Growing up with Heroes OR Villains
11:19-20:40 Going back to the ACTUAL text
20:41-32:02 Wisdom from St. John Chrysostom
32:03-43:48 Exile and Repentance
43:49-47:25 Enoch!

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Join a Hebrew language cohort with Matthew Delaney: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights

In today’s episode, we chat with Bobby about his fascinating journey into the world of biblical languages and dive deep into his work on a Hebrew dictionary. What inspired him to create it? How do we understand Hebrew words beyond the Bible? And what’s the deal with Paleo Hebrew? We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the joys and challenges of putting together a dictionary and how the process shaped Bobby spiritually. It’s a rich and inspiring conversation for anyone interested in biblical studies, language, or the intersection of work and personal formation.

“Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic Dictionary” https://zondervanacademic.com/products/biblical-hebrew-and-aramaic-dictionary

Robert R. Duke, (PhD, University of California, Los Angeles) is a professor in the Honors College and former dean of the School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University. He is the author of The Social Location of the Visions of Amram and serves as the director of the Scholars Initiative at the Museum of the Bible.

Chapters
0:00-2:25 Introduction
2:26-8:11 Dr. Kirk’s journey in biblical studies
8:12-11:28 Elevator pitch for Agur
11:29-15:23 Order, Disorder, and Stuart Weeks
15:24-26:11 History of Wisdom Literature Interpretation
26:12-34:20 Agur the Eccentric Genius
34:21-45:40 What is Philology?
45:41-56:31 Difficult title and the genre of Agur
56:32-1:02:52 Humor in the Bible
1:02:53-1:09:07 The Big Picture Flow of Proverbs 30
1:09:08-1:16:05 Reading Agur as Christian Scripture

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Enroll in the "What is Biblical Wisdom" Video Course: https://hebrewbibleinsights.teachable.com/p/biblicalwisdom

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Alexander Kirk to explore his book, Agur's Wisdom and the Coherence of Proverbs 30. Who is Agur, and why does he stand out as an eccentric genius? What can we learn about wisdom literature from the history of its interpretation? And how do we approach the humor, structure, and deeper meanings in Proverbs 30?

Dr. Kirk also shares his journey in biblical studies and gives us a glimpse into the art of philology. Whether you're curious about Agur’s unique voice or how to read Proverbs 30 as Christian Scripture, this episode has something for everyone who loves wisdom literature and the Hebrew Bible.

“Agur's Wisdom and the Coherence of Proverbs 30” https://a.co/d/2xCSGgf

0:00-2:25 Introduction
2:26-8:11 Dr. Kirk’s journey in biblical studies
8:12-11:28 Elevator pitch for Agur
11:29-15:23 Order, Disorder, and Stuart Weeks
15:24-26:11 History of Wisdom Literature Interpretation
26:12-34:20 Agur the Eccentric Genius
34:21-45:40 What is Philology?
45:41-56:31 Difficult title and the genre of Agur
56:32-1:02:52 Humor in the Bible
1:02:53-1:09:07 The Big Picture Flow of Proverbs 30
1:09:08-1:16:05 Reading Agur as Christian Scripture

Alex Kirk joined the faculty of Beeson Divinity School in 2024 to teach Old Testament and Hebrew after serving in global theological education for nearly a decade. He has previously taught in over a dozen countries, at schools like Ecole Superieure Baptiste de Théologie de l’Afrique de l’Ouest in Lomé, Togo, Institut Biblique de la Croix-des-Bouquets in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, and Baptistička teološka škola in Novi Sad, Serbia, as well as helping to launch William Tennent School of Theology in Colorado and serving with Crosslands Training in the UK. Both a philologist and a theologian by training, his academic interests range from biblical Hebrew linguistics and text criticism to poetry, wisdom literature, hermeneutics and theological interpretation of Scripture. His first book, Agur's Wisdom and the Coherence of Proverbs 30 (SBL, 2024), combines many of these interests to present a detailed interpretation of Proverbs chapter 30 as a coherent collection that mocks pride and commends humility as the better part of wisdom. Ongoing projects relate to the relationship of wisdom and law in the Hebrew Bible and Second Temple Judaism, the role of humor in biblical wisdom and theological interpretation of Ecclesiastes.

As the son of a pastor and an enthusiast for literature of all types, Kirk is particularly passionate about leading church leaders deeper into the text of the Old Testament to encounter God. To this end, he continually strives to deepen his own understanding of the hermeneutical reality that this ancient text is the word of the LORD to his people. Alex is married to Meghan and they have three daughters, Rue, Willa and Janie. Their family attends Christ the King Anglican Church (ACNA) in Hoover, Alabama.

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