The Old Testament in Context

How much of your Bible do you actually use? If you're like most Christians, the answer is about a third. The Old Testament remains a mystery—but it doesn't have to be.

In this first episode, I explore why modern readers struggle with the Old Testament, why we're actually less equipped than the Pharisees were (and they still missed Jesus), and what we can do about it.

I'm Scott Smith—not a scholar, just a Sunday School teacher from Michigan who got frustrated and started digging. This series is what I've learned.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - How much of your Bible do you use?0:23 - Who I am and why I made this0:34 - The uncomfortable truth about our ignorance3:00 - What Scripture did the Apostles have?3:54 - The Road to Emmaus5:03 - The Pharisees Problem (the key insight)7:13 - But there's hope7:50 - What this series will cover10:00 - What's next

🔗 LINKS

OT in Context App: https://otincontext.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtestamentincontext

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@otincontext

📚 THIS SERIES COVERS:

- Geography of the biblical world

- History and empires

- The story from creation to Christ

- Archaeology and evidence

- Theology and deeper meaning

🎬 NEXT EPISODE: Why Geography Matters

Join us as we explore the names of God in the Old Testament, from El to Yahweh-Tsidkenu. Discover their cultural significance, how they reveal God's character, and their connection to His covenant with Israel.

Explore how the Garden of Eden shapes the Old Testament narrative, from sacred spaces to prophetic hope. Discover the deeper themes of divine presence, covenant, and restoration that connect the ancient story to God’s ultimate plan for humanity. A fresh look at Eden’s echoes in Scripture.

An ancient cave near Mount Ararat has revealed an astonishing secret that dates back over 6,000 years! Could this discovery connect us to the world of the Old Testament in ways we never expected?

Read more here: https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/p/ancient-wine-cave-near-ararat-could-this-be-the-world-s-oldest-winery

And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

This episode dives into the ancient polytheistic cultures surrounding Israel, exploring the powerful allure of deities like Baal, Asherah, and Molech. Join us to uncover the tensions between Israel's monotheistic worship of Yahweh and the spiritual challenges posed by neighboring gods, as well as the persistent prophetic calls to loyalty and faithfulness. This episode examines how these ancient stories resonate today, reminding us of the modern "idols" that compete for our devotion. Rediscover the Old Testament as its original audience experienced it.

And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating story of Joshua's standing stone at Shechem, a powerful symbol of Israel's covenant with God as recounted in Joshua 24. We explore the cultural and spiritual significance of standing stones in the ancient Near East and their role as enduring reminders of faith and commitment. Join us as we discuss the biblical account, the potential archaeological connections at Shechem, and what this story means for believers today. Tune in to uncover the rich history and timeless lessons behind this remarkable monument.

And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/

Read the article here: https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/p/how-the-ancients-viewed-divine-kingship

And subscribe to our newsletter at https://discovering-the-ot-as-they-knew-it.beehiiv.com/