In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the biblical character Jacob, examining his moral complexities and human flaws as portrayed in Genesis. They discuss the Hebrew word "tom," recurring themes of deception, and the principle of divine measure-for-measure justice. The hosts also critique feminist biblical criticism for imposing modern frameworks onto ancient texts, using the story of Dinah and Shechem as an example. Throughout, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen encourage listeners to approach scripture with humility, embracing its complexity while trusting in God's transformative purposes through imperfect people.


00:00 Introduction
00:41 Jacob and the Word "Tom"
04:28 Binary Thinking vs. Biblical Nuance
09:41 Jacob’s Narrative Arc
14:51 Oral Culture and Literary Echoes
19:06 Historical and Legal Context of Birthright
25:04 Spiritual Karma and Redemption
32:02 Jacob’s Deceit and Its Consequences
42:28 Ancient Marriage and Women’s Rights Context
52:21 Power of Scripture and Personal Revelation
56:22 Selective Application and Double Standards
01:02:30 Dinah and Shechem
01:09:57 Outro and Listener Invitation

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Resources

Biblical Interpretation and Scholarship

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/samson-raphael-hirsch

Nahum Sarna
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/nahum-m-sarna

Walter Brueggemann
https://www.walterbrueggemann.com/

Claus Westermann
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claus_Westermann

Terence E. Fretheim (likely correct for “Frensham”)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terence_E._Fretheim

Ancient Literature and Parallels

Epic of Gilgamesh
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Epic-of-Gilgamesh

Isaiah 3:10–11
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/3

Doctrine and Covenants 111:1
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/111

Feminist and Critical Approaches

Feminist Biblical Criticism
https://www.britannica.com/topic/feminist-biblical-criticism

Sam Walter Foss
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/sam-walter-foss

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 this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the theology of food in the biblical story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25–28). They examine how food and appetite drive key narrative moments, including Esau selling his birthright for stew and Jacob's deceptive meal securing Isaac's blessing. Drawing on rabbinic commentaries and scholars like Gordon Wenham and Norman Wirzba, they highlight parallels with the Garden of Eden and discuss how food symbolizes desire, deception, and spiritual consequence, ultimately reflecting deeper truths about gratitude, community, and humanity's dependence on God.


00:00 Introduction
05:17 Food and Appetite in Genesis 25 & 27
12:02 Meal Scenes as Narrative Structure
16:30 Food’s Symbolic Burden and Obligations
20:19 Theology of Food in Jewish Life
24:43 Parallels with the Garden of Eden
30:25 Food Temptation Pattern in Genesis
36:22 Introduction to Theology of Food
39:40 Esau’s Character and the Birthright
43:41 Rebecca’s Role and Parental Favoritism
47:11 Jacob’s Character Arc and Deceit Motif
53:18 Conclusion: Food, Banquet, and Restoration

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Resources

Come Follow Me
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/come-follow-me

Midrash
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/midrash-101/

Biblical Commentary on Genesis by Gordon Wenham
https://www.logos.com/product/208093/genesis-2-vols

Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating by Norman Wirzba
https://archive.org/details/foodfaiththeolog0000wirz

Essays on Agriculture and Food Responsibility by Wendell Berry
https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/34

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In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore literary criticism of the Hebrew Bible, focusing on the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Esau. Drawing on scholar Robert Alter's work, they examine key techniques including type scenes, dialogue-driven characterization, intentional narrative gaps, and word motifs. The hosts analyze well scenes in Genesis as symbols of life, fertility, and covenant. They encourage listeners to embrace the Bible's moral complexity and ambiguity rather than seeking simple answers. The next episode will focus on the theology of food in these same stories.


00:00 Introduction
02:38 Symbolism of Wells in Ancient Near East
05:14 Jacob and Rachel at the Well
08:07 Moses and Zipporah at the Well
09:16 Repetition and Variation in Well Stories
13:49 Importance of Original Language and Translation
20:21 Purposeful Repetition and Word Motifs
24:47 Well Motifs in Isaac’s Story
28:10 Saint Augustine’s Rule for Interpretation
33:21 Isaac’s Character and Transition to Food Theme
33:40 Outro and Preview of Part Two

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Resources

Calvin Theological Seminary
https://calvinseminary.edu/

The Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter
https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780465022553/the-art-of-biblical-narrativehttps://www.amazon.com/Art-Biblical-Narrative-Robert-Alter/dp/0465022553

Come Follow Me
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/come-follow-me

Disruptive Torah (Madlik by Jeffrey Stern)
https://madlik.com/

https://www.sefaria.org/collections/madlik-disruptive-torah

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The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word.

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In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore biblical literary criticism as a scholarly tool for understanding the Bible's composition and meaning. Cindy explains various critical approaches, emphasizing that "criticism" means analysis, not negativity. They discuss how biblical narratives use literary devices like the "two ways" doctrine, paired stories, and the hero's journey. Using Abraham and Lot as contrasting examples, they examine moral choices and consequences, before diving into the Binding of Isaac as a profound test of faith, obedience, and trust in God's promises.

00:00 Podcast Introduction
02:18 Types of Biblical Criticism
05:17 Layperson’s Access to the Bible
08:06 Transition to Abraham Story
11:58 Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
18:33 The Hero’s Journey and Monomyth
26:09 Wisdom, Knowledge, and Redemption
36:11 The Binding of Isaac: Introduction
46:50 Christ as the Fulfillment
46:56 Podcast Closing and Reflections

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Resources

Calvin Theological Seminary
https://calvinseminary.edu/

The Book of Mormon
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/29099/the-hero-with-a-thousand-faces-by-joseph-campbell/

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In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis chapters 19-21 and Ezekiel 16, examining the stories of Hagar, Sarah, Ishmael, Isaac, and Lot. They discuss ancient legal customs, including the Hammurabi Code, to provide context for inheritance rights and social dynamics. Key themes include God's compassion toward marginalized figures like Hagar and Ishmael, the multifaceted destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and how prophetic literature reinterprets earlier narratives. Throughout, the hosts emphasize understanding God's character—His justice, mercy, and covenant faithfulness—rather than simply assigning blame to biblical figures.

00:00 Introduction 
03:51 Biblical Patterns of Sibling Rivalry
09:49 God’s Perspective and Hagar’s Covenant
16:19 Transition to the Story of Lot and Sodom
25:31 Divine Acceptance and Hospitality
33:55 Ezekiel’s List of Sodom’s Sins
43:45 Ezekiel’s Shocking Rhetoric
50:26 Marriage Metaphor and Idolatry
01:03:27 Conclusion and Preview

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Resources

Bible Translations and Tools

New Living Translation (NLT) — free online reading
https://www.bible.com/versions/116-nlt-new-living-translation

NIV Translation — Bible Gateway (NIV)
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/

NRSV Translation — Bible Gateway (NRSV)
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Revised-Standard-Version-NRSV-Bible/

Net Bible — online NET Bible
https://www.netbible.org/

Hammurabi Code — Yale Avalon Project (full text)
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/ancient/hamframe.asp

Books and Articles

Ishmael and Hagar's Exile and the Hammurabi Code — Times of Israel blog
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/yishmael-and-hagars-exile-and-hammurabis-code/

Videos

Reflections at Faith of an Observer: The Hugh Nibley Story — YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYPVZvRXpIY

Biblical Concepts and References

Covenantal God / Covenant (general concept) — GotQuestions.org explanation
https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-covenant.html

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In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their study of Genesis 15–18. They explore Melchizedek, the mysterious priest-king of Salem, discussing his eternal priesthood, connection to temple rituals, and foreshadowing of Christ. They examine Abraham's covenant with God and the promise of an heir. The hosts also provide cultural context for the story of Hagar and Sarah, explaining ancient Near Eastern customs around surrogacy and concubinage, helping listeners better understand the complex dynamics between the two women and God's compassion for the marginalized.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:31 Melchizedek’s Priesthood and Symbolism
09:16 Melchizedek in Ancient Texts and Temple Rituals
16:07 Abraham’s Covenant and Divine Reward
21:43 Transition to Hagar: Context and Cultural Distance
24:02 Sarah, Hagar, and Ancient Surrogacy Customs
30:22 Hurrians, Nuzi Tablets, and Patriarchal Customs
37:00 Legal Contracts and Surrogacy Protections
43:30 Ancient Law Codes and Social Hierarchy
48:19 Outro and Podcast Information

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The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word.

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In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the story of Lot (Genesis 12–19), contrasting his cautionary tale with Abraham’s redemption narrative. They discuss literary techniques like chiasmus and parallelism, highlighting how biblical stories reveal character through actions. The hosts examine Lot’s moral compromises, his estrangement from God, and the symbolism of his choices, while emphasizing Abraham’s faithfulness. Through thoughtful analysis, Susan and Cindy invite listeners to reflect on personal spiritual journeys and the enduring relevance of these ancient narratives.

00:00 Introduction
05:46 Lot’s Character and Role
10:14 Biblical Literary Devices
14:26 Repetition, Parallelism, and Chiasmus
21:42 Cultural and Narrative Context
24:10 Lot as Abraham’s Heir
28:17 Shift in Lot’s Status
33:27 Intertextuality: Lot/Abraham and Jacob/Esau
36:12 Abraham’s Offer and Lot’s Choice
38:43 Symbolism of Egypt and Canaan
45:35 Lot’s Downward Trajectory
49:35 Lot Moves into Sodom
51:39 Abraham Rescues Lot
58:38 Abraham as Redeemer
01:04:48 Conclusion


Resources

Robert Alter Edition of the Old Testament
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Robert+Alter+Old+Testament

Book of Abraham
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Abraham

Book of Jubilees
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Jubilees

Josephus' Antiquities
https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Josephus%2C+Ant.+1

LDS Theology
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study

Rabbi Raymond Harari's Article
https://www.raymondharari.com/articles

Intertextuality in the Bible
https://intertextual.bible

Cantillation Marks
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/trope-cantillation/


Books

The Characterization of Lot in Genesis by Sharon Pace Jensen
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Characterization+of+Lot+in+Genesis

Cautionary Tales by Hilaire Belloc
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Cautionary+Tales+Hilaire+Belloc

The Pearl of Great Price
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp

Relational Faith by Brent J. Schmidt
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Relational+Faith+Brent+J+Schmidt

Relational Grace by Brent J. Schmidt
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Relational+Grace+Brent+J+Schmidt


Scholars Mentioned

Jeffrey Bradshaw
https://interpreterfoundation.org/author/jbradshaw/

Brent J. Schmidt
https://rsc.byu.edu/authors/schmidt-brent-j

John Guy
https://www.johnguy.com

Concepts and Theological Points

New Pauline Perspective
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Perspective_on_Paul

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The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word.

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In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2, focusing on Abraham’s journey, the symbolism of trees—especially oaks as covenant landmarks—and the deeper meaning behind sacred spaces in the Old Testament. They unpack the cultural and theological context of the “sister-wife” episodes involving Abraham and Sarah, offering insight into these complex narratives while emphasizing God’s guidance, protection, and covenantal purposes. Drawing on scholarly perspectives, the hosts highlight Abraham’s faithfulness and encourage listeners to trust in God’s wisdom, discern His voice, and approach challenging scriptures with greater understanding and faith.

00:00 Introduction
00:35 Abraham’s Journey
04:06 Key Biblical Occurrences of Sacred Trees
09:38 Famine and Abraham’s Move to Egypt
11:04 The Sister/Wife Narratives in Genesis
17:18 God’s Non-Censure of Abraham and Isaac
20:08 Ethical Reflections on the Sister/Wife Episodes
22:19 Lessons for Modern Readers
26:21 Conclusion


Resources

Books
Trees and Kings: A Comparative Analysis of Tree Imagery in Israel's Prophetic Tradition https://www.amazon.in/Trees-Kings-Comparative-Prophetic-Supplement/dp/1575067501
The Hebrew Bible translated by Robert Alter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hebrew_Bible_(Alter)

Scriptures
Genesis 12–17
Proverbs 3:13–18
Micah 4:4
Genesis 18
Genesis 20
Genesis 26
Genesis 12:17
Doctrine and Covenants 1:11

Articles
Article by Matthew Newkirk: Pimps or Protectors: A Re-examination of the Wife Sister Deceptions https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/files_JETS-PDFs_64_64-1_JETS_64.1_45-57_Newkirk.pdf

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The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word.

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In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 12–17 and the Book of Abraham 1–2, focusing on Abraham’s story in the land of the Chaldeans. They examine the historical and cultural context, contrasting Abraham’s pursuit of the true priesthood with surrounding pagan practices, including human sacrifice, and discuss how he resisted cultural assimilation. The hosts reflect on the scriptural meaning of perfection, emphasizing love, humility, and sincere devotion, and highlight the Abrahamic Covenant along with the evolving concept of blessing. Listeners are encouraged to seek spiritual wholeness and apply these ancient lessons to the challenges of modern life.

00:00 Introduction
01:44 Egyptian Influence
05:07 True vs. False Priesthood
08:55 Human Sacrifice in Ancient Religion
15:07 Context of “Be Ye Therefore Perfect”
19:38 Abraham’s Call and the Abrahamic Covenant
23:49 Meaning of Blessing in Scripture
28:04 Conclusion


Resources

Books
Abraham and His Family in Scripture History and Tradition https://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Family-Scripture-History-Tradition/dp/B0FHZL4SKQ
Book of Mormon https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

Videos and Lectures
Patrick Hunt's Lecture https://www.patrickhunt.us/events-and-lectures
Conference Talk by Todd https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/speakers/d-todd-christofferson?lang=eng

Scriptural References
The Book of Abraham https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Abraham

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The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word.

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In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their exploration of Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2. They discuss Abraham’s pursuit of covenant blessings, the significance of Milka as a possible priestly queen, and the deeper meanings of “happiness” and “shalom” in the Hebrew Bible. The hosts contrast Abraham’s faithfulness with his ancestors’ choices and highlight Melchizedek’s role as a model of righteousness. Through thoughtful discussion, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen illuminate the themes of covenant, priesthood, and spiritual influence in Abraham’s story.

00:03 Introduction
02:37 Milka’s Name and Possible Influence
05:16 Milka as a Priestly Queen
09:15 Biblical Meaning of Happiness
14:51 Abraham’s Family Turning Away from God
19:22 Parallels Between Milka and Abraham
23:58 Episode Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources

The Bible (specifically Genesis chapters 12 through 17)
Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis

Social Media
Susan Petersen's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susan.m.petersen

Additional Notes
The episode is part of a series split into four parts

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The Scripture Study Podcast is your midweek Bible boost—designed to help you grow in understanding, confidence, and love for God’s word.

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