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Acts 7 is one of the clearest summaries of the big picture story of Scripture. In this episode, Matthew walks through the final words of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, to see how he summarizes the story of the Old Testament. He also reflects on how this speech can inspire and guide us in our own walk with God. Chapters 0:00-5:31 Introduction 5:32-29:57 Acts 7 with Commentary 29:58-40:40 Devotional Insights Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

Nehemiah 9 is one of the clearest summaries of the big picture story of Scripture in the Old Testament. In this episode, Matthew walks through the prayer of Nehemiah 9 and shows how it retells the story of the Old Testament. He also reflects on how this prayer teaches us to confess sin, remember God’s faithfulness, and see our lives within the larger story of the Gospel.  Chapters 0:00-8:54 Introduction 8:55-32:07 Nehemiah 9 with Commentary 32:08-50:15 Devotional Insights Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

What does Elijah’s ascension have to do with the ascension of Jesus? In this episode, Matthew (MA in Biblical Literature and Semitic Languages) explores 2 Kings 2 alongside Luke 24 and Acts 1, tracing how these two stories illuminate one another and deepen our understanding of Christ, the Church, and the Holy Spirit. Chapters 0:00-2:13 Intro 2:14-12:29 Ascension of Jesus 12:30-35:02 Ascension of Elijah 35:03-44:45 Bonus Insight Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights What do wisdom and the temple have to do with each other? In this episode, we explore one of the most fascinating overlaps in the story of Scripture. From creation as God’s cosmic temple to Solomon building the temple in wisdom, from Proverbs 8 to Exodus 40, we trace how God orders the world in wisdom and dwells with His people in sacred space. We also reflect on how these themes come together in Jesus—the true image and true temple—and what it means for us as those being built up into a spiritual house. This conversation invites us to see the Bible as one unified story and to consider how wisdom, worship, and vocation shape our lives today. Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights Psalm 149 might just change how you read the entire Book of Psalms. In this episode, Matthew (MA in Biblical Literature and Semitic Languages) explores a powerful connection between the opening psalms and the closing chapters of the Psalter. Psalm 1 invites us into the way of righteousness, Psalm 2 depicts the rebellion of the nations against the Lord and His Anointed, and Psalm 149 brings those same themes to a dramatic conclusion. We trace the story of rejection, warning, patience, and ultimately judgment—while also seeing how these psalms point us to Jesus and the hope given to the humble. This conversation invites us to read the Psalms as one unified story and to reflect on what that story means for our lives today. Chapters 0:00-13:08 Psalms 1-2 13:09-33:43 Psalm 149 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights Daniel 4 is one of the most surprising and underrated chapters in the Bible. In this episode, Matthew (MA in Biblical Literature and Semitic Languages) and Dr. Nathan French (PhD in Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East) walk through this wild and deeply edifying story line by line, exploring Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream, Daniel’s bold counsel, the mysterious “watchers,” and the king’s humbling descent into madness. Along the way, we uncover foundational biblical themes: the danger of arrogance, the necessity of humility, God’s kingship over the universe, and His persistent desire to lead people toward repentance and restoration. Daniel 4 reminds us that no one is too far gone for God’s mercy—not even the king of Babylon—and shows how true repentance leads to restoration and renewed allegiance to God. This chapter is both gripping and accessible, making it an incredible text for personal study, church teaching, and small groups. Chapters 0:00-4:52 Intro 4:53-11:42 Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream 11:43-20:31 Why is the king of Babylon a great tree? 20:32-23:29 Daniel’s Counsel 23:30-26:29 The “Watchers” 26:30-35:55 Why the punishment of becoming like an animal? 35:56-48:51 Incredible Repentance and Restoration Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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! Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com

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 Join our Bible Study: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights WHERE TO FIND US Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hebrewbibleinsights YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRSNQ7xVw7PjQ5FnqYmSDA Website: ⁠https://www.hebrewbibleinsights.com