Episode: In final part of our three-part series (finally!), Chris and Kyle discuss the year’s top ten archaeological discoveries and stories related to the Bible, including in this one, a weird and strange discovery. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help OnScript and Biblical World continue by becoming…

Episode: Here’s the third in our multi-part series on the Epic of Gilgamesh, hosted by Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh! It's a fun ep, so tune in! Click HERE and HERE for parts 1 & 2. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.…

Episode: Here's the second in our multi-part series on the Epic of Gilgamesh, hosted by Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh! They finish Tablet 1 in this episode, discussing Gilgamesh's need to tame his passions, his journey into the wilds, the character Enkidu, links to early Genesis (e.g., Enkidu as Adam), links to Daniel and much more! Hosts: Chris McK…

Episode: In this episode of Biblical World, Kyle interviews Paul Evans about his new book, Sennacherib and the War of 1812: Disputed Victory in the Assyrian Campaign of 701 BCE in Light of Military History (T&T Clark, 2023). They delve into military history and consider how the goals and ideologies of individual combatants/nations lead to alternate…

Episode: Part 2 in our 3-part series on the top ten archaeological discoveries and stories related to the Bible from 2023. Some are honorable and some ... dishonorable. We talk about the lead "tablet" from Mt. Ebal, cosmic rays, the location of Canaanite Jerusalem, and other sensational and significant finds and stories from the year. Buckle up and…

Episode: In this three-part series - Chris and Kyle discuss the year’s top ten archaeological discoveries and stories related to the Bible. Part 1 discusses the most important finds related to the Bronze Age. We talk Hittites, the location and identification of Sinai, and much more! Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give: Visit our Donate Page i…

Episode: Kyle and Mark talk with Prof. Steve Ortiz about the Archaeology of the United Monarchy. In particular, they focus on the so-called "Solomonic" gates while also touching on the historicity of David and Solomon and issues in the use and dating of archaeological materials. Guest: Dr. Steven Ortiz is the Director of the Lanier Center for Archa…

Episode: What do we know about children in ancient Israel, about who they were, the lives they led, and the people in their lives? Kristine Garroway is at the forefront of a new interest in the lives of children, and she draws on insights from comparative Ancient Near Eastern literature, archaeology, and the biblical text to help us get to know the…

Episode: Welcome to the first of a multi-part series on the Epic of Gilgamesh, hosted by Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh! Why is this story so important, and what might it say about how we read the Bible? Where did it come from? What's its relationship to real places and history? What does it have to say to themes like guilt, grief, and what it means …

Episode: Suzanna Millar and Sébastien Doane introduce us to a newer field in biblical studies that focuses on animals in the Bible and ancient Near East. Millar and Doane co-chair "The Bible and Animal Studies" program unit at the Society for Biblical Literature. Guests: Dr. Suzanna Millar is the Chancellor's Fellow in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at…

Episode: In this episode, Amy Balogh interviews Prof. Azzan Yadin-Israel (Rutgers University) about his recent book Temptation Transformed: The Story of How the Forbidden Fruit Became an Apple (Univ of Chicago Press, 2023) in which he finally solves the mystery of how the “fruit” of Genesis 2-3 came to be known as an apple. This is the third instal…

Episode: In this episode, Amy speaks with Prof. Erica Ferg (Regis University) about the impact of geography on the religious history of the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Baal Cycle from Ugarit and the biblical story of Elijah. Erica’s research focuses on the agricultural communities of the Levant and the lived experiences that shaped how peo…

Episode: This episode covers new terrain for Biblical World. Amy speaks with Ron Simkins about the environmental crisis, ancient Israel, and an economy of enough. This is part 1 of our series on "The Bible and Nature". Guest: (From the Creighton University website) Ronald Simkins is Professor of Theology and Classical & Near Eastern Studies at Crei…

Episode: Biblical World co-host Kyle Keimer discusses his research on King Hezekiah's preparations for the Assyrian attack in 701 BCE. How do archaeologists determine the nature and extent of Hezekiah's defensive network? Did the Judeans use fire signals? How did the king prepare for war (and pay for it)? Listen in for a fascinating discussion of K…

Episode: In this episode, Kyle and Chris chat with Shlomit Bechar of Haifa University about her recent book Political Change and Material Culture in Middle to Late Bronze Age Canaan (Eisenbrauns 2022). We tackle the topic of how changes in the material culture relate to political events (in particular the expulsion of the Hyksos from Egypt and Thut…

Episode: Chris and Kyle chat with Ken Dark about his work in and around Nazareth, which has illuminated our understanding of early Roman-period Nazareth. Ken talks about his survey on the northern outskirts of Nazareth, his re-analysis of the Franciscan excavations at the Church of the Annunciation, and his work at the nearby Sisters of Nazareth Co…

Episode: This wide-ranging interview explores the joys, travails, and wonders of archaeology related to the history and context of the Bible. Discussion focuses on Pauline archaeology, especially on Cyprus, but also his excavations in Kazakhstan, Sudan and elsewhere. Guest: (from the Libscomb University website) has forty years of experience as an …

Episode: This episode is the final installment in the 3-part archaeology of Passion Week discussion. Chris and Kyle take a detailed look at how archaeological finds in Jerusalem can help us better situate and understand the events of this fateful week. Chris and Kyle discuss the location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, the Garden Tomb, the Church…

Episode: This episode is part two of the three-part series on the archaeology of Passion Week. Chris and Kyle take a detailed look at how archaeological finds in Jerusalem can help us better situate and understand the events of this fateful week. They delve into the Gospel of John, the Last Supper, and Jesus’ trials. (republished from 2021) Hosts: …

Episode: This episode is the first of a three-part series on the archaeology of the Passion week. Chris and Kyle take a detailed look at how archaeological finds in Jerusalem can help us better situate and understand the events of this fateful week. (This episode is republished from 2021). Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Summary: Chris and Kyl…

Episode: What happens when we ignore the physical settings of the Bible? In this episode, Biblical World co-hosts explore the significance of the land for biblical interpretation. We journey to Shechem, Nahal Besor, and the end of the Jordan River to discover the historical and theological significance of geographical locations for biblical interpr…

Episode: In this episode, we discuss the god Moses. Yes, you heard that right! It's there in Exod 7:1. But what does this mean? How can we make sense of the transformation of Moses from a man of "uncircumcised lips" to a god? What happens if we read this story in its ancient Near Eastern context? How is Moses also like an idol? We explore this and …

Episode: In this episode of the Egypt and the Bible series, Chris and Mark discuss the Egyptian background and context of the ten plagues from the Book of Exodus, including the details of real-world calamities. Hosts: Chris and Mark See Mark's edited book, Five Views on the Exodus (Zondervan, 2021). Egypt Series: Check out our other episodes in the…

Episode: Elephantine continues to fascinate scholars of Second Temple Judaism, in part, because it shows that there wasn't just one Jewish temple after the return from exile. In this episode, which is part of longer episode to be released later on OnScript, Collin Cornell discusses this fascinating site and its significance for understanding early …

Episode: In this episode - Chris and Kyle are joined by Nathan Steinmeyer (Biblical Archaeological Review, Assistant Editor) to discuss BAR’s dig issue - one of the best resources for finding a place to dig! Also, hear about how Kyle got into archaeology. To find a dig: https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/digs/ To find out more about Biblical Archa…

Episode: George Pierce joins hosts Kyle Keimer and Chris McKinny to discuss their newly edited volume The Ancient Israelite World (Routledge, 2022). This volume brings together a world-class line-up of scholars and includes a whopping 47 essays on ancient Israelite society, economy, religion, language, culture, history, and more! Participants: Kyle…

Episode: In part 2 of this series, Kyle and Chris discuss additional historical and archaeological aspects associated with the origin stories of Jesus as seen in Matthew and Luke. They discuss the archaeological background and traditions associated with the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. They also explain a number of other historical backgrou…

Episode: Biblical World hosts Chris and Kyle talk about the archaeology and historical context of Christmas. They try not to be Grinches. This is part 1 of a two part series. This is a re-broadcast of an episode from last year. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer. Give: Help support OnScript’s Biblical World HERE. Thanks to all of you who have sup…

Episode: One site in Jerusalem, this episode explores the cultural backgrounds to the book of Ruth. We discuss agriculture, famine, marriage relationships, orphans, widows, geography and much more! Hosts: Oliver Hersey (JUC) and Chris McKinny (Geshur Media). Find out more on Jerusalem University College and Geshur Media. Give: Visit our Donate Page…

Episode: In this episode, Chris and Kyle interview Koert van Bekkum (ETF Leuven) about his views on Solomon’s Administrative Division in 1 Kings 4 in its Ancient Near Eastern context. What is the purpose of this list? Are there parallels to this list in the ANE? What does this list tell us about the nature of Solomon’s “kingdom”? Hosts: Kyle and Ch…

Episode: Chris McKinny and Mark Janzen discuss the early vs. late date for the date of the exodus, date of the conquest, the emergence of Israel in the land of Canaan, and biblical chronology. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Mark Janzen Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help support the ongoing work of OnScript and Biblical World!…

Episode: In this episode, Kyle and Chris take a look at giants in the wider literary, cultural, archaeological, and geographical context of the Biblical World. A previous episode discussed giants in connection with Hebron in Judges 1. This episode focuses on the narratives that mention Philistine giants. For more information see - “Encounters with …

Episode:In this episode, which was recorded during the excavation of the Iron Age II gate at Tel Burna, Chris and Steven Ortiz (Lipscomb University and Lanier Archaeological Center) discuss the following topics: The Lanier Archaeological Center The Gezer Archaeological Project The Tel Burna Archaeological Project The Necessity of Financial Support …

Episode: Our first on site episode ever! That's worth celebrating, right? Chris McKinny is in the field at Tel Burna, where he's been digging for over a decade with site director Itzick Shai, whom he interviews from the top of the Tel. Guest: Prof. Itzick Shai is VP and Dean for Research and Development at Ariel University. He's an archaeologist an…

Episode: Paul Spilsbury knew Josephus personally ... or at least he's spent so much time with him that it's almost as if he did. In this episode we talk about Josephus' writings, identity, and how understanding Josephus helps us understand the New Testament. We also discuss Christianity in Turkey, the book of Acts, and much more! (This episode is c…

Episode: Oliver Hersey (president of Jerusalem University College) speaks with his predecessor Paul Wright, who has lived and breathed the land of the Bible. They discuss Jesus and Jezreel, the Old Testament stories Jesus would've known as he overlooked the Jezreel, and much much more! Guest: Dr. Paul Wright (Ph.D., Hebrew Union College - Jewish In…

Episode: In this episode Matt Lynch sits down with Dan Pioske to talk about the way we know about ancient Israel. Most scholars have been so text-based in their assumptions about memory transmission in the ancient world. They assume that texts & docs were the main way knowledge was preserved. Pioske suggests that there's another major way knowledge…

Episode: This episode takes you on a wild ride through the land of the Bible, the world of Josephus, into the ER after crashed planes, by the Dead Sea, and includes encounters with Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and a fire-breathing dragon. Brace yourself! This episode is republished from OnScript podcast. Guest: Dr. Wave Nunnally is Professor of Early Ju…

Episode: This is the second in a multi-part series on Egypt and the Bible. Mark and Chris discuss Israel in Egypt, evidence of Egyptian influences in the Bible, Israel in Goshen, the early chapters of exodus, and none other than Moses himself. Hosts: Mark Janzen and Chris McKinny Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to support the ongoing work o…

Episode: For part 1 see here. In this episode, we (Chris and Kyle) get into the biblical and geographical details connected with locating Sodom and the Cities of the Plain. We continue to argue for the traditional position that the cities of the Plain are to be located in the southern basin of the Dead Sea (i.e., inundation view). We also address s…

Episode: This is the first in a multi-part series on Egypt and the Bible. Mark and Chris discuss the visits of the Hebrew patriarchs in Egypt. They focus especially on the presence of Semites in Egypt and the plausibility of the story of Joseph. Hosts: Mark Janzen and Chris McKinny Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to support the ongoing work…

Episode: In this episode - several of the co-hosts (Oliver Hersey, Mark Janzen, Kyle Keimer, and Chris McKinny) discuss the recent announcement of the discovery of a lead tablet from Mount Ebal that potentially dates to the end of the Late Bronze Age and/or Early Iron Age and purportedly mentions the divine name - YHW (i..e, Yahweh). The discussion…

Episode: In episode 2 of the series “Geography of Judges,” Chris and Kyle talk about “Giants in Judges” in connection with the giants of Hebron mentioned in Judges 1:8–15. They also discuss the archaeological background of the fortifications of Hebron. Hosts: Chris McKinny is a Research Fellow with Gesher Media. Passionate about the archaeology, hi…

Episode: Dru Johnson talks with Clinton Bailey about how he ended up living with Bedouins in the Negev, their law, gender practices, and poetry. His most recent book, Bedouin Culture in the Bible (Yale University Press, 2019), examines and explains practices, poetry, and laws from the Hebrew Bible's own bedouin roots (according to the stories of Ge…

Episode: Lynn Cohick speaks with Jason Staples about concepts of Israel that emerged in the Second Temple period, and their implications for understanding the early Judaism. Staples challenges prevailing ideas about Jewish identity around the turn of the Common Era. Guest: Jason Staples is Assistant Professor in the College of Humanities and Social…

Episode: Co-hosts Chris McKinny and Mary Buck discuss the discovery of the Lachish Letters (or Lachish Ostraca), and work through several example texts to help you understand their content and significance. Hosts: Chris McKinny and Mary Buck Series: STANE – “Special” Texts of the Ancient Near East. See our Amarna Letters, Mesha Stele and Introducto…

Episode: A recent report - published in the very prestigious journal Nature - argued that the site of Tall al-Hammam and other sites in its vicinity were destroyed by an "airburst event" around 1650 BCE. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-97778-3 The underlying assumption of the article is that Tall al-Hammam is the site of Sodom and that t…

Episode: What lies beneath Jerusalem? Join Kyle and Chris as they interview Andrew Lawler about his excellent and exciting new book Under Jerusalem: the Buried History of the World’s Most Contested City (also available via Audible.com as an audio book). In this interview, we discuss a variety of issues that Lawler covers in his book - he also gives…

Episode: In this episode Mark and Chris talk with Dr. K. Lawson Younger (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) about the Contextual Approach and its benefits for interpreting Scripture with caution required to avoid the paradoxical dangers of "parallelomania" and "parallelophobia." Dr. Younger is an Assyriologist who also specializes on the Arameans…

Episode: Who was Adoni-bezek? (Judges 1:1–7) Geography in Judges is a new series where hosts Kyle and Chris (sometimes with friends) will discuss historical geographical and archaeological issues that arise in the Book of Judges. This weeks discussion is on the enigmatic character of Adoni-bezek (Judges 1:1–7). Who was he? Where was he from? What c…