For this one chapter, following Isaac's toledoth, we focus in on the life of the promised son and his relationships with YHWH and the Philistines. Josh, Brendan, and Tori reflect on the similarities to, and deviations from, what his father's life looked like and discuss new terms that YHWH uses to describe his terms for existing in covenant with Hi…

We've come to another chapter full of family lines and names. Often these sections can be tough to read through, especially since most of these characters never come up again. Josh, Tori, and Brendan dig through the names of Abraham's other sons to see if there's anything that can be learned about who they were and what their stories might have bee…

We've come to another chapter full of family lines and names. Often these sections can be tough to read through, especially since most of these characters never come up again. Josh, Tori, and Brendan dig through the names of Abraham's other sons to see if there's anything that can be learned about who they were and what their stories might have bee…

This chapter feels long and repetitive, but it's worth digging into. Josh, Tori, and Brendan seek to understand what the language has to reveal about what may be beneath the surface of this story and how it relates to Genesis 1. Key Words checed (חֵסֵד) - lovingkindness (especially in covenant relationship) bethulah (בְּתוּלָה) - a virgin almah (עַ…

Chapter 23 of Genesis is pretty straightforward as it centers around Abraham negotiating to buy a plot of land for burying Sarah's lifeless body. Even so, it's a dense chapter worth unpacking. Josh and Brendan aided by Tori's curiosity explore what may be hidden in the language while seeking to understand what's happening in the negotiations. Key W…

This story is tough. It's hard to imagine being in Abraham's shoes and saying yes to God's request, especially considering how out of character the request seems! Why did Abraham say yes? Is there more going on here than we realize? Josh, Tori, and Brendan search the text and its depths to answer these questions and more. Key Words nasah (נָסָה) - …

Josh, Tori, and Brendan explore the culmination of three stories about Abraham in Genesis 21. This exploration focuses on the Hebrew language used in the chapter to tie the events within to other stories previously explored in Genesis in order to shed light on what's happening here. Key Words tsachaq (צְחַק) - to laugh (to make sport, mock, play) g…

It really feels like Abraham with never learn. How can this account possibly shed light on Abraham’s prior deception? What does this mean for the child of promise? What’s God doing in all of this? Josh, Brendan, and Tori explore what looks like a replay of Abraham’s journey to Egypt. Key Words nabi (נָבִיא) - spokesman, speaker, prophet palal (פָלַ…

We've reached one of the most uncomfortable pairing of narratives in the Tanakh. Buried within are echoes of the stories immediately preceding it, as well as language which clues us into parallels to Genesis 3, and the story of Noah, as well as calling forward to parts of Exodus. Josh, Tori, and Brendan dig in to unearth these allusions, as well as…

Rounding out Genesis 18, Josh, Tori, and Brendan dig through the so called bargaining scene in which Abraham pleads for Sodom to be spared if 10 righteous men can be found within its walls. While exploring this passage, we discuss Abraham's demeanor, YHWH's response, and what all of this has to do with intercessory prayer and the divine court. Key …

Genesis 18 is a fairly familiar story for church goers. We know the story of the three visitors and Sarah laughing. Is there anything more we can understand or gain from this story? Josh, Tori, and Brendan discuss and dig into what this account may have to tell us about God and his relationship to Abraham. Sources Bible Hub Contact us with your que…

In Genesis 17, God establishes a covenant with Abraham in addition to the one already established in chapter 15. This includes new names for Abram and Sarai, a promise of a son through the newly named Sarah despite their ages and her infertility, and a new sign for this covenant. Josh, Tori, and Brendan dig in to understand what this covenant is ab…

Genesis 16 is a chapter full of tragedy for a woman who was already living as someone less than human which is told as a replay of the fall in Genesis 3. It speaks of the state of human sinfulness, even that of God's chosen, but also hope in spite of sin and severe wrongdoing. Key Words shama (שָׁמַע) - to hear (and to act in accordance with what's…

Genesis 15 is another very strange story. It’s not every day God shows up to talk to someone face to face, much less to do everything else He does in this chapter. Josh and Brendan work through all of the language and concepts present to derive a rich understanding of the process through which God intends to bring about Renewed Creation through Abr…

Genesis 14 seems fairly straightforward, but it also raises some questions. What’s going on with the nine tribal leaders? Who are they? Who the heck is Melchizedek? Josh, Tori, and Brendan explore the story of what happened to Abram and Lot following their separation. Key Words maaser or maasar or maasrah (מַעֲשֵׂר) - tenth part, tithe Rephaim (רָפ…

Genesis 13 tells a relatively normal story nestled between two stranger stories. Is there depth to what’s happening here? Josh, Tori, and Brendan discuss and dig in to see what this passage has to offer beyond an uncle and nephew going their separate ways. Key Words Mamre (מַמְרֵא) - seeing, understanding Sodom (סְדֹם) - flaming, burnt Gomorrah (עֲ…

This week we dig into the strange account of Abram's calling and the failures that occur alongside it. God picked this man the same we he picked Noah, but unlike Noah, Abram doesn't display the level of righteousness we would expect from God's chosen. Did God make a mistake? Is He compromising? Why does Abram receive blessing despite the problems h…

Is there anything we can learn from the record of Shem's descendants in Genesis 11? Josh, Tori, and Brendan dig into the names and their meanings to answer that question. This discussion also includes conversation regarding divine inspiration, the Septuagint, and the deuterocanonical books. Key Words Abram (אַבְרָם) - Exalted Father Sarai (שָׂרַי) …

What's up with the Tower of Babel? It's a story that's relatively known, but rarely understood as more than, "This is to explain why people speak different languages." What's really going on here? Josh and Brendan, with help from Tori's questions and analogies, dive in to understand why the tower was built, why YHWH responded how he did, and why Ba…

The Table of Nations, as this chapter is sometimes known, is a lot to get through. What was going on in the earth at the time these men were named? What do they have to do with each other? How will they impact God's family later? Josh and Brendan with the aid of Tori's curiosity work to break down the names present in an effort to understand the fi…

The Table of Nations, as this chapter is sometimes known, is a lot to get through. What was going on in the earth at the time these men were named? What do they have to do with each other? How will they impact God's family later? Josh and Brendan with the aid of Tori's curiosity work to break down the names present in an effort to understand the fi…

Genesis chapter nine starts off in a world which is both a return to the garden, and yet a garden which is still far from the ideal of the one in Eden. As the chapter continues, Tori, Josh, and Brendan dig into just how far from the Edenic ideal this new garden is. Key Words ervah (עֶרְוָה) - (shameful) nakedness dam (דָּם) - blood kasah (כָּסָה) -…

The story of the flood is one we're almost all familiar with to some degree. This week, the Sweeter Than Honey crew seeks to unpack the dispersion of the flood water to understand what deeper significance there is than a mere children's story provides. Key Words mizbeach (מִזְבֵּחַ) - an altar Sources Bible Hub Mount Ararat Etymology of the name Ar…

The story of Noah's ark and the flood is one that's familiar even to people who haven't read the Bible. It's a story we tell kids and paint depictions of it on their walls. It's even been depicted in movies and TV shows. Josh, Tori, and Brendan continue their work to dig past the familiar, sanitized understanding of this story to get an idea of wha…

Genesis 6 has both one of the most confusing stories in the Bible and the beginning of one of the most familiar stories. Josh and Brendan with Tori's aid work through the challenges of understanding what's up with the Nephilim as well as seeking to dig past the familiarity of the Noah's ark story to understand what's really going on. This isn't mer…

What's up with this chapter that's nothing but names and numbers? We dig into the names in this genealogical record, why these names specifically are recorded, and what those names mean. Our goal is to unpack the significance of a chapter that can feel like a slog to get through to understand what makes it worthwhile. Key Words Adam (אָדָם) - man, …

This week we discuss the breakdown of the creation and the establishment of the anti-Eden city. This includes Cain's murder of Abel and the exploration of the sins of his descendants. Key Words chatta'ah (חַטָּאָה) - sin Sources Bible Hub Abarim Publications Contact us with your questions and feedback at sweeterthanhoneyproductions@gmail.com We see…

Josh and Brendan dive into the humans' decisions to take of the fruit as instructed by the serpent and the consequences thereof. This includes an exploration of key words and themes, and discussion regarding the consequences and their out workings relative to the blessing and Eden mandate. Key Words arar (אָרַר) - to curse nachash (נָחָשׁ) - a serp…

In continuing the journey through Genesis 2, Josh, Tori, and Brendan sift through the language and ideas present in what happens with the human after being placed in the garden. Key Words YHWH (יהוה) - The Existing One banah (בָּנָה) - to build tsela (צֵלָע) - side ezer (עֵזֶר) - a help, helper Sources Bible Hub Contact us with your questions and f…

Josh, Tori, and Brendan explore the second creation narrative entitled the Toledoth of the Heavens and the Earth. This conversation includes exploration of specific terms in the Hebrew to better understand what's happening in the passage as well as seeking to understand what's up with the forming of the human and the four rivers mentioned. Key Word…

Josh, Tori, and Brendan continue their journey into the Creation Narrative. What happens now that God has ordered the chaos and made it habitable? What makes each of the new inhabitants unique? What's up with the 7th day and God resting? Listen to find out. Key Words barak (בָרַךְ) - bless shabath (שָׁבַת) - to cease, rest Sources Bible Hub Contact…

We finally start reading the Bible! Josh takes us through the first half of what we call the Creation Narrative. This includes helpful questions of clarification from Tori, and a dive into Hebrew words and concepts which will allow us to understand God's Word for what it is on His terms. Key Words elohim (אֱלהִים) - god(s) ruach (רוּחַ) - spirit (a…

Josh and Brendan discuss the general structure and themes of what we know as the book of Genesis. This is the last conversation we'll have before diving into reading the Bible with fresh eyes to understand God for who He is on His terms. Contact us with your questions and feedback at sweeterthanhoneyproductions@gmail.com We seek to read the Bible w…

Josh walks us through the general story and themes of the first five books of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament) known as the Torah (or law.) This is historical narrative; it is not an instruction manual. Contact us with your questions and feedback at sweeterthanhoneyproductions@gmail.com We seek to read the Bible with fresh eyes to und…

Brendan, with the help of Josh and Tori, runs through highlights in Jesus' life as they relate to the Old Testament, and the culminating event of the Holy Spirit inhabiting the Church in an effort to explain why we have the New Testament. Sources What's the Real Reason God Forbid Idols? Contact us with your questions and feedback at sweeterthanhone…

Brendan gives an overview of the historical setting, cultural landscape, and literary forms of the New Testament aided by questions from Tori and additional information from Josh. Sources A Survey of the New Testament, Fifth Edition Contact us with your questions and feedback at sweeterthanhoneyproductions@gmail.com We seek to read the Bible with f…

Josh and Brendan discuss how Old Testament law should be observed in light of the person of Jesus, and Josh provides a useful system for approaching Biblical writings. Sources Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible (Fourth Edition) Contact us with your questions and feedback at sweeterthanhoneyprod…

Josh takes Brendan and Tori through an overview of the culture and setting of the Old Testament. This includes some helpful questions from Tori and a speculative exploration of what things may have looked like between Adam and Abraham, and primarily centers on the location, literature, language, and time period through which the Old Testament histo…

Josh breaks down the basic structures which make up this collection we call the Bible. Contact us with your questions and feedback at sweeterthanhoneyproductions@gmail.com We seek to read the Bible with fresh eyes to understand God on His terms.Por Sweeter Than Honey

Josh provides great information and Tori asks useful questions in a conversation to lay the groundwork for understanding what this thing known as the Bible actually is, and what it isn't. Sources Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, Second Edition Contact us with your questions and feedback at sweeterthanhoneyproductions@gmail…

Hello! Welcome to the Sweeter Than Honey Podcast! Who are we? What's this thing about? Where can you find it? When will it be available? Why are we doing it? How will we go about it all? Brendan, Josh, and Tori set out to answer all of these questions in this introduction to the Sweeter Than Honey Podcast. Contact us with your questions and feedbac…