The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into the intriguing question of Abraham's ability to father children in his later years. Did Abraham require a miracle every time he had a child, or was Isaac's birth uniquely miraculous? Lance explores the biblical narrative to understand the significance of Isaac's birth and what it reveals about God's promises to Abraham and Sarah.

The discussion highlights several explanations, including the possibility of divine rejuvenation, the miraculous nature of Sarah's conception, and the symbolic importance of Isaac as the son of promise. Lance also touches on Abraham's other children with Keturah, examining how these births fit into the broader context of God's covenant with Abraham.

Join Lance as he addresses common skepticisms about the biblical account and provides insight into the perceived contradictions. This episode sheds light on the deeper meanings behind Abraham's family story and God's continued blessings on his lineage.

References to items discussed on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected]

1. https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
2. https://www.gotquestions.org/Abraham-sons.html
3. https://geoffthomas.org/index.php/gtsermons/the-long-awaited-birth-of-isaac/
4. https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/25/Genesis-25-1.html
5. https://www.pathofobedience.com/topics/children-of-abraham/

In this thought-provoking episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith delves into a perplexing question that has intrigued Bible readers for centuries: Why is Isaac referred to as Abraham's only son in Genesis 22:2, despite the existence of Ishmael? Is it divine favoritism or a deeper theological truth?

Lance explores this enigma through historical, theological, and spiritual lenses, examining interpretations from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He reviews Jewish Midrash and Quranic perspectives on the binding of Isaac, uncovering the theological nuances and implications within each tradition.

The episode presents five key interpretations to resolve this mystery, including theological, legal, source criticism, spiritual, and literary perspectives. Lance concludes that Isaac's designation as Abraham's only son is not a contradiction but a profound theological truth, highlighting Isaac's unique role in God's covenant and foreshadowing Jesus's ultimate promise of salvation.

Join Lance as he unpacks this biblical mystery and invites listeners to explore the deeper meanings within scripture. Tune in next week for another intriguing exploration into the sons of Heth in Genesis 23.

References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

Email Address: [email protected]

1. https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
2. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/reasonable-faith-podcast/islam
3. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/abrahams-great-act-faith
4. https://www.jcstudies.store/the-only-begotten-son/
5. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/contradictions-my-two-sons/
6. https://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/ot-difficulties/genesis-deuteronomy/gen-222-why-does-genesis-22-refer-to-isaac-as-abrahams-only-son/
7. https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Composition_of_the_Pentateuch/CYW7z9tFHisC?hl=en&gbpv=0
8. https://www.thetorah.com/article/take-your-only-son-isaac-what-happened-to-ishmael

Today we explore a verse that liberal scholars use to undermine and discredit the Genesis account of creation. Other Biblical scholars argue that God's command that if you eat (of the fruit) you will surely die, means a spiritual death and not an immediate physical death. Or, does the Hebrew word in this verse actually give us the clearest and best answer? As usual, I will present a number of different opinions from my research and conclude with my own thoughts. Show notes will include links to all we discuss. References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon) https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/2/Genesis-2-17.html https://crossexamined.org/a-crash-course-in-how-to-study-the-bible-part-1/ https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/what-did-jesus-suffer https://www.reasonablefaith.org/podcasts/defenders-podcast-series-2/s2-creation-and-evolution/creation-and-evolution-part-14 https://carm.org/annihilationism/annihilationism-and-genesis-217-and-in-the-day/ https://answersingenesis.org/death-before-sin/genesis-2-17-you-shall-surely-die/

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, host Lance Smith addresses the intriguing question of whether Beersheba was named by Abraham or later by Isaac, as the Bible suggests both. Delving into Genesis chapters 21 and 26, the discussion explores the background of these events, involving treaties, wells, and the enduring covenantal legacy left by the patriarchs.

Through historical and theological insights, the episode examines various explanations for the apparent dual naming, including the possibility of editorial harmonization and symbolic reaffirmation of spiritual milestones. By re-evaluating traditional interpretations and modern skeptical viewpoints, Lance sheds light on the deeper theological significance behind Isaac reiterating the name Beersheba, signifying continuation of God's promises across generations.

References to items discussed on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected]

1. https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
2. https://www.holylandsite.com/beersheba
3. https://www.gotquestions.org/Beersheba-in-the-Bible.html

https://contradictionsinthebible.com/is-beersheba-named-by-abraham-or-isaac/