The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

In episode 239 of Bible Difficulties and Answers, Lance Smith examines Numbers 13:32–33, contrasting the fearful report of ten spies with Joshua and Caleb's faith. He argues the conflict was not over facts about the land's fertility but over differing interpretations—fear versus faith. The episode explains the 'land devours its inhabitants' phrase as hyperbole driven by fear, explores the spies' exaggerations about giants, and draws practical lessons about trusting God when opportunities look daunting. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/old_testament_studies/VOL02COT/VOL02COT_13.html https://knowingscripture.com/articles/giants-in-the-land-a-biblical-theology-of-the-nephilim-anakim-rephaim-and-goliath https://jaminbradley.com/2019/07/03/the-giants-clans-of-the-bible/ https://www.hadar.org/torah-tefillah/resources/uncovering-spies https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/numbers/

In this episode Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:17–19 alongside Mark 10 and Luke 18 to answer the skeptic’s claim that Jesus listed a different number of commandments. Using context, Jewish background, and gospel harmonization, he shows Matthew’s inclusion of “Love your neighbor” is a theological capstone, not a contradiction. Listeners will learn how the three accounts offer complementary perspectives on the rich young man’s question about eternal life and why the passage highlights discipleship and the heart’s true loyalties. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/sixth.html https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/12323/ https://www.thetorah.com/article/love-your-neighbor-how-it-became-the-golden-rule https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-19/ https://www.gotquestions.org/rich-young-ruler.html https://seminary.bju.edu/theology-in-3d/what-was-the-rich-rulers-problem/ https://rethinkingscripture.com/which-commandments-should-we-really-follow/

Episode 237 explores the apparent discrepancy between Exodus and Numbers where Moses seems to 'rename' Hosea as Joshua. Lance Smith explains how naming conventions, proleptic usage, and theological meaning resolve the difficulty, showing the change highlights Yahweh's role in salvation. Drawing on Jewish tradition and biblical scholarship, the episode argues the shift is clarifying and theological rather than contradictory. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI https://www.thetorah.com/article/why-was-joshua-singled-out-by-moses https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3700062/jewish/The-12-Spies-Meraglim-in-the-Bible.htm https://biblehub.com/q/Why_did_Moses_rename_Hoshea_Joshua.htm https://mesuandrews.com/moses-changed-joshuas-name-why-it-matters/ https://www.thetorah.com/article/whats-in-a-name-the-bible-vs-the-middle-ages https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-story-of-the-anonymous-scouts-modified-by-the-book-of-numbers

Episode 236 examines a skeptical claim that juxtaposes Matthew 19 and Deuteronomy 23 to argue the Bible prefers castrated men. Lance Smith walks through context, covenant differences, and historical background to show Jesus’ words address marriage and voluntary celibacy, while Deuteronomy regulated assembly and separation from pagan practices. The episode traces the biblical trajectory through Isaiah 56 and Acts 8 to demonstrate inclusion and redemption rather than exclusion, concluding that Scripture cares about the heart and faith, not physical condition. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/castrated.html https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-prohibition-of-joining-the-assembly-of-the-lord https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/even-eunuchs-are-included https://redeemingculture.com/theology/tough-passages/2613-tough-passages-5-eunuchs-and-pharisees-deuteronomy-231 https://www.gotquestions.org/eunuch-eunuchs.html https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/bible-interpretation/eunuchs-in-the-bible/ https://billmuehlenberg.com/2009/10/30/difficult-bible-passages-matthew-1912/

Episode 235 examines Numbers 12:3—"Now, Moses was very humble..."—asking whether this sounds like a boast or a divine assessment. Lance Smith walks through the context, Hebrew meaning, manuscript evidence, and scholarly views to show why the verse explains Moses' silence and humility rather than contradicting Mosaic authorship. Listeners will hear how the term ʿānāv can mean humble or afflicted, how Numbers 11–12 shape our understanding of Moses' character, and why ancient manuscripts and theological insight support the verse's reliability and purpose. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/manuscript/4Q27-1 https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/files_JETS-PDFs_29_29-3_29-3-pp257-263_JETS.pdf http://graceandknowledge.faithweb.com/num12.html https://evidenceunseen.com/old-testament/numbers/difficulties/how-could-moses-write-this-if-he-was-more-humble-than-all-men https://apologeticspress.org/how-humble-could-moses-have-been-939/ https://antiitchmeditation.wordpress.com/2023/02/21/how-can-moses-say-he-is-the-most-humble-man-on-the-earth/ https://jimhamilton.info/2011/09/14/failed-humblebrag-mosaic-self-promotion-or-true-humility/ https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/

In episode 234 Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:4–6 and the Genesis creation accounts to answer whether God originally made humans male and female. He contrasts Genesis 1’s overview with Genesis 2’s detailed account, shows how Jesus uses creation as the authority on marriage and gender, and argues that the Bible presents maleness and femaleness as God’s original design. The episode also addresses contemporary cultural challenges, urges churches to hold to Scripture’s teaching, and offers compassion and hope to listeners wrestling with gender questions. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/male_and_female.html https://answersingenesis.org/family/gender/god-created-adam-both-genders/ https://think-well.org/2018/01/02/are-genesis-1-and-2-contradictory-creation-accounts/ https://www.genesismarksthespot.com/blog/two-creation-accounts-in-genesis-1-2/ https://www.gotquestions.org/male-and-female-He-created-them.html https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/male-and-female-forever https://cbmw.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/eikon_issue2_web_2.pdf

Join Lance Smith for a special Easter episode as he slows down to sit with the greatest moment in history: the empty tomb. He examines the differing Gospel details not as contradictions but as complementary eyewitness perspectives that deepen the story. More than a historical event, the resurrection is presented as a present, life-changing reality—proof that broken things can be restored and that hope defeats death. Lance offers a simple challenge: read Luke 24, reflect on the shift from confusion to joy, and invite the risen Jesus to renew your heart.

Join Lance Smith for a Good Friday special exploring the crucifixion across Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, showing how different perspectives converge on one redemptive event. He reflects on prophecy fulfilled, the personal cost of sin, and the hope of resurrection, inviting listeners to pause, read the accounts slowly, and let the cross speak into their lives.

Episode 231: Lance Smith examines Numbers 11:31–34 to answer a stark question: why did God strike the Israelites after providing quail? Drawing on context, biblical commentary, and possible natural causes, he shows the issue was not the food but the people’s ungrateful, craving hearts and hoarding behavior. The episode contrasts God’s daily provision with Israel’s persistent grumbling, explains how the quail became a test and judgment, and applies the lesson to modern life by urging contentment in Christ. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-11/ https://www.freebiblecommentary.org/old_testament_studies/VOL02COT/VOL02COT_11.html https://www.gotquestions.org/quail-in-the-Bible.html https://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/eq/1999-3_195.pdf https://redeemedmind.com/2022/12/16/complaint-and-judgment-numbers-11/

Episode 230 examines Matthew 19 and related passages to resolve skeptics' claims that the Bible contradicts itself about marriage. Lance Smith argues the Bible consistently presents marriage as a good, sacred, creational union while also affirming singleness as a legitimate calling for some. The episode explains Genesis, Jesus' teaching, Paul's guidance, and church history to show there is no contradiction—only two complementary callings designed by God. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/marriage.html https://doi.org/10.56893/pajot2025v04i02.01 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-corinthians-7/ https://www.gotquestions.org/better-to-marry-than-to-burn.html https://www.gotquestions.org/single-Christian.html https://denverjournal.denverseminary.edu/the-denver-journal-article/the-significance-of-singleness-a-theological-vision-for-the-future-of-the-church/ https://renew.org/singleness-in-the-bible https://www.livingout.org/resources/articles/51/what-is-the-gift-of-singleness https://www.historynewsnetwork.org/article/when-did-the-catholic-church-decide-priests-should-be-celibate

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction between Numbers 2 and Numbers 11 about whether the tabernacle was inside or outside Israel's camp. He explains the camp's arrangement—with the tabernacle at the center, Levites surrounding it, and the tribes camped in four groups—and why the phrase “Moses went out” refers to leaving a tribal section toward the center. The episode shows how that layout resolves the difficulty, highlights God’s presence in the midst of his people, and notes how the Spirit moved freely when 70 elders (and two who stayed back) began to prophesy. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-other-ohel-moed https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/numbers/numbers-11.cfm https://www.thetorah.com/article/israels-wilderness-camp-modeled-on-the-persian-military-formation https://biblediscoverytv.com/history/2021/tabernacle-camp-of-israel/ https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/TsegawMA01.pdf

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 18:3 and the apparent tension with Paul's admonition to "put away childish things." The episode explains the crucial distinction between childish immaturity and childlike trust, drawing on Gospel contexts and Luke's emphasis on Jesus welcoming children. Listeners receive practical applications: grow in spiritual maturity while embracing humble dependence on God. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/childish.html https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/18/Matthew-18-3.html https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/act-like-a-child/ https://www.gotquestions.org/childlike-faith.html https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/childlike-faith-is-not-childish/ https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/childlike-not-childish/ https://redeeminggod.com/childlike-faith-matthew-18-3/ https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-18/ https://digitalcommons.du.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1886&context=etd

Episode 227 examines the apparent discrepancy between Exodus 16 and Numbers 11 about the taste of manna. Lance Smith reads the verses, consults scholars and rabbinic traditions, and shows how raw versus prepared manna and overlapping flavors (honey and oil) harmonize the accounts. The episode also reflects on how the changing descriptions mirror Israel’s shifting attitude toward God’s provision and invites listeners to see depth rather than contradiction in Scripture. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI https://www.bibleref.com/Exodus/16/Exodus-16-31.html https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-16/ https://reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study/torah-commentary/manna-heaven-what-could-be-better https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-manna-700742

Host Lance Smith examines the apparent discrepancy in the Gospel accounts of the Transfiguration — Matthew and Mark’s “six days” versus Luke’s “about eight.” He explains how inclusive reckoning, Jewish timekeeping, and theological symbolism reconcile the wording without contradiction. The episode shows how different expressions convey the same event, highlights Sinai parallels and early church interpretation, and presents the apologetic significance of harmony among independent Gospel witnesses. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/transfig.html https://apologeticspress.org/six-or-eight-days-757/ https://www.patheos.com/blogs/kermitzarleyblog/2017/07/jesus-first-predicted-death-transfigured-six-eight-days-later/ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-transfiguration-of-jesus-christ https://www.bereaninsights.org/bible-gem-913-8-days-after-these-sayings-luke-928/ https://robertcliftonrobinson.com/bible-contradictions-and-difficulties/the-transfiguration-is-there-a-contradiction-between-matthew-mark-and-luke/ https://adfontesjournal.com/church-history/the-transfiguration-and-the-church-fathers/ http://www.jeffriddle.net/2013/03/did-transfiguration-take-place-about.html https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2018/08/10/bible-contradiction-when-did-the-transfiguration-occur/

In episode 225, Lance Smith examines an apparent tension in Numbers 10 — whether the Ark of the Covenant led Israel or remained in the center of the camp. He compares ancient Jewish interpretations, classical harmonizations, and critical scholarship, and argues that both images are complementary: God dwells in the midst and goes before his people in specific moments of guidance. Through careful reading of the text and commentary, Lance shows how theology and narrative fit together in the march from Sinai toward the Promised Land, and why this detail strengthens rather than weakens confidence in Scripture. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI https://www.studylight.org/commentary/numbers/10-33.html https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-10/ https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-song-of-the-ark-numbers-10-35-36 https://www.thetorah.com/article/israels-wilderness-camp-modeled-on-the-persian-military-formation https://www.etzion.org.il/en/tanakh/studies-tanakh/core-studies-tanakh/history-use-ark-i https://www.jesuswalk.com/joshua/3_entering.htm

In episode 224 Lance Smith examines whether Jesus clearly predicted his death and resurrection by comparing repeated Gospel predictions with John 20:9, which says the disciples didn’t understand. He shows how the issue is not that Jesus failed to warn them but that they lacked the framework to connect his words with Scripture. The episode walks through key Gospel passages, cultural context, and scholarly insights to explain how partial understanding and expectations led to confusion, concluding that there is no contradiction between the accounts. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/comingdeath.html https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/files_JETS-PDFs_56_56-3_JETS_56-3_511-542_Pickup.pdf https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2014/jesus-predictions-of-his-own-resurrection https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/did-jesus-really-predict-his-death https://tidings.org/resources/the-historicity-of-jesuss-death-and-resurrection/ https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/peter-and-john-at-the-tomb-of-jesus https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/KennedyJS01.pdf

Host Lance Smith examines Numbers 10:31 and the apparent tension between divine guidance (the pillar of cloud) and Moses inviting Hobab as a guide. The episode explains how God’s macro-direction and human practical wisdom work together, clarifies Hobab’s identity as Moses’ brother-in-law and his family’s integration into Israel, and applies the lesson: trusting God doesn’t exclude seeking wise help. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-10/ https://knowingscripture.com/articles/hobab-jethro-or-moses-brother-in-law-numbers-10-29 https://biblicalscholarship.wordpress.com/2017/02/12/commentary-on-numbers-1011-36/ https://abundantsprings.church/blog/who-is-moses-father-in-law-reuel-jethro-or-hobab https://thebiblesays.com/en/commentary/num+10:33 https://biblehub.com/q/why_did_moses_need_hobab's_guidance.htm

Episode 222 examines an apparent contradiction: did Peter learn Jesus was the Messiah from his brother Andrew (John 1) or by revelation from the Father (Matthew 16)? The host explains these are two moments in Peter’s journey — an initial introduction by Andrew and a later, deeper revelation from God — and shows how the Gospels record the growth from hearing about Jesus to truly knowing him. The episode draws on commentaries and historical interpretation to show the passages complement one another and encourages listeners to move from borrowed belief to personal conviction. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/peter_find_out.html https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-16/ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2021/02/25/bible-contradiction-how-did-peter-find-out-that-jesus-was-the-messiah/ https://evidenceforchristianity.org/does-john-141-contradict-matthew-1616-17-as-to-when-peter-knew-jesus-was-the-messiah/ https://rsc.byu.edu/ministry-peter-chief-apostle/peters-keyshttps://www.gotquestions.org/flesh-and-blood-has-not-revealed-this-to-you.html

Host Lance Smith tackles an apparent contradiction between Numbers 6 and 1 Corinthians 11 about men’s long hair, showing that the Nazarite vow’s uncut hair was a temporary sign of consecration while Paul’s instruction addressed everyday worship practices in Corinth. By exploring cultural and textual context — including Paul’s own vow in Acts 18 — Smith explains there’s no contradiction, only different purposes and settings for the same symbol. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://a.co/d/7shn4hI https://www.gotquestions.org/Nazirite-vow.html https://www.oneandall.church/story/numbers-6-the-nazirite-vow https://www.unraveledfaith.ca/post/the-head-covering-1-corinthians-11-part-three https://theologyintheraw.com/the-cultural-context-for-the-hair-length-style-vs-head-coverings-debate-in-1-cor-11-the-meaning-of-kephale-part-12/ https://kuyperian.com/paul-the-head-covering-an-alternative-interpretation/

This episode traces the Bible’s changing food story from Genesis’s plant-based ideal, through post‑Flood permission and the Mosaic dietary laws, to Jesus’ and the apostles’ teaching that ceremonial food restrictions no longer bind Christians. Listeners will get a clear, concise answer: New Testament believers are not biblically restricted in what animals they may eat, but they are called to act in love and conscience toward others while honoring creation and personal convictions. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/eat.html https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-foods.html https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-are-animal-eat-bible-dietary-laws/ https://www.cambridgepapers.org/better-a-meal-of-vegetables-should-we-eat-meat/ https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/biblical-laws/clean-and-unclean-animals/acts-10/ https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/peters-vision-is-acts-10-about-dietary-law/ https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/articles/clean-and-unclean-meats https://www.thetorah.com/article/did-god-originally-intend-the-world-to-be-vegetarian https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/vegans-vegetarians-and-the-bible/