The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

In episode 241 Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction in Numbers 14 about whether the Amalekites and Canaanites dwelt in the valley or the hills.

He explains how the same people in the southern Negev could be described both ways depending on perspective and terrain, showing the verses are complementary rather than contradictory.

The episode connects this close reading to a broader point about trusting Scripture and obeying ...

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:16–17 and parallel Gospel passages to explain why Jesus’ question, “Why callest thou me good?”, does not deny his goodness or divinity.

The episode clarifies translation differences, context with the rich young man, Jesus’ teaching method, and how the passage exposes misplaced confidence while strengthening trust in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be foun...

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 draw...

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 quest...

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.

Referen...

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 in...

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 understa...

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, ur...

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 ...

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 judgm...

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 ca...

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 diffi...

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...

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 ra...

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 apolo...

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, L...

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 par...

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 an...