.jpg)
The Context and Color of the Bible
Episodes
299 episodes
#302 - The Rock, the King, and the Righteous
In this episode, we explore several psalms that deepen our understanding of God's character and the life of faith. We begin with Psalm 17 and the Hebrew idiom "the apple of Your eye," discovering the powerful image David uses to describe God's ...
.jpg)
#301 - Trusting God in a Broken World (Psalms 11, 12, 13 and 15)
In this episode, we continue our journey through the Psalms by exploring Psalms 11, 12, 13, and 15. Together, these psalms wrestle with a question that believers have asked throughout history: What do we do when wickedness seems to be winning?<...
#300 - The Gateway to the Psalms
Psalms 1 and 2 serve as the introduction to the entire book of Psalms, giving readers the lens through which the rest of the collection should be understood.In this episode, we explore the two paths presented in Psalm 1. The righteous de...
#299 - Before the Psalms: Learning to Read the Bible Like Its First Readers
If you want to have the story of the Old Testament that Erika presents in digital form, you can purchase a 10 page PDF for $1.99 at Understanding the Old Testa...
#298 - Setting the Stage for Psalms
This episode launches our summer of Psalms series. To set the stage we are taking you back to the original context as we look at the culture, language, land and mindset of the authors and audience. We also lay a foundation th...
#297 - Holy One of Israel and What it Means
In this episode Erika unpacks the title Holy One of Israel. Isaiah uses this title for God over and over in his book. From this prophet and other verses, we find this aspect of God as the God who is set apart from all other gods.&nb...
#296 - YHWH Rohi — The LORD Is My Shepherd
YHWH Rohi means “The LORD is my Shepherd,” a name that reveals God’s personal, attentive care for His people. First expressed in Psalm 23, this title draws on David’s lived experience as a shepherd to illustrate how God leads, provides, protect...
#295 - Adonai - Unpacking What it Means that God is Our Lord
In this episode Erika unpacks a name Adonai - Lord. Abraham first used it in Genesis 15:2 when Abraham reminds God he doesn't have an heir. From this story and other verses, we find this aspect of God as master and ruler. We a...
#294 - YHWH Nissi — The Lord Is My Banner: Who Are You Standing Under?
In this episode, Erika and Veronica explore the powerful Hebrew name YHWH Nissi — “The Lord is My Banner,” first declared by Moses in Book of Exodus 17 after Israel’s battle with Amalek. They unpack how a “banner” in the ancient world was more ...
#293 - Not a Name but an Important Title - God of Israel
In classic Erika style, she's back with another name of God that isn't a name. It's a title - God of Israel. She walks us through Scripture showing how this title is used as a way link God with Israel (the person and nation). ...
#292 - YHWH Tzva’ot — The Lord of Hosts: God’s Authority Over Heaven and Earth
In this episode, Erika and Veronica explore the Hebrew name YHWH Tzva’ot, often translated as “The Lord of Hosts” or “The Lord of Armies.” They unpack its meaning, showing how it refers not only to armies but also to angels, stars, and the forc...
#291 - El Shaddai - The God who is Enough
In this episode, Erika and Veronica explore the Hebrew name of God El Shaddai, meaning “the sufficient one.” This word is a hard one to translate into English, but the common current thought is that God is sufficient - He is enough...
#290 - El Olam — Meeting the God of Eternity
In this episode, Erika and Veronica explore the Hebrew name of God El Olam, meaning “Everlasting God.” First introduced in Genesis 21:33 when Abraham called on the Lord after establishing a covenant, this name points to a God whose exist...
#289 - The Place: Understanding the Hebrew Name Hamakom
This week we’re exploring the Hebrew name for God Hamakom — “The Place.” At first glance it sounds unusual, but in Jewish tradition this was a reverent way to refer to God without speaking His name aloud. It’s a circumlocution, a respect...
#288 - Elyon: The God Who Is Higher Than It All
In this episode, we explore the Hebrew name עֶלְיוֹן (Elyon) — “the Most High” — and what it reveals about God’s authority and position in a world full of competing powers. From its first appearance in Genesis to its powerful use i...
#287 - Listen in on Our Conversation with Lois Tverberg
Time to cross off an item on my (Veronica) bucket list! Ever since we started the podcast, it's been a dream of mine to get Lois Tverberg on the podcast. We interviewed her over zoom and if you would rather watch us you can h...
#286 - What Tools are in Your Bible Study Tool Box
In this episode, we push back on the “go big or go home” mindset that often leaves us overwhelmed and ready to quit. Instead of trying to do everything at once, we talk about the power of starting small when it comes to studying the Bible. Vero...
#285 - When Obedience "Doesn't Work"
Erika and Veronica explore the deeper purpose of obedience to God, especially when it feels like nothing is changing. We often assume that if we do the right thing, God will respond with visible results, but Scripture challenges that expectatio...
#284 - Turning Bible Stories into Meaningful Conversations with Shannon Popkin
This episode continues our conversation with Shannon Popkin as we explore how Bible stories can be used to teach lessons and deepen meaningful discussion. Shannon walks us through a simple, repeatable method that begins by telling the story and...
#283 - The Bible Was Written to Be Heard: Why Stories Matter with Shannon Popkin
This week on the podcast, we explore why the Bible is filled with stories and how those stories function as powerful teaching tools. In an ancient, oral culture, stories weren’t just entertainment — they were carefully crafted containers of tru...
#282 - Saying Goodbye to Moses
We've come to the end of the Deuteronomy and the entire Torah. We've walked with Moses from before his birth right until his death. We've seen his high points and low points. We've seen his wide range of emotions for his peopl...
#281 - Moses's Final Words Before Death - chapter 31 & 32
Moses is (finally) wrapping up his speech to the people. As he's preparing to transfer leadership to Joshua, he's giving his final pleas to the people to hold fast to God. He paints a powerful image of God to remind the peopl...
#280 - Unpacking Deuteronomy 29 and 30
In this episode, we follow Moses as he shifts from recounting laws and history to revealing the deeper moral and spiritual meaning behind Israel’s journey. He explores why people so often fail to recognize God’s presence, how gratitude fa...