Shows
Books of Kings40- Advance O Horses, Rage O Chariots After defeating Josiah at Megiddo, the pharaoh Necho uses duplicity to consolidate his control over the Levant. Meanwhile, the waxing Babylonian Empire begins to take the place of Assyria. 2024-10-2746 min
Books of Kings39- The Plain of Megiddo The Assyrian Empire is reduced to a rump state in Anatolia. Seeing an opportunity to return to its former glory, Egypt launches a lightning mission to rescue Assyria. In a move that has mystified biblical commentators, Josiah of Judah—despite having seemingly no stake in the fight—ambushes and attacks the Egyptian forces at Megiddo. The event proves to be Josiah’s Waterloo, making the word “Megiddo” a byword for disaster. What was Josiah thinking?2024-06-171h 10
Books of Kings38- No King Like HimAs Assyria disintegrates, Manasseh’s grandson Josiah declares a holy war against idolatry and invades Samaria. Ian and Caleb explain why the enigmatic “Book of the Law” brought to Josiah is thought to be Deuteronomy.2024-04-211h 35
Books of Kings37- All the Powers of the Heavens Manasseh of Judah offers the most legendary story of personal transformation in the Old Testament. A loyal Assyrian vassal and fanatical pagan who burned his own children as a human sacrifice, Manasseh ultimately returned to the God of Hezekiah and led a Yahwist revival.2024-02-261h 11
Books of Kings36- You Have Mocked the Lord 2 Kings 19 records the most astonishing miracle in the Books of Kings. In 701 BC, an “angel of the Lord” descended upon Jerusalem and slaughtered 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, lifting Sennacherib’s siege of the city. Incredibly, the angel’s destruction of Sennacherib’s army is perhaps the most well-documented miracle in the Old Testament, with the Deuteronomist’s account finding support or corroboration in Egyptian, Babylonian, and Assyrian sources. Had the Assyrians succeeded in taking Jerusalem, the entire Kingdom of Judah—and, with it, all worship of the God of Jacob—would have been erased from the pages of history.2023-12-252h 07
Books of Kings35- A Grain of Mustard Seed Ian and Caleb pretend to do an episode about the religious renaissance under Hezekiah. Actually, it is an episode about the Bronze Serpent of Moses, the Rod of Asclepius, and Imhotep. They also discuss the origins of the Samaritan culture.2023-11-021h 07
Books of Kings34- Reap the Whirlwind Assyrian hordes eradicate Aram and swarm across the Levant, consuming almost all of Israel and its eight tribes. While most Israelites are led off to assimilation or death, some—like the ancestors of Anna the Prophetess—escape south to the Kingdom of Judah. In Judah, Ahaz escalates his pro-Assyrian religious reforms, effectively banning Yahwism and erecting altars to Baal in the streets of Jerusalem. Ian and Caleb discuss the mythology of the “ten lost tribes,” and Ian engages with emails and DMs from listeners on the order of the biblical cannon.2023-10-021h 10
Books of Kings33- The Root of Jesse Ahaz, one of the most tyrannical of the Davidic kings, aligns Judah with Assyria and begins an aggressive program to force cosmopolitanism down the throats of the Judahites. A new prophet, Isaiah, appears on the political stage and delivers the famous and controversial prophecy of “Immanuel.” Caleb introduces the career and reforms of Tiglath-Pileser III and Ian gives an introduction to the history and theology of the Book of Isaiah.2023-09-091h 44
Books of Kings32- Name Her No Mercy Israel implodes after the death of Jeroboam II, its Second Golden Age empire crumbling into apocalyptic civil war. Under Tiglath-Pileser III, Assyria rises from the ashes to form a revolutionary new world empire. Despite the memorable warnings of the prophet Hosea, Israel’s elite is drawn once again into Assyria’s orbit. Ian explains his controversial position that reading the Bible in cover-to-cover order is not a good introduction to the Old Testament canon. 2023-08-1357 min
Books of Kings31- To the Valley of My Mountains With Israel flourishing, Uzziah carves out his own Judahite military empire. In 760 BC, as the prophet Amos begins to condemn the elite of Samaria, an epochal earthquake rocks the Levant, levelling whole cities to the ground. Meanwhile, pioneered by the prophecies of Isaiah, the concept of global messianic monotheism begins to take recognizable shape. Ian and Caleb discuss the growing mountain of evidence for the biblical account of Uzziah’s reign, Judahite ballistic siege weaponry, the literary qualities of Amos, and an apologetic of geopolitical prophecy.2023-05-291h 15
Books of Kings30- Rise Up as a Great Lion With Assyria facing apocalyptic chaos and Aram outflanked, a Second Golden Age of Israel and Judah began in the 8th century BC. Ian and Caleb introduce the military empires of Jeroboam II and Uzziah, the Book of Jonah and the dawn of canonical prophetic literature, and the art of Jehuide Israel and Judah.2023-04-081h 07
Books of Kings29- Why Be Struck Down?Both Hebrew states appear ascendant as King Amaziah, son of Joash of Judah, pushes towards the Gulf of Eliat and begins to reestablish Judahite hegemony in the southern Levant. But when the haughty Amaziah ignores the counsel of the prophets, Judah is routed and invaded by Joash of Israel—catapulting the Jehuides to new heights of power.2022-12-241h 03
Books of Kings28.1- Bonus: Patterns of EvidenceBy popular demand, Ian and Caleb discuss the documentary “Patterns of Evidence: Exodus” and David Rohl’s New Chronology.2022-12-111h 14
Books of Kings28- The Hand of HazaelThe Assyrian Empire attains decisive dominance in the Levant under the legendary Shammuramat, daughter-in-law of Shalmaneser III, and her son Adad-nirari III. The only Assyrian ruler well-known in classical antiquity, Shammuramat becomes an Athena-like demigod. After Jehuide Israel withers into near-irrelevance under the boot of Aram-Damascus, a final prophecy from Elisha heralds an Israelite resurgence under the third Jehuide king, Jehoash of Israel.2022-08-0958 min
Books of Kings27- May the Lord See and AvengeThe restoration of Davidic rule under Joash gets off to a strong start thanks to Judah’s high priest and regent, Jehoiada. But things go awry after Jehoiada’s death, leading to a deadly confrontation between Joash and Jehoiada’s son—the first prophet Zechariah. Ian and Caleb dive into controversy with an unapologetic discussion of Old Testament polygyny. They explore ancient supercentenarians, whether Jesus refers to Zechariah ben Jehoiada in Matthew, and Aram’s growing empire under Hazael. They also decide to go into business as international antiquities litigators, leading to a television series that is half legal drama, half India2022-04-071h 33
Books of Kings26- The Horses’ GateThe ultimate Old Testament power couple, the priest-statesman Jehoiada and the princess Yehosheba, bring the Jehuide Revolution to Judah and deliver the finishing blow to the international Omride elite. Ian and Caleb discuss the founding of Carthage by a relative of Jezebel, the camel-riding queens regnant of Kedarite Arabia, and whether the First Temple may have been guarded by Homeric Anatolian mercenaries.2022-02-161h 08
Books of Kings25- She Took for Him a BasketIsrael’s sovereignty is formally surrendered as Jehu bows down before the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III—an event immortalized on the famous Black Obelisk. In Judah, the heroic princess Yehosheba rescues the last male heir of David from a second palace massacre by Athaliah.2021-11-251h 13
Books of Kings24- My Zeal for the LordThe dramatic Jehuide Revolution reaches its fulfillment as reactionary Yahwists uproot and replace the political and cultural structure of Israel. Contains spoilers for Fight Club. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2021-09-211h 11
Books of Kings23- Is it Peace?In 841 BC, a single flask of oil set the entire Levant on fire. Ian and Caleb narrate the dramatic beginning of the Jehuide Revolution, reflect on Jezebel’s legacy, and discuss how old Jezebel was when she died. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2021-06-071h 26
Books of Kings22- He Removes Kings and Sets Up KingsTo pave the way for the downfall of the Omrides, Elisha triggers a coup in Damascus. Ian and Caleb do an in-depth examination of Hazael of Aram. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2021-04-241h 04
Books of Kings21- Red as BloodBoxed in by a joint Hebrew counterattack, Mesha doubles down on the Moabite practice of human sacrifice. The Omride regime decays to its nadir as monotheistic revolution approaches. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2021-03-011h 12
Books of Kings20- Chariots of FireThrough his miraculous personal ministry, the stern prophet Elisha prepared the way for the political agenda of the Sons of the Prophets. Also, Ian and Caleb break down the apologetic debate surrounding the infamous story of Elisha killing 42 young boys on the road to Bethel. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-12-201h 20
Books of Kings19- Let Fire Consume YouDuring the brief reign of Ahaziah of Israel, the Moabites rebelled and launched a genocidal invasion of both Israel and Judah. Elijah condemns Ahaziah for his cosmopolitan polytheism, and Jehoshaphat is delivered by God from a Moabite-led coalition. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-11-011h 04
Books of Kings18- Inquire of the LordIn 852 BC, Micaiah brought his satirical brand of prophecy to Samaria, and Ahab was killed by the forces of Ben-hadad at the Battle of Ramoth-Gilead. His reign had been nothing if not consistent. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-08-311h 24
Books of Kings17- No Beast Could Stand Before HimWe dive into the Battle of Qarqar of 853 BC and discuss the major players arrayed on the Levantine side, including the Aramaeans, Israelites, Arabs, and Egyptians. We have a good laugh about the mental somersaults that some 19th century scholars used to dance around the Kurkh Monolith of Shalmaneser III, which corroborates details in the Books of Kings. Also, how did the Germanic-looking ancient Libyans end up in North Africa? Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-07-201h 28
Books of Kings16.1- Bonus: Pethor and the PentateuchThe Deir 'Alla Inscription, discovered in 1967, is a knockdown demonstration that the Pentateuch contains genuine historical information, preserved in significant detail for centuries before the Pentateuch was compiled. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-06-071h 01
Books of Kings16- Charging WestwardThe Battle of Qarqar was fought between a Levant-Egypt alliance, including Ahab and Ben-Hadad, and the rising Assyrian Empire. To set the stage for the battle, we review the bloody conquests of Ashurnasirpal II and Shalmaneser III recorded on the Kurkh Monoliths. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-05-171h 04
Books of Kings15.1- Bonus: Nat Geo's Kings of the BibleIan and Caleb break down National Geographic's excellent single-issue edition "Kings of the Bible." Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-04-0658 min
Books of Kings15- You Cows of BashanIan and Caleb discuss ground-breaking new archaeological evidence for the story of Naboth’s vineyard at Jezreel. Also, why is Jesus so fond of wine-making metaphors? They also review the archaeological and extrabiblical textual evidence for Ahab and the Omrides. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-03-221h 20
Books of Kings14- God of the ValleysDespite being given a spectacular victory by God, Ahab continues to model the opposite of godly manhood, demonstrating the contempt of the biblical authors for cowardice. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-03-0156 min
Books of Kings13- Go, Be ResoluteWhat begins as an introduction to the wars of Ahab and Ben-hadad becomes a wide-ranging discussion of Christian pacifism, godly masculinity, and the biblical view of enmity. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2020-01-191h 09
Books of Kings12- The God Who Answers by FireThrough the well-known contest on Mount Carmel, Elijah attempted to kickstart a reactionary monotheistic revolt against the Omride regime. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-12-0158 min
Books of Kings11.1- Bonus: Ahab and Jezebel in the NewsIn which Ian and Caleb discuss Hillary Clinton’s recent reference to Ahab and Jezebel, and Caleb explains to Ian how to analyze Kanye West lyrics. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-11-1241 min
Books of Kings11- Troubler of IsraelWho was the historical Elijah the Tishbite, and how do we know that the Bible reliably describes his ministry? Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-10-131h 00
Books of Kings10- Join House to HouseAsa's son and successor, Jehoshophat, united the houses of David, Omri, and Ithobaal into a single family tree. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-09-1545 min
Books of Kings09- Children of WrathThe Assyrian Empire was one of the most disgusting civilizations in the Ancient Near East. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-08-041h 03
Books of Kings08- Until None Remained AliveAs Asa expanded Judah’s geopolitical power, Israel began a slow descent into internal instability. Meanwhile, in the east, a new threat began to rise. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-07-1556 min
Books of Kings07- The Flesh of Kings, the Flesh of CaptainsIn this sprawling one-hour episode, we review the tragic career of Jeroboam and narrate Abijam’s epic defeat and invasion of Israel around 907 BC. We also weave in a range of topics including Old Testament theodicy, epistemology, Thomas Jefferson, and Ivan the Terrible. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-06-2357 min
Books of Kings06- There Came a Man of GodThe story of the unnamed Man of God in 1 Kings 12-13 is sometimes seen as the most inscrutable story in the Bible. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-06-0938 min
Books of Kings05.2- Bonus: Bronze Age CollapseAround 1200 BC, the entire Near East was invaded by aliens: mysterious “Sea Peoples” who crossed the Mediterranean from the north. The ensuing collapse cleared the way for the rise of Israel and Judah. Meanwhile, the descendants of one group of Sea People—the “Peleset”—almost certainly became the biblical Philistines. Music by Kevin MacLeod. All copyrighted material is fair use.2019-05-1233 min
Books of Kings05.1- Bonus: Ashtoreth and EasterEaster is not a pagan holiday. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-05-0721 min
Books of Kings05- I Will Use ScorpionsThe late tenth century saw a three-sided war between Judah under Rehoboam, Israel under Jeroboam, and Egypt under the Libyan pharaoh Shishak. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-05-0444 min
Books of Kings04- To Tear the KingdomWhen Solomon turned away from God, the prophet Ahijah incited a holy revolution against the United Kingdom. Music by Kevin MacLeod.2019-03-3144 min
Books of Kings03- Reverence and AweIf you think that a house of worship is supposed to look like a bland office building, then boy are you going to hate Solomon’s Temple. Music by Kevin MacLeod. 2019-03-1852 min
Books of Kings02- Bring me a SwordThere are good textual and archaeological reasons to think that Solomon was a historical king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah. Music by Kevin MacLeod. 2019-03-1041 min
Books of Kings01- Wise as SerpentsIn the 10th century BC, the prophet Nathan engineered the rise of a young king. That king soon set to work brutally consolidating his power. Music by Kevin MacLeod. 2019-03-0243 min