In Problems in Bible Interpretation: Difficult Passages V (BI165) Dr. Mike Heiser presents ten Scripture passages that challenge readers of the Bible. Old Testament topics include (1) the question of Cain’s marriage and cultural contribution (Gen 4:10–17); (2) the note that David’s prayers are ended (Psa 72:20), although other prayers follow in the Psalter; (3) the Day of Atonement’s goat for Azazel (Lev 16:6–22); (4) the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart (Exod 7:3–4); and (5) an apparent efficacious pagan sacrifice (2 Kgs 3:27). New Testament texts include (1) the missing verse that mentions an angel troubling the water (John 5:3b–4); (2) handing the sinner over to Satan (1 Cor 15:1–5); (3) the sin unto death (1 John 5:16–17); (4) the New Testament’s varied use of the title “apostle” (1 Cor 15:3–9); and (5) Jesus comparing Himself to a serpent (John 3:13–15). The course will help equip you to better interpret these challenging passages yourself and encourage you to study God’s Word deeper.
Introduction
Introduction
Introducing the Speaker and the Course
1m
Cain’s Offspring and Heritage (Gen 4:10–17)
Interpretive Issue (Gen 4:10–17)
1m
Non-Biblical People?
2m
Problems in Genesis 4:10–17
3m
Explaining Cain
3m
Prayers of David Completed (Psa 72:20)
Interpretive Issue (Psa 72:20)
1m
Book of Psalms: Compilation and Structure
2m
Nature of Superscriptions
3m
Summary (Psa 72:20)
1m
Scapegoat (Lev 16:6–22)
Interpretive Issues (Lev 16:6–22)
3m
Azazel and the Wilderness
5m
Where Sin Belongs
2m
Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart (Exod 7:3–4)
Interpretive Issue (Exod 7:3–4)
2m
The Order of the Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart
1m
Background to the Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart
4m
Willful Pharaoh and Sovereign God
3m
Efficacious Pagan Sacrifice? (2 Kgs 3)
Interpretive Issue (2 Kgs 3:27)
1m
Invasion of Moab
3m
Pagan Sacrifice and Victory
3m
Consequences of Unbelief
5m
Troubling Text: Troubling the Water (John 5:1–9)
Interpretive Issue (John 5:1–9)
3m
The Missing Verse
2m
Contemporary Reasons to Omit
2m
First-Century Reasons to Omit
2m
Handing over to Satan (1 Cor 5:1–5)
Interpretive Issues (1 Cor 5:1–5)
3m
Delivered unto Satan
4m
Destruction of the Flesh
2m
Sin that Leads to Death (1 John 5:16–17)
Interpretive Issue (1 John 5:16–17)
1m
Which Sins Lead to Death?
1m
God’s Right to Judge
5m
Physical Death
1m
“To All the Apostles” (1 Cor 15:3–9)
Interpretive Issue (1 Cor 15:3–9)
3m
To Cephas, and Then to the Twelve
2m
Four Types of Apostles
5m
Today’s Apostles
2m
Jesus and the Serpent in the Wilderness (John 3:13–15)