What did the Old Testament really teach about demons and spirits? Were they fallen angels, ghosts, or something else entirely? In this final episode of our “Demons” series, Dr. Mark Chavalas explores what the Old Testament actually says—and doesn’t say—about demons. He traces the mysterious world of supernatural beings in the Old Testament—where wild desert creatures, shadowy spirits, and divine messengers blur the line between natural and spiritual.This discussion challenges sanitized modern theology and reveals a world alive with unseen powers under God’s control. The episode closes with Psalm 91, showing how Israel’s worldview of pestilence, plague, and night terrors connects directly to their trust in God as the ultimate protector.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Demons & their connection to the Old Testament➡️ The mysterious “Lilith,” Azazel, and the scapegoat ritual in Leviticus 16➡️ The Witch of Endor and Saul’s encounter with Samuel’s spirit➡️ The lying spirit in Ahab’s court and what it reveals about God’s sovereignty➡️ Psalm 91 and the real meaning of “the terror by night”➡️ How Israel’s understanding of evil shaped early Christian theologyMore Info in our LIVE EPISODE:https://firstfreechurch.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/202287828Contact us:buriedbiblepodcast@gmail.com💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Which Old Testament passage about demons or spirits do you find most fascinating—or most difficult to understand?🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf you’ve enjoyed this series on demons in the Bible, make sure to subscribe for our next series as we return to Genesis and explore the unseen world through an ancient lens.📚 Books & Texts MentionedEvil Demons — Mark Geller (ed.)- The Devils and Evil Spirits of Babylonia — R. Campbell Thompson- “Demons in Mesopotamia and Israel” — John Walton- Leviticus Commentary (Anchor Yale Bible) — Jacob Milgrom- The First Ghost — Irving Finkel- Psalm 91 and the Demonic Menace — Gerrit Vreugdenhil (2020)- The Unseen Realm — Michael S. HeiserBiblical Passages Discussed:Leviticus 16 (Azazel) · Isaiah 34:14 (Lilith) · 1 Samuel 16 & 28 (Saul & Witch of Endor) · 1 Kings 22 (Lying Spirit) · Genesis 4:7 (Rabisu imagery) · Psalm 91 (Demonic Menace) · Job (Netherworld) · Isaiah 10 (Assyria as rod of God) · Genesis 6 (Nephilim) · Ephesians 1–3 (Principalities & Powers)#BuriedBiblePodcast #BibleHistory #AncientNearEast #DemonsInTheBible #OldTestament #BiblicalHistory #BibleStudy #AncientIsrael #SpiritualWarfare #Theology #Psalm91 #Azazel #Lilith #OldTestamentDemons
What did the ancient world really believe about demons?Before the Bible ever mentioned unclean spirits, the people of Mesopotamia lived in a world filled with spirit beings, magic, and fear of the unseen. In this episode, Dr. Mark Chavalas looks into the ancient Mesopotamian worldview of demons and spirit beings—the cultural backdrop behind how the Bible’s authors and readers understood the unseen world.This episode unpacks texts from the ancient Near East describing how demons were classified, how they affected daily life, and how people sought protection through magic, medicine, and ritual. From protective spirits to terrifying ghosts and baby-snatching demonesses, this conversation reveals just how different—and yet familiar—the ancient world’s view of evil, spiritual warfare and the unseen realm really was.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ How Mesopotamians understood “demons” and spirit beings➡️ Why there was no word for “demon” in the ancient Near East➡️ The three classes of spiritual beings—from gods to ghosts➡️ How illness, misfortune, and even nightmares were tied to the spiritual realm➡️ The eerie rituals and “medical magic” used to drive out evil spirits➡️ Why understanding Mesopotamian demonology illuminates Scripture📚 Rescources & Texts:- John H. Walton, “Demons in Mesopotamia and Israel: Exploring the Category of Non-Divine but Supernatural Entities”. - Gina Konstantinopoulos, “Demons and Exorcism in Ancient Mesopotamia” - Frans Wiggermann, “The Mesopotamian Pandemonium”, on Mesopotamian demon concepts - Markham J. Geller, works on the Sherpa incantations and their relationship to biblical Leviticus style rituals.- “Demons and Spirits in Biblical Theology: Reading the Biblical Text in Its Cultural and Literary Context” by John Walton & J. Harvey Walton💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:What surprises you most about how ancient people viewed demons?🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share:If you love learning the Bible through its ancient context, hit that bell so you never miss an episode!#buriedbiblepodcast #BiblicalHistory #AncientNearEast #BibleContext #Demonology #OldTestament #Mesopotamia #DrMarkChavalas #BiblicalScholarship #spiritualwarfare
We continue asking the questions: What is a Demon? How did the people in the ancient Jews and non-biblical writers view demons?Dr. Chavalas explains that, as with many theological topics, the Bible itself never gives a direct definition. Instead, later Jewish and intertestamental writings tried to fill in the gaps. The conversation moves through several ancient sources that shaped how both Jews and early Christians understood the unseen world.📖 Key Points:➡️ The Bible’s Silence: Scripture mentions demons and unclean spirits but doesn’t explain their origin or nature.➡️ Greek Background: In classical Greek, daimon could mean any spiritual force—sometimes good, sometimes bad—showing how broad the term was before Jewish writers adopted it.➡️ Intertestamental Development: 1 Enoch 👉 The Book of Jubilees 👉 Josephus 👉 The Testament of Solomon 👉 The Dead Sea Scrolls➡️ Medical ailments vs Spiritual Illness➡️ Theological Tension: The hosts discuss how Christians today wrestle with distinguishing between natural illness and spiritual attack, and how faith calls us to live in that tension rather than demand black-and-white answers.💭 Haven some questions for us? 💭 buriedbiblepodcast@gmail.com📚 Referenced Books & Sources (for show notes + links)Michael S. Heiser, Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness👉 https://www.logos.com/product/185391/demons-what-the-bible-really-says-about-the-powers-of-darknessKarel van der Toorn, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst (eds.), Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible (DDD)👉 https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofdeit00vander1 Enoch, esp. chapters 15–16 (The origin of evil spirits from the Nephilim)👉 https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/boe017.htmBook of Jubilees, chapters 5 & 10👉 https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/jub/jub05.htmFlavius Josephus, Jewish War 7.185–187👉 https://penelope.uchicago.edu/josephus/war-7.htmlTestament of Solomon (esp. chapters 5, 12, 18, 20)👉 https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/tos/index.htmMichael Wise, Martin Abegg, and Edward Cook, The Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation👉 https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-dead-sea-scrolls-a-new-translation-michael-wise💡 Takeaway:The Bible doesn’t systematize demonology, but the ancient world was filled with attempts to explain it. Understanding those texts—Enoch, Jubilees, Josephus, Solomon, and the Dead Sea Scrolls—reveals the worldview behind the New Testament’s stories of possession, healing, and spiritual conflict. Ultimately, the episode points listeners back to the authority of Christ, who transcends every ancient fear of the unseen.🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share:Your support helps us reach more listeners hungry to understand the Bible in its historical and cultural context.
What does the New Testament really teach about demons?In Part 2 of our exploration of demons in the bible, we zoom out from the story in Mark 5 to examine the bigger picture of demonology throughout the New Testament. From exorcisms in Mark’s Gospel to the nuances of “demons” versus “unclean spirits.” This episode unpacks how the biblical writers understood the spiritual realm. Along the way, Dr. Chavalas explains why Jesus’ exorcisms were so unique compared to pagan rituals, how the apostles continued His authority, and why the New Testament doesn’t present a full “theology of demons.” The discussion draws from intertestamental Jewish writings, rabbinical texts, and even skeptical pagan critics of early Christianity, showing how the ancient world grappled with the reality of spiritual forces.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ What are the differences between “demons” and “unclean spirits”?➡️ Demonology throughout the New Testament➡️ How Jesus’ exorcisms broke with pagan rituals and showed divine authority➡️ What Jewish and early Christian writers outside the Bible said about Jesus and demons.➡️ The reason for calling out names - and why demons recognize Jesus’ authority➡️ Why early Jewish writings (1 Enoch, Jubilees, Testament of Solomon) shaped background assumptions about demons📚 Sources Mentioned in the EpisodeD. F. Strauss – The Life of Jesus Critically Examined🔗 Read on Archive.orgRudolf Bultmann – “It is impossible to use electric light…” (New Testament and Mythology)🔗 English TranslationOpen Letter by Don Cupitt & G. W. H. Lampe to the General Synod🔗 Guardian Archive Reference (full text is referenced in secondary sources, not widely available online)🔗 demons in Mark 1, 6, 7, 9; Matthew 12; Acts 5, 8, 16; 1 Corinthians 10; 1 Timothy 4; and Ephesians👉 Feel free to email us at: buriedbiblepodcast@gmail.com***** we apologize for some technical difficulties. We are working on getting it fixed, so if you notice them in the next few episodes please give us grace. If you didn't even notice.....nevermind i guess!🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share#BibleHistory #DemonsInTheBible #BuriedBiblePodcast #BiblicalStudies #ancientneareast
We’re starting our new series on demons in the bible by diving into one of the wildest stories in the New Testament — Jesus casting out Legion and sending the demons into a herd of pigs in Mark 5. You’ve probably heard the story before, but what’s actually going on here? Why did the demons beg not to be tormented, and why choose swine? 🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Why Mark, Matthew, and Luke differ in their accounts of the Gerasene demoniac➡️ The meaning of “unclean spirits” and why demons name Jesus the “Son of the Most High God”➡️ The role of pigs in Greco-Roman and Mesopotamian rituals (and why this matters for Mark 5)➡️ Jewish and pagan exorcism practices — and how Jesus is utterly different➡️ Why demons are said to hate water and what that reveals about the abyss and judgment➡️ What this story shows about the supremacy of Christ🔥 This isn’t just about pigs—it’s about power, authority, and the supremacy of Christ over the unseen world. By examining the cultural background, ancient demonology, and gospel tensions, we gain a deeper appreciation of why Mark included this dramatic event.📚 Sources Referenced in this Episode:R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 2002)R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the New Testament, 2007)Word Biblical Commentary (Matthew/Mark volumes)Barry Beitzel, The Moody Atlas of the Bible (2015 edition)Jacob Milgrom, Leviticus 1–16 (Anchor Yale Bible Commentary, 1991)R. Campbell Thompson, The Devils and Evil Spirits of Babylonia (1904)M. J. Geller, Evil Demons: Canonical Udug-hul Incantations (2007)John Hull, Hellenistic Magic and the Synoptic Tradition (SCM Press, 1974)The Testament of Solomon (early Jewish pseudepigrapha)Greco-Roman Magical Papyri (PGM IV and others)Book of Tobit (Apocrypha)1 Enoch (Jewish apocalyptic literature)Archaeology Magazine / Atikot journal report on pig remains at Legio (2023)🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf this episode deepened your understanding, share it with someone curious about the Bible’s stranger stories.***** we apologize for some technical difficulties. We are working on getting it fixed, so if you notice them in the next few episodes please give us grace. If you didn't even notice.....nevermind i guess!#BiblePodcast #BiblicalContext #BuriedBiblePodcast #Demons #Legion #mark5
The Tower of Babel Explained: Jewish & Christian Traditions You’ve Never HeardWhat really happened at the Tower of Babel? Was it just about confusing languages—or something much deeper?This episode of the Buried Bible Podcast wraps up the Tower of Babel series by exploring how Jewish and Christian traditions reinterpreted the story across centuries. Dr. Mark Chavalas discusses sources like Josephus, Jubilees, rabbinical commentary, and even connections to Acts 2, showing how Babel became a symbol of rebellion, pride, and divine judgment. The conversation highlights how Babel contrasts with God’s call of Abraham—revealing that while humans sought to make their own name great, God’s plan was always to establish His name and bless the nations on His terms.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Ancient Jewish traditions on Babel: apocalypse texts, Jubilees, and midrash➡️ How Josephus linked Nimrod to the tower➡️ Why the rabbis viewed Babel as ultimate rebellion➡️ The surprising connection between Babel and Acts 2 at Pentecost➡️ God’s response at Babel vs. His call of Abraham in Genesis 12➡️ What this story reveals about sacred space, divine council, and human pride📚 Why This Episode Matters:The Tower of Babel isn’t just an isolated story—it’s the backdrop for God’s plan to call Abraham, form Israel, and ultimately bless the nations. Understanding the traditions surrounding Babel reveals how Jewish and Christian thinkers made sense of rebellion, pride, and God’s redemptive plan.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Which tradition about Babel surprised you most—Josephus, Jubilees, or Acts 2?🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share to keep uncovering the Bible through its ancient context.#BuriedBiblePodcast #TowerOfBabel #AncientNearEast #BibleHistory #JewishTradition #christiantraditions
What does the Tower of Babel story in Genesis 11 really mean? Was it simply about scattered languages — or was the biblical writer actually responding to Babylonian myths?In this episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Dr. Mark Chavalas dives deep into the Babel story, examining it through the lens of the ancient Near East. He shows how the account in Genesis is not just a history of languages, but a theological message ridiculing Babylon and asserting Yahweh’s supremacy over Mesopotamian gods and kings.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Why Genesis 11 is not simply about language, but about God’s supremacy➡️ How the Enuma Elish and Babylonian ziggurats shaped the context of Babel➡️ What does the verse about bricks and mortar have to do with anything?➡️ The meaning of “one lip” and its parallels in Mesopotamian texts➡️ Why Israel’s writers mocked Babylon’s pride and “gate of the gods”➡️ How theological messaging works as history interpreted through faith📚 Why This Episode Matters:The Tower of Babel isn’t just an ancient tale—it’s a theological confrontation with the world’s powers. Understanding the Babylonian background brings fresh insight into how Israel saw God’s sovereignty over nations, history, and human pride.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think Genesis 11 is more about history—or theology? How does this change the way you read the Tower of Babel?🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share:Help us uncover the buried context of the Bible—new episodes every week!#TowerOfBabel #BuriedBiblePodcast #BibleHistory #AncientNearEast #EnumaElish #genesis11
Was the Tower of Babel really about different languages—or something much deeper? Genesis 11 describes humanity as having “one language,” but the Hebrew actually says “one lip.” Could this phrase mean more than speech—perhaps unity, arrogance, and rebellion?Dr. Mark Chavalas unpacks the ancient Mesopotamian context, showing how the biblical text may have been written as a theological response to Babylon’s arrogance and self-exaltation.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Why “one lip” in Hebrew may signal unity of purpose rather than just shared speech➡️ How Assyrian kings used phrases like “one mouth” to enforce conformity across empires➡️ Why Genesis 11 may be a deliberate mockery of Babylon’s arrogance and wisdom traditions➡️ The role of Nimrod and why his name is missing in this account➡️ How the Babel story sets the stage for the nations of Genesis 10 and the calling of Abraham🔎 Samuel L. Boyd, “Sargon’s Dur-Šarruken Cylinder Inscription and Language Ideology: A Reconsideration and Its Implications for Genesis 11:1–9” (Journal of Near Eastern Studies, 78:1, 2019)🔎 Casey Clary, “On the Meaning and Language of Genesis 11 and Its Babylonian Background” (Journal of Near Eastern Studies, 82:1, 2023)📚 Why This Episode MattersToo often the Tower of Babel is reduced to a children’s tale about “why languages exist.” But when read against the backdrop of Mesopotamia, Babel becomes a profound critique of human rebellion, imperial pride, and false claims of wisdom—a theme that runs straight into the heart of the biblical story.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think the Tower of Babel was mainly about language, or about rebellion and pride?🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share to uncover the stories, cultures, and history buried beneath Scripture with the Buried Bible Podcast.📧 - buriedbiblepodcast@gmail.com#TowerOfBabel #Genesis11 #AncientNearEast #BiblicalStudies #Mesopotamia #BuriedBiblePodcast #BiblicalHistory #OldTestament #hebrewbible
Who exactly was Nimrod from the Bible?In this episode, Dr. Mark Chavalas kicks off our new Tower of Babel Series by uncovering the mysterious figure of Nimrod in Genesis 10–11. Was he just a legendary hunter? A Mesopotamian king like Sargon? Or a rebellious archetype against God?🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Why Genesis 10 interrupts the genealogy to highlight Nimrod➡️ What his name actually means (“Let us rebel”)➡️ Whether Nimrod was connected to the Nephilim and giants of Genesis 6➡️ Archaeological clues from Mesopotamian kings like Sargon and Naram-Sin➡️ How Jewish and Rabbinic tradition tied Nimrod to Abraham➡️ Why the Bible calls him a “mighty hunter before the Lord” — positive or negative?➡️ How Nimrod sets the stage for the Tower of Babel📚 Why This Episode Matters:Understanding Nimrod gives us a glimpse into the ancient Near Eastern world and the theological backdrop for the Tower of Babel. Far from a side note, his story raises questions about rebellion, empire, and humanity’s attempts to replace God with their own power.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think Nimrod was a real historical king like Sargon, or more of an archetype of rebellion?
🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareJoin us on the journey to uncover the Bible through history, archaeology, and context.#Nimrod #TowerOfBabel #BuriedBiblePodcast #BibleHistory #Genesis
If tattoos in the ancient world were mostly marks of slavery, what does that mean for Christians today?
In this follow-up episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Keagan Walz and Dr. Mark Chavalas tackle the big question: how do we apply Old Testament laws—like Leviticus 19:28—to our modern lives?
From ancient Near Eastern branding practices to the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, we explore how cultural context, biblical law, and the law of love intersect. Whether you believe tattoos are permissible or prohibited, this episode dives deep into scripture, history, and practical application—while encouraging respectful discussion among believers.
🔥 In This Episode:
➡️ What tattoos meant in the ancient world (branding & slavery)
➡️ The connection between Leviticus 19 and Acts 15’s four stipulations
➡️ How the early church navigated Old Testament law for Gentiles
➡️ The “law of love” as the guiding principle for application today
➡️ Why conscience, wisdom, and unity matter more than winning debates
📚 RESOURCES:
- W. Edward Glenny – “The Septuagint and Apostolic Hermeneutics: Amos 9 in Acts 15”- Tremper Longman III
– Making Sense of the Old Testament: Three Crucial Questions
💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Where do you land on this? Are tattoos a matter of conscience, or should believers avoid them altogether?
🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share
#TattoosInTheBible #BiblicalContext #OldTestamentLaw #BuriedBiblePodcast #BibleStudy #AncientNearEast #ChristianityToday #Acts15 #Leviticus19 #LawOfLove #biblicalapplication
Are tattoos really forbidden in the Bible? Or have we misunderstood Leviticus 19:28 all along?Tattoos have become a hot-button issue in modern Christian circles, often used as a litmus test for holiness. But does Leviticus 19:28 actually prohibit body art—or is it condemning something far different? Dr. Mark Chavalas takes you on a scholarly journey into the ONE VERSE in the entire Bible that mentions tattoos. Through ancient Near Eastern history, ancient slave practices, biblical language, rabbinical interpretation, and literary context, we uncover what tattooing meant in the ancient world—and what it meant to be marked.📖 In This Episode:➡️ The real Hebrew word behind "tattoo" and why it's a one-time use mystery➡️ Why cutting and marking the body were likely two separate prohibitions➡️ How Mesopotamian slaves were branded—and why that matters➡️ What ancient mourning rituals reveal (and what they don’t)➡️ The poetic irony of God saying He tattoos our names on His hands (Isaiah 49)➡️ What early rabbinical and modern scholars say—and where they get it wrong➡️ Why your tattoo probably isn’t what Leviticus was warning about➡️ A method to responsibly apply Old Testament laws today📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:David Bernat, “Tattoos: What Exactly Is Prohibited?” — Read ArticleMark Chavalas, Adventures in Leviticus, Biblical Archaeology Review, Vol. 42.6 — View Article (BAS Library)Huehnergard & Liebowitz, The Biblical Prohibition Against Tattooing (Vetus Testamentum 63) — View ArticleJoAnn Scurlock, Magico-Medical Means of Dealing with Ghosts (Book excerpt)Pritchard (Ed.), Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament — View BookJacob Milgrom, Leviticus 17–22 (AYB) — View Commentary🔥 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you believe Christians should avoid tattoos? Why or why not?---------- MORE Questions 👉 buriedbiblepodcast@gmail.com🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf you found this episode helpful, subscribe and share it with someone wrestling with this topic!#BuriedBible #TattoosInTheBible #Leviticus19 #BibleContext #AncientNearEast #ChristianPodcast #ShouldChristiansGetTattoos #BiblicalInterpretation #SlaveBranding #DrMarkChavalas
Abraham's covenant in Genesis 15, the smoking firepot, and the flaming torch—what do they really mean? Who walked between the pieces? Was it God or is there something more going on...Dr. Mark Chavalas, breaks down the strange covenant ritual with Abraham — focusing on the smoking firepot and flaming torch — to uncover what ancient Mesopotamian texts reveal that most modern readers miss. The smoking firepot and flaming torch are often assumed to represent God, but ancient texts suggest: It very well may not be God at all....so what does it mean?🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Why Genesis 15 isn’t about God “passing through”➡️ What the firepot and torch actually represent➡️ How Mesopotamian adoption rituals and treaties illuminate this scene➡️ Why this covenant changes how we view the Abraham story — and the whole Bible📚 Academic Books and Commentaries▸ The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament— John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas▸ Mesopotamia and the Bible: Comparative Explorations— Edited by Mark Chavalas & K. Lawson Younger▸ Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament (ANET)— Edited by James B. Pritchard▸ Treaty of the Great King: The Covenant Structure of Deuteronomy— Meredith G. Kline💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think this changes how we understand the Abrahamic covenant? What surprised you the most?🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share if you want more Bible deep dives from the ancient world!#BuriedBible #Genesis15 #Abraham #AncientNearEast #OldTestament #BiblePodcast #BiblicalContext #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #biblestudy #Covenant #Firepot #FlamingTorch
What kind of God makes a covenant like this? And why does Abraham cut animals in half and wait in the dark for a smoking firepot?In this episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Keagan Walz and Dr. Mark Chavalas explore one of the most mysterious and misunderstood scenes in Scripture: the animal-splitting covenant ritual of Genesis 15. Abraham is promised land and descendants, but then God asks him to cut animals in half—what does that mean?Dr. Chavalas unpacks the ancient Near Eastern background of covenant rituals, adoption laws, and Mesopotamian treaties to reveal what’s really going on with the “smoking pot and flaming torch.” Was this a legal contract? A divine promise? Or something else entirely?🔥 In This Episode:➡️ What Genesis 15 meant to its original audience➡️ Why Abraham cuts animals in half — and what it symbolized➡️ How this ritual compares to Mesopotamian treaties and oaths➡️ The meaning of Abraham’s deep sleep and terrifying darkness➡️ What inheritance laws at Nuzi and Mari tell us about Abraham’s world➡️ Why understanding ancient treaties transforms your view of God’s promises📚 Why This Episode Matters:Genesis 15 is a foundational covenant moment — not just for Abraham, but for the entire biblical story. Understanding this strange ritual through ancient eyes deepens our grasp of God’s character and the radical nature of His promises.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:What surprised you most about this ancient ritual? Have you ever heard Genesis 15 taught like this before?🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf you’re passionate about understanding the Bible in its original context, help others find this podcast by subscribing and sharing!▶️ Watch now and uncover what’s buried beneath the surface.#BuriedBible #Genesis15 #CovenantRitual #BiblePodcast #AncientNearEast #BiblicalContext #DrMarkChavalas #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalHistory #SmokingPotFlamingTorch
Before Israel became a nation, before God made the covenant.....who was Abraham?In this episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, we return to Genesis to set the stage for one of the strangest covenant rituals in the Bible — Genesis 15:17. But before we dive into the mystery of the smoking firepot and flaming torch, we take a step back to explore the backstory of Abraham himself & Abraham's calling in Genesis 12–15. .Dr. Mark Chavalas, ancient Near East scholar, reveals what the Bible doesn’t spell out plainly: Abraham likely wasn’t a monotheist when God called him. So why was he chosen? And what exactly did he understand about the God who made him a promise?🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Was Abraham still a pagan when God called him?➡️ What gods did Abraham’s Amorite ancestors worship?➡️ The literary and historical backdrop to Genesis 15➡️ Abraham's connection to the Amorites and the moon god➡️ How Genesis 14 prepares us for the covenant in Genesis 15:17➡️ What happened between Babel and the call of Abraham➡️ Why Abraham’s faith is a model of slow, loyal obedience📚 Why This Episode Matters:This episode reframes the story of Abraham in its ancient Near Eastern context, revealing how God's covenant didn’t begin with perfect theology but with loyal relationship. It reminds us that faith often begins with a step—not certainty. Understanding Abraham’s background helps us better grasp the radical nature of God's promise and the mystery of divine election.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think Abraham understood who God truly was when he was first called? How do you relate to his slow journey of trust and faith?🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf you’re enjoying these deep dives, hit the like button and share this episode. Subscribing helps spread biblical literacy rooted in historical context!Watch the full episode now — and don’t miss part two, where we uncover the shocking truth behind the smoking firepot and flaming torch!📜Sources & Further Reading:- The World Around the Old Testament (ed. Bill Arnold & Brent Strawn) — featuring Dan Fleming’s authoritative chapter on the Amorites- Apocalypse of Abraham (Jewish pseudepigrapha) — a fictional yet insightful window into how early Jewish thinkers imagined Abraham’s pre-call life- Journal of Northwest Semitic Languages, Vol. 51 (2024) — featuring Hugo At-Ross’s article on Amorite grammar and verb structure- Andrew George & Manfred Krebernik’s article: “Two Remarkable Vocabularies: Amorite–Akkadian Bilinguals” in Revue d’Assyriologie et d’archéologie orientale, Vol. 116 (2022)- Moshe Weinfeld, “The Covenant of Grant in the Old Testament and in the Ancient Near East” in Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 90, No. 2 (1970), pp. 184–203- Genesis 12–15, Joshua 24:2, Hebrews 11, Romans 4, Galatians 3#BuriedBible #Abraham #Genesis15 #BiblicalHistory #AncientNearEast #DrMarkChavalas #FaithJourney #BiblePodcast #HistoricalContext #Monotheism #BibleStudy #oldtestament
Did the Anunnaki Come from Planet Nibiru? Or Is It All a Misreading of Ancient Texts?Welcome to another episode of the Buried Bible Podcast! We’re diving deep into one of the most sensationalized ideas in ancient alien theory: the claim that the Anunnaki are alien beings from a mysterious Planet called Nibiru. But is there any actual evidence for this in the ancient texts—or have modern theorists simply connected dots that aren’t there?Join your hosts Keagan Walz and Dr. Mark Chavalas—Mesopotamian scholar, archaeologist, and professor with decades of experience—as they explore the claims, the sources, and the misinterpretations surrounding Nibiru and the Anunnaki. With a pile of primary texts, ancient dictionaries, and peer-reviewed scholarship at hand, Dr. Chavalas cuts through the modern myths and conspiracy theories and offers insight into what ancient Mesopotamians really believed about the cosmos.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Is Nibiru a secret planet… or something far less mysterious?➡️ Where the word “Nibiru” comes from and what it meant in Mesopotamian astronomy➡️ The one—and only—fragmented line that refers to Gilgamesh as “judge of the Anunnaki”➡️ The ancient Mesopotamian obsession with stars and omens➡️ Cylinder seal VA 243: Debunking the “12th Planet” myth➡️ Why there’s no known connection between the Anunnaki and Nibiru in any ancient text➡️ How conspiracies stitch together fragments to build shaky theories➡️ Biblical wisdom on why Christians should approach this soberly📚 Why This Episode Matters:The internet is flooded with sensational claims about ancient aliens, hidden planets, and lost knowledge. But when we go back to the original sources, the narrative changes dramatically. This episode empowers listeners to pursue truth, think critically, and avoid building theology or worldview on speculation.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:What questions do you have about the Anunnaki or Nibiru? Have you heard other theories you'd like us to investigate? Drop them below or email us directly—we’d love to hear from you!🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share:If you enjoyed this breakdown of ancient texts vs. modern myths, hit that like button, subscribe for more biblical history content, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear the truth.📜 Books & Sources Referenced in This Episode:- The Epic of Gilgamesh, trans. Andrew George (Penguin Classics, 2003)- Chicago Assyrian Dictionary, Vol. N, Part II (1980), page 145- Michael S. Heiser, The Myth of the 12th Planet (free article)- Ursula CalmeyerSeidl, Die babylonischen Kudurru-Reliefs: Symbole mesopotamischer Gottheiten- Emanuel Freriedman, The Marduk Star Nibiru, Cuneiform Digital Library Bulletin, 2015- Stephen Langdon, The Babylonian Epic of Creation (1923)- Wilfred G. Lambert, Babylonian Creation Myths (2013)- Jeremy Black, Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia- Francesca Rochberg, The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture#BuriedBiblePodcast #Anunnaki #Nibiru #AncientAliens #Mesopotamia #Gilgamesh #AncientNearEast #BiblicalHistory #MichaelHeiser #ChristianPodcast #BibleContext #AncientAstronautTheory #debunkinglifehacks
Are the Anunnaki ancient gods, space aliens, or something else entirely? Why are so many Christians talking about them—and what does any of this have to do with the Bible?Dr. Mark Chavalas tackles one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—topics on the internet. We peel back the layers of internet conspiracy, pop theology, and pseudo-scholarship to ask: Who were the Anunnaki? Were they gods, giants, fallen angels… or simply misunderstood figures in Mesopotamian texts?Dr. Chavalas offers a scholarly, myth-busting look at the real sources: ancient cuneiform tablets, academic lexicons, and peer-reviewed research. Along the way, we confront the flawed methods of figures like Zecharia Sitchin and ask why modern Christians have been drawn into alien narratives with no historical foundation.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ What “Anunnaki” actually means in Sumerian and Akkadian➡️ Why Mesopotamian scholars don’t even talk about ancient aliens➡️ How fringe ideas became mainstream in Christian circles➡️ What Mike Heiser got right—and why it matters➡️ The real difference between myth, language, and theology➡️ Why the Anunnaki have nothing to do with Genesis, Nephilim, or aliens💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Have you ever come across Anunnaki theories online? What questions do you still have?OR 👇📩 Email: buriedbiblepodcast@gmail.com📘 Primary Sources & Lexicons**The Anunnaki Gods According to Ancient Mesopotamian Sources**English translations of the four major German scholarly articles, edited by Michael S. Heiser & translated by Dorothea Clapper.**Chicago Assyrian Dictionary (CAD)**The definitive multi-volume Akkadian–English dictionary from the Oriental Institute.**Akkadisches Handwörterbuch (AHw)** – Wolfram von SodenComprehensive German lexicon of Akkadian, based on Bruno Meißner’s work.**Manuel d’Épigraphie Akkadienne** – René LabatEssential guide to cuneiform signs, syllabary, and ideograms in Akkadian.📚 Why This Episode Matters:The internet is full of noise—but historical truth still matters. As Christians who want to love God with our minds, we need to separate fact from fiction and test everything against real sources. This episode equips you with a clear lens to discern truth, think critically, and stay rooted in Scripture.🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf this helped clarify things for you, hit that 👍, subscribe, and share it with a friend who’s searching for truth.📡 Coming Next: Planet Nibiru, the End of the World, and More...We’re just getting started. Buckle up as we explore where these ancient alien theories really come from—and what’s actually hiding in the texts.#BuriedBiblePodcast #Anunnaki #AncientAliensDebunked #Mesopotamia #SitchinIsWrong #AncientNearEast #Cuneiform #BiblePodcast #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTruth #spiritualdiscernment
What do the Nephilim have to do with your faith? Are they just ancient footnotes—or a window into a much bigger spiritual reality? What ultimately is the role of giants in the biblical narrative?Welcome to the wrap-up episode on our Nephilim series! In this final episode of our Nephilim series, Keagan Walz and Dr. Mark Chavalas reflect on everything we’ve uncovered: Genesis 6, the “sons of God,” ancient Mesopotamian texts, Jewish traditions, and the mysterious Apkallu. We explore unanswered questions and look to answer why the Nephilim matter—not as a fringe topic, but as a meaningful thread in the biblical narrative. These ancient figures reveal the Bible’s supernatural worldview, deepen our understanding of divine rebellion, and expand our perspective on the spiritual reality behind the text.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Why the Nephilim are more than just ancient footnotes➡️ The tension of the Nephilim both before and after the flood➡️ The link between naming, identity, and power in the ancient world➡️ Why the number seven keeps showing up—and what it meant to ancient people➡️ What Paul really meant by “principalities and powers”➡️ How Mesopotamian myths like the Apkallu parallel—but also differ from—the Nephilim💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Share your thoughts or questions—we want to hear from you! What stood out most from this series?OR 👇Email: buriedbiblepodcast@gmail.com📚 Why This Episode Matters:Understanding the Nephilim isn’t about sensationalism—it’s about seeing the full depth of the biblical world. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible assumes a supernatural framework that modern readers often miss. This episode helps recover that lens and invites you to read Scripture more faithfully and fully.🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf this helped expand your view of Scripture, hit that 👍, subscribe, and share this with a friend hungry for the truth of God’s Word!📡 Coming Next: The Anunnaki & Planet Nibiru?!Get ready to debunk myths, explore real Mesopotamian sources, and find out what’s actually behind the conspiracy theories in our upcoming series.#BuriedBiblePodcast #Nephilim #Genesis6 #AncientNearEast #BiblicalGiants #ancienthistory #SpiritualWarfare #BiblePodcast #christianpodcast
Who Were the Apkallu—and What Do They Have to Do with the Bible?In this episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Dr. Mark Chavalas explores mysterious figures from ancient Mesopotamian texts known as the Apkallu—seven pre-flood sages often depicted with fish heads—who emerge from the sea to bestow knowledge on humanity. Sound familiar? These ancient beings may hold the key to understanding the biblical Nephilim, the flood narrative, and why so many other early traditions point to supernatural rebellion.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Who (or what) were the Apkallu?➡️ How the Apkallu compare to the “sons of God” of Genesis 6➡️ How ancient rituals invoked these beings in magic, healing, and house protection➡️ Why early Mesopotamian texts describe them being punished and banished to the underworld➡️ The deep connection between the Apkallu, the flood story, and divine rebellion➡️ What this means for interpreting Genesis—and why it matters➡️ Why Mesopotamian texts matter for biblical interpretation📚 Why This Episode Matters:Most Christians have never heard of the Apkallu—but they’re all over Mesopotamian lore and may be the cultural backdrop behind one of the most controversial passages in the Bible. If we want to understand the Nephilim, the Watchers, and the flood narrative, we need to explore these shadowy sages and the cultural memory they represent.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Did the biblical writers respond to the Apkallu stories—or were they influenced by them? What do you make of ancient hybrid beings showing up across so many cultures?📧 POST YOUR WRAP-UP QUESTIONSEmail ---- buriedbiblepodcast@gmail.com—Episode 18 is our Nephilim wrap‑up and your input makes it epic.🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share if you love exploring the Bible through the lens of history and context.📚 Cited Books & TextsMesopotamian Texts & Resources:Babyloniaca of Berossus (Fragments compiled by Stanley Burstein) – AmazonIn Search of the Lost Sages by Josephine Fechner – AmazonThe Sumerian King List and Uruk King List – Online TranslationsMyths from Mesopotamia by Stephanie Dalley – Oxford World’s ClassicsMaklu: Ancient Anti-Witchcraft Rituals by Tzvi Abusch – Society of Biblical LiteratureBiblical & Comparative Resources:Reversing Hermon by Dr. Michael Heiser – AmazonThe East Face of Helicon by Martin L. West – AmazonThe Book of Enoch (1 Enoch) – EarlyJewishWritings.comGenesis 6 and the Sons of God – Peer-reviewed articles on JSTOR, Academia.edu#BuriedBiblePodcast #Nephilim #Apkallu #Genesis6 #BibleHistory #AncientNearEast #BiblicalScholarship #Watchers #Mesopotamia #Enoch #BiblicalMystery #ChristianPodcast
Why Did the Church Stop Talking About Giants? What happened to the Nephilim? Why did early Jewish and Christian writers seem so sure about their existence—only for later theologians to abandon the idea altogether? In this episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Dr. Mark Chavalas dives deeper into Genesis 6 by tracing the story of the Nephilim through ancient Jewish texts like Jubilees, The Testament of Reuben, The Book of Giants, and the Dead-Sea Scrolls— and even Mesopotamian sources to uncover the shifting beliefs about the mysterious giants from the Bible.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Where else are the Nephilim mentioned outside of the Bible?➡️ What the early church fathers—Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Augustine—actually believed➡️ How the Dead Sea Scrolls and the “Book of Giants” hint at ancient beliefs➡️ Why did church tradition shift away from supernatural interpretations?➡️ How do Mesopotamian giants and Gilgamesh connect to Genesis 6?➡️ Why Josephus linked the Nephilim to Greek Titans➡️ The surprising connections between Nephilim and Mesopotamian beings like the Apkallu📚 Why This Episode Matters:Most people think of the Nephilim as fringe theology—but ancient Jews, early Christians, and even surrounding cultures like Mesopotamia and Greece had startlingly similar traditions. This episode pulls back the curtain on how these supernatural stories developed and how we lost the otherworldly worldview of the Bible.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think the Nephilim were real? Why do you think early church leaders shifted their interpretation?🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share if you want more content that digs deep into the Bible's buried stories.📚 Cited Books & TextsHere are the major books, sources, and writings referenced in this episode:Jewish and Intertestamental Texts:The Book of Jubilees – Read online (Archive.org)The Testament of Reuben – Sacred Texts EditionThe Apocalypse of Baruch – Read online (Sacred Texts)The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch) – Online Text (Early Jewish Writings)The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha (ed. James H. Charlesworth) – AmazonDead Sea Scrolls and Related Material:The Book of Giants (Dead Sea Scrolls Fragment) – Intro summaryThe Damascus Document (4Q266) – Scroll overviewThe Dead Sea Scrolls Bible (Abegg, Flint, Ulrich) – AmazonEarly Christian Writings:The Antiquities of the Jews by Josephus – Online (CCEL)The City of God by Augustine – Online (CCEL)Justin Martyr – Second Apology – New AdventIrenaeus – Against Heresies – New AdventMesopotamian & Comparative Sources:In Search of the Lost Sages by Josephine Fechner – AmazonReversing Hermon by Dr. Michael Heiser – AmazonThe East Face of Helicon by Martin L. West – Amazon#Nephilim #Genesis6 #BookofEnoch #BuriedBiblePodcast #Watchers #DeadSeaScrolls #GiantsInTheBible #AncientMyths #BiblicalHistory #Mesopotamia #BiblicalContext #Abkallu #GreekTitans #biblicalgiants
📜 Nephilim & the Book of Enoch | Buried Bible Podcast 📜What if the Bible isn’t the only ancient source that mentions the Nephilim? What if there was an ancient book that claimed to tell you exactly what Genesis 6 left out? A book that names the angels, exposes their crimes, and traces the origin of demons to the Nephilim? Today, we’re diving into the mysterious and controversial Book of Enoch.In this episode Dr. Mark Chavalas dive deep into biblical and extra-biblical texts to uncover the extended story of the Nephilim. From Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua to the Book of Enoch and the Dead-Sea Scrolls, this conversation unpacks how ancient readers understood these mysterious figures—and how early Jewish and Christian thinkers expanded on them..🔥 In This Episode:➡️ Where the Bible mentions the Nephilim beyond Genesis 6➡️ Who are the “Watchers” in Enoch?➡️ Did fallen angels teach forbidden knowledge to humanity?➡️ Should we trust the Book of Enoch? And how did early Christians view it?➡️ Why Goliath may be a descendant of the Nephilim➡️ The connection between the Nephilim and King Og’s 13-foot bed➡️ A surprising tie between Og’s bed and Marduk, the Babylonian god➡️ How outside texts inform—but don’t rewrite—biblical theology📚 Books & Resources Mentioned:The Bible: Genesis 6, Numbers 13, Deuteronomy 2–3, Joshua 11, Ezekiel 32, Daniel 4, Jude, 1 PeterBook of 1 Enoch (Pseudepigrapha)Book of Giants (from the Dead Sea Scrolls)The Canon of Scripture by F.F. BruceReversing Hermon by Dr. Michael HeiserThe Unseen Realm by Dr. Michael HeiserThe Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, ed. James CharlesworthAncient Conquest Accounts by K. Lawson Younger Jr.How Isaiah Became an Author by David DavageChicago Assyrian Dictionary (referenced on "watchers")Article on Og’s Bed by Maria Link-Lundquist (Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Vol. 73, 2011)📚 Why This Episode MattersThe Book of Enoch was one of the most popular Jewish texts of the Second Temple period. It offers a wild and revealing look at how ancient audiences understood the fall of the angels and the Nephilim. But it also raises deep questions about biblical authority, canon, and the supernatural worldview of early Jews and Christians. This episode helps you separate fact from fiction—faithfully.💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:Do you think the Book of Enoch should influence how we interpret Genesis 6?🎥 Like, Subscribe & ShareEnjoying this Nephilim series? Hit the 👍, click Subscribe, and share this with someone who’s never heard of the Watchers!#Nephilim #BookOfEnoch #BuriedBiblePodcast #DrMarkChavalas #BiblicalGiants #AncientContext #Watchers #Genesis6