In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the Israelites continued struggle with conforming to the nations around them instead of being a blessing to the nations.

They treat the ark of the covenant as if it was a magic talisman and reject God as their king.

God, in his abundant patience, agrees to give the people the king they desire- tall, handsome, and wealthy. Israel’s monarchy is established, but it shakily begins through misguided motivations and an uncertain king.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, the Israelites go from bad to worse. By the end of the book, the God’s chosen people reflect the character and values of their idolatrous, violent neighbors, instead of Yahweh.

Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss what we can learn from these tragic narratives and how it connects with the book of Ruth.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Gideon and Jepthah.

These two judges of Israel seem to be faithful leaders, but inevitably lead God’s people further into idolatry and violence.

In these hard-to-read stories, there is both the depth of human depravity, and the surprising, patient faithfulness of God.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the passage of Scripture that is most quoted by Scripture itself: when God reveals his name and character to his people.

Who is Yahweh and is he really anything at all like the Jesus of the New Testament?

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted, Lance, and Rachel discuss what it means to be the “treasured possession” of Yahweh.

How should we think about the 10 Commandments? Is the law good, bad, or outdated?

These well-known passages are far-reaching, not just for courtrooms or as a failed “plan A” of God, but for how we understand our identity and mission as God’s people today.