The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

08/21/2026

This episode examines the apparent contradiction between Numbers and Deuteronomy over whether the first generation of Israelites died in the wilderness. Lance Smith walks through the biblical texts and scholarly views to clarify what the Bible actually says.
Key points: the age-based judgment in Numbers, exceptions like Joshua and Caleb, the Levites and women, inherited memory, and Moses’ corporate language. The episode argues that the passages can be reconciled without forcing a contradiction.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
Kugler, Gili. “Did the Exodus Generation Die in the Wilderness or Enter Canaan?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/did-the-exodus-generation-die-in-the-wilderness-or-enter-canaan
Himmelfarb, Martha. “Who Is Deuteronomy’s Audience?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/who-is-deuteronomys-audience
Ingram, Chaim. “RE’EH: You have seen….” Times of Israel Blogs. https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/reeh-you-have-seen/
Carpenter, Eugene E. “Literary Structure and Unbelief: A Study of Deuteronomy 1:6–46.” The Asbury Theological Journal 42, no. 1 (1987): 77–84. https://place.asburyseminary.edu/asburyjournal/vol42/iss1/6
Schnittjer, Gary Edward. “Kadesh Infidelity of Deuteronomy 1 and Its Synoptic Implications.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 63, no. 1 (2020): 95–120.
DiMattei, Steven. “Bible Contradiction #280. Where are the 1st generation Israelites killed off?” Contradictions in the Bible. https://contradictionsinthebible.com/1st-generation-die-where/

08/18/2026

In Episode 287 (Part 2), Lance Smith turns to Matthew 10:23, examining the skeptical claim that Jesus wrongly predicted His return within His disciples' lifetime. By exploring the passage's immediate context, the significance of the title "Son of Man," and several major evangelical interpretations, he shows that the central debate is not whether Jesus made a failed prophecy, but which event Jesus had in view.
Drawing on scholars including Wayne Jackson, Sean McGowan, David Guzik, and others, Smith explains why some interpreters connect the passage to the judgment on Jerusalem in A.D. 70, others to the inauguration of Christ's kingdom, and still others to different near-term fulfillments. He concludes by previewing Part 3, where Matthew 24 takes center stage and the discussion turns to "the end," "all nations," and whether Jesus' Olivet Discourse predicts one event or several.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “When will the end of the world come?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/end.html
Jackson, Wayne. "What Is the Meaning of Matthew 10:23?" Christian Courier.https://christiancourier.com/articles/what-is-the-meaning-of-matthew-10-23
McGowan, Sean. "Before the Son of Man Comes (Matthew 10:23)." Knowing Scripture.https://knowingscripture.com/articles/before-the-son-of-man-comes-matthew-10-23
Brown, Austin. "Wrestling With Matthew 10:23." Gentle Reformation. https://gentlereformation.com/2011/03/31/wrestling-with-matthew-1023/
Guzik, David. Matthew 10 Commentary. Enduring Word.https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-10/
Stallard, Michael D. Matthew 10:23 and the Coming of the Son of Man. Liberty University Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1095&context=pretrib_arch
Bowen, David, Ph.D. "Is Jesus Recorded as a Failed Apocalypticist?" Ehrman Project. https://ehrmanproject.com/is-jesus-recorded-as-a-failed-apocalypticist
O'Neill, Tim. "Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet." History for Atheists.https://historyforatheists.com/2018/12/jesus-apocalyptic-prophet/

08/17/2026

Thanks for the kind mention!

The Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “Who asked for the best seats in heaven?” TheBible Difficulties and Answer Podcast tackles this question and examine Matthew 20:20–21 and Mark 10:35–37. And amon…

08/16/2026

In Episode 286 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith continues through Book Three of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter Two, The Cardinal Virtues. Lewis introduces the four cardinal virtues—prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude—and explains why they serve as the foundation of Christian character.
Along the way, Lance examines why Christianity calls for both a childlike heart and mature thinking, why temperance applies to every area of life rather than just alcohol, and why courage is essential to practicing every other virtue.
The episode concludes by exploring Lewis' important distinction between merely doing the right thing and becoming the kind of person who naturally does what is right. God is not simply interested in outward obedience or rule-keeping. He is shaping our character into the people He created us to become.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

08/14/2026

Host Lance Smith launches a 35-week journey through the Book of Deuteronomy by tackling one of the Bible's most enduring questions: Did Moses really write it?
This episode fairly presents the case made by biblical critics, examining the "beyond the Jordan" objection, the Documentary Hypothesis, and the theory that Deuteronomy was composed during King Josiah's reforms. It then evaluates those claims alongside the book's own repeated assertions of Mosaic authorship, the testimony of Joshua, the Old and New Testaments, Jesus' references to Moses, the covenant treaty structure of Deuteronomy, archaeological evidence, and the insights of both conservative and critical scholars.
Finally, the discussion addresses the account of Moses' death in Deuteronomy 34 and explains why many conservative scholars see it as an inspired editorial conclusion rather than evidence against Mosaic authorship.
Rather than avoiding difficult questions, this episode weighs the cumulative evidence and argues that substantial Mosaic authorship—with limited, inspired editorial additions—remains the most compelling explanation. It's the perfect foundation for a new verse-by-verse study through Deuteronomy.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
“Who wrote the book of Deuteronomy? Who was the author of Deuteronomy?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/who-wrote-the-book-of-Deuteronomy.html
“The Book of Josiah’s Reform.” Bible.org. https://bible.org/article/book-josiahs-reform
“Introduction to Deuteronomy.” Bible.org. https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-deuteronomy
“Death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34 and Authorship.” Christian Research Institute (equip.org). https://www.equip.org/articles/death-of-moses-in-deut-34-and-authorship/
Block, Daniel I. “Recovering the Voice of Moses: The Genesis of Deuteronomy.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 44, no. 3 (2001): 385–408.https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/files_JETS-PDFs_44_44-3_44-3-PP385-408_JETS.pdf
Wenham, Gordon. “The Date of Deuteronomy: Linch-pin of Old Testament Criticism.” Themelios / The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-date-of-deuteronomy-linch-pin-of-old-testament-criticism/
“Evidence for Mosaic Authorship of the Torah.” Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/
“Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch—Tried and True.” Apologetics Press. https://apologeticspress.org/mosaic-authorship-of-the-pentateuch-tried-and-true-36/
Kline, Meredith G. Treaty of the Great King: The Covenant Structure of Deuteronomy: Studies and Commentary. Eerdmans, 1963.
“Who Wrote Deuteronomy?” BartEhrman.com. https://www.bartehrman.com/who-wrote-deuteronomy/
“Who Wrote the Torah According to the Torah?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/who-wrote-the-torah-according-to-the-torah
“Where in the Transjordan Did Moses Deliver His Opening Address?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/where-in-the-transjordan-did-moses-deliver-his-opening-address

08/11/2026

Episode 287 launches a three-part investigation into one of the most significant skeptical challenges to Christianity: Did Jesus wrongly predict that the end would come during His disciples' lifetime?
Host Lance Smith presents the strongest version of the skeptical case, examining passages such as Matthew 10:23, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 24:34, and Mark 9:1, along with the arguments of critics including Bart Ehrman and Tim O'Neill.
Rather than offering quick answers, Lance lays the groundwork for a careful, context-driven study that asks whether these passages all refer to the same event—or to different events in redemptive history. The first episode sets the stage for the series by defining the questions, surveying the competing interpretations, and explaining why context is essential before deciding whether Jesus made a failed prophecy.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “When will the end of the world come?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/end.html
Ehrman, Bart D. Is Jesus Recorded as a Failed Apocalypticist? https://ehrmanproject.com/is-jesus-recorded-as-a-failed-apocalypticist
O'Neill, Tim. "Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet." History for Atheists. https://historyforatheists.com/2018/12/jesus-apocalyptic-prophet/
"Bible Prophecy: What Matthew 24 Tells Us About 'The End.'" Grace Communion International. https://www.gci.org/articles/what-matthew-24-tells-us-about-the-end/

08/09/2026

In Episode 283 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith begins Book Three of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter One, The Three Parts of Morality.
Many people think morality is simply a list of rules designed to keep us from enjoying life. Lewis argues the opposite. God's moral law isn't arbitrary. It is the instruction manual for how human beings were created to live and flourish.
Using memorable illustrations of a machine, a fleet of ships, and a band playing music, Lance explains Lewis' three dimensions of morality: our relationships with others, the condition of our own hearts, and the ultimate purpose for which God created us. Along the way, he shows why laws can restrain evil but cannot transform the human heart, and why our understanding of reality shapes the way we live.
The episode concludes by reminding us that if Christianity is true, every human being has eternal significance, making the condition of our souls far more important than any temporary kingdom, culture, or civilization. As Book Three continues, Lewis turns from explaining what Christians believe to showing what those beliefs look like in everyday life.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk

08/07/2026

Episode 282 concludes our 31-week journey through the Bible difficulties of the Book of Numbers by examining the two-witness requirement in Numbers 35:30. Does this law mean that a murderer could only be convicted if two people actually witnessed the crime? If so, wouldn't most murderers simply go free?
Lance Smith explores the skeptical objection, examines the Hebrew word ʿēd ("witness"), and shows that the Mosaic Law required corroborated evidence—not necessarily two literal eyewitnesses. Drawing on the work of Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe, David Guzik, Precept Austin, Edward D. Andrews, and GotQuestions.org, he demonstrates that God's law was designed to protect innocent life from false accusations while still allowing justice to be carried out when guilt could be firmly established.
This episode also marks the conclusion of the Numbers series, highlighting how careful attention to language, context, and historical background often resolves passages that initially appear contradictory.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
“Why are two or three witnesses needed in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/two-or-three-witnesses.html
Andrews, Edward D. “Witnesses in the Wilderness: The Biblical Law of Evidence and the Case of Unseen Transgression.” Christian Publishing House, November 2, 2023. https://christianpublishinghouse.co/2023/11/02/witnesses-in-the-wilderness-the-biblical-law-of-evidence-and-the-case-of-unseen-transgression/
Guzik, David. Enduring Word Commentary on Numbers 35. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-35/
Precept Austin. Numbers 35 Commentary. https://www.preceptaustin.org/numbers-35-commentary

08/04/2026

In Episode 281, Lance Smith concludes his two-part examination of Matthew 23:35 by tackling the question, "Has there ever really been a righteous person?" The Skeptic's Annotated Bible identifies just four passages that answer "No" and more than eighty that answer "Yes." Is that a contradiction?
By examining passages such as Romans 3, Genesis 15, Hebrews 11, and Matthew 23, Lance shows that Scripture uses the word righteous in two distinct senses: perfect righteousness, which belongs to Jesus Christ alone, and credited (imputed) righteousness, which God gives to those who trust Him by faith.
Far from exposing a contradiction, the Bible presents a consistent message from Genesis to Revelation. When read in context, these passages point to the heart of the gospel: Jesus took our sin upon Himself and offers His righteousness to all who believe.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “Has there ever been a righteous person?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/righteous.html
GotQuestions.org – “What does it mean that ‘there is none who does good, no not one’ (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:12)?” https://www.gotquestions.org/none-who-does-good-no-not-one.html
Ligonier Ministries / R.C. Sproul – “None Righteous” https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/none-righteous
The Master’s Seminary Journal, Vol. 32 No. 1 (Spring 2021) Full PDF:https://tms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TMSJ-32.1-rev.11.24.pdf
J.V. Fesko – “Imputed Righteousness: The Apostle Paul and Isaiah 53”
Peter Sammons – “In My Place Obedient He Lived: Imputed Righteousness in Romans 5:18–19”

08/02/2026

In Episode 280 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith concludes Book Two of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter Five, The Practical Conclusion.
If Christianity is more than simply trying to be a better person, how does the new life Christ offers actually become ours? Lewis argues that God ordinarily imparts the Christ-life through baptism, belief, and Holy Communion, using ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary spiritual purposes.
Lance also examines Lewis' responses to two common questions: What about those who have never heard of Christ? And why doesn't God reveal Himself unmistakably to everyone right now? Throughout the discussion, Lewis points listeners back to the urgency of responding to Christ while the opportunity remains.
The episode concludes Book Two by emphasizing that the Christian life is not about earning God's favor through human effort, but about receiving His transforming life and allowing Him to continue His work within us. Next week, the series moves into Book Three as Lewis begins exploring what Christian behavior looks like in everyday life.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers page
Email Address: [email protected]

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk