Episode Archives

(27) First: Stop Being Selfish; Second: Become Holy

Well, it’s finally starting to make some sense. Canaanite idolatry is more than a theological error; it’s serving the divine for selfish reasons. Sexual immorality is much the same, as it inserts selfish motives into otherwise pure relationships. Join David and Scott as they determine why these are prerequisites for the laws of holiness in Leviticus 19.

(26) The Selfishness of Canaanite Idolatry

What on earth is David talking about?! The 18th chapter of Leviticus begins with the admonition to avoid the practices of the Canaanites and Egyptians, then explains that Israel must be a paragon of sexual morality. But David says that the first verses are talking about idolatry, not sexual misconduct! (Scott got so frustrated at one point that he recommended changing the channel.) Can David redeem himself? And what does this have to do with selfishness in divine worship?

(25) Why Was Canaan Expelled From the Land?

The chapter in Leviticus which legislates against sexual immorality is preceded by a warning to avoid the actions of the Egyptians and Cannanites. So why is David making the audacious claim that Canaan’s misdeeds were unrelated to sexual misconduct? Weren’t they kicked out of the Land for exactly that reason? Join a puzzled Scott as he interrogates David in the latest Morning Drive Bible podcast.

(24) The Curse of Canaan

In today’s Morning Drive Bible, David and Scott analyze the curse that Noah imposed upon his grandson, Canaan… because of the sexual impropriety of his own son (and Canaan’s father), Ham. What’s up with that? Does that give us a hint as to why the sexual code in Leviticus is preceded with a warning not to act like the inhabitants of the Land of Canaan?

(23) An Unexpected Biblical Interlude about Sexual Morality

Seventeen chapters in Leviticus deal with the holiness of priests, and then a section about the holiness of all Israel… with one chapter about forbidden sexual relationships stuck in the middle. What’s it doing there? What is the connection between sexual morality and holiness?

(22) Holiness Engagement

Last time, David established that every member of the Jewish people is commanded to be holy. But, Scott wonders, if everyone is holy, doesn’t that mean that no one is holy? So what is holiness, anyway? And does holiness mean that every Israelite should live a monk-like existence?

(21) Holiness of a Nation… Because G-d is Holy

Scott is already holy; after all, he’s a priest (kohen). But what about David: is he mandated to be holy, too? And if everyone is holy, isn’t nobody holy? Listen to Morning Drive Bible’s new series on holiness to find out!

(20) the Double Mask and the Triumph of Esther’s Innovation

The past 2000 years of Jewish history are the story of seeking and finding the Divine Presence and the Holy Spirit despite G-d’s apparent absence. David and Scott see the influence of Esther in the long march of Jewish history, culminating (so far) in the establishment of the State of Israel.

(19) Purim is to Hanukkah as Pharaoh is to… Laban?

Once David and Scott have established the principle that Biblical precedent allows the introduction of new laws, they demonstrate that the Book of Esther itself became the precedent for the holiday of Hanukkah. Along the way, they discuss the ways that Purim and Hanukkah represent two recurring motifs that appear in the many attempts to destroy either Judaism or the Jewish people.

(18) Can The Prophetic Writings Contradict the Five Books of Moses?

David has successfully argued that the Book of Esther was included in the Bible, and the holiday of Purim in the sacred calendar, because of the influence of the Holy Spirit. Scott, however, pointed to Deuteronomy 4:2, which asserts that no new laws may be added to those in the Five Books of Moses. How, then, can Purim be a valid holiday? Isn’t celebrating Purim a violation of the Torah itself?