Buried Bible Podcast
Buried Bible Podcast
Podcast Description
The Buried Bible Podcast looks to explore the Bible through the lens of the ancient world and its historical context. Co-hosted by Dr. Mark Chavalas, a seasoned scholar, archaeologist, and professor with decades of expertise in ancient Near Eastern history and Keagan Walz who brings the perspective of the everyday listener, we aim to enrich & deepen your understanding of the Bible.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as biblical archaeology, ancient civilizations, cultural contexts, and interpretive strategies. For example, episodes explore the historical backdrop of the Old Testament, the significance of Mesopotamian civilizations, and common misconceptions about biblical texts. Specific episode highlight includes the exploration of the origins of writing among Sumerians and Egyptians, revealing how these aspects shape biblical narratives.
The Buried Bible Podcast uncovers the rich historical and cultural context behind the Bible, bringing ancient Scripture to life. Join Dr. Mark Chavalas, a renowned scholar, archaeologist and professor with expertise in ancient Near Eastern history, and Keagan Walz, who provides a fresh perspective from the modern listener’s point of view. Together, they explore the stories, cultures, and languages that shaped the biblical world and uncover insights that deepen your understanding of Scripture.
What if the “Star of Bethlehem” wasn’t what you think it was?
In this Christmas-themed episode of the Buried Bible Podcast, Dr. Mark Chavalas dives into Matthew 2 and the famous story of the Magi and the Star—but through the lens of the ancient world. Who were the Magi really? Why does Matthew use language that sounds… astrological? And why would these men go to Jerusalem first instead of Bethlehem?
🔥 In This Episode:
➡️ Why the term “Magi” changes meaning over time (priests, diviners, even “sorcerers”)
➡️ What Matthew’s phrase “in the East / in the rising” could imply
➡️ The historical anchor: Herod’s reign and why Jesus’ birth is often placed before 4 BC
➡️ How Roman and Jewish sources show horoscopes and portents were taken seriously in the ancient world
➡️ Why the Magi may have “seen” the star on paper, not in the sky (and what that means)
Mentioned / Referenced in the Conversation:
Matthew 2
Micah 5:2 (and Matthew’s use of it)
Acts 8 (Simon “Magi”)
Josephus (Herod dates; references to “magi/magician”)
Suetonius (Augustus, Nero, Titus)
Dead Sea Scrolls references to horoscopes/divination textsEd Yamauchi, Persia and the Bible
Francesca Rochberg, The Heavenly Writing (and related scholarship)
Michael Molnar, The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi
#BuriedBiblePodcast #Magi #StarOfBethlehem #Matthew2 #BibleHistory #AncientNearEast #BiblicalStudies #ChristmasEpisode #jesusbirth
Disclaimer
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