Biblical World

Episode: In part II of our intro to Biblical Archaeology, Kyle and Chris explore the contributions of W. F. Albright (who knew over 20 languages) and G. E. Wright, Kathleen Kenyon and others, and the emergence of New Archaeology, regional approaches, and other new methods. They also consider questions of faith and history, theology and archaeology, and text and the past. They discuss how archaeology is ill-suited to "slay the dragon of theological liberalism," but also how it contributes to faith. How can we grapple well with the intersection of these fields that often seem so far apart?

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer

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Image Attribution: Beit Shemesh, By David Bena - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126071700

Episode: In this two-part series, Kyle and Chris delve deeply into the history of "biblical" archaeology. What is this field? How did we get to where we are today? Who are some of the characters that shaped the field along the way? If you've ever pondered these (or related) questions, then this mini-series is for you.

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer

Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.

Image Attribution: By NASA, earthobservatory, http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/ - http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/Images/modis_near_east_lrg.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=176941

Episode: In this second of our “Second Temple Series,” Mary Buck discusses the Neo-Babylonian period. Of particular interest is the impact of the Babylonian Empire on the Kingdom of Judah.
Babylonian Period. This short-lived "flash-in-the-pan" empire has an outsized impact on history. Learn how and why in this episode!

Key BCE dates discussed:
627 - Nabopolassar (rebels against Assyria)
612 - Nineveh falls, capital moves to Haran
606 - Nebuchadnezzar II (famous from Daniel, etc.). Egyptians and Assyrians unite against Babylon. Battle of Carchemish - Nebuchadnezzar II defeats the Assyrian-Egyptian coalition.
605 - Nebuchadnezzar II pursues Egyptian army back to the brook of Egypt. (but don't take territory there)
599-597 - Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon (dies in 597), then Jehoiakin exiled to Babylon. Finally, Zedekiah appointed as vassal king.
588 - Judah relies on Egypt to resist Babylon
587/6 - Nebuchadnezzar II returns to Jerusalem a final time, laying siege to the city. Jerusalem falls, partial deportation.
586-573 - 13yr. siege of Tyre.
549 - Cyrus the Great comes to power in Elam
538 - Fall of Babylon (without battle?)

Other references: 

• Al-Yahudu tablets - over 100 cuneiform tablets about the lives of Judean exiles, in the Bible Lands Museum (Israel)
• Ration texts related to Jehoiakin and his five sons

Host: Mary Buck is hosting this series!! Listen to the Assyrian episode HERE.

Image Attribution: By Robert Koldewey (10 September 1855 – 4 February 1925) - Die Tempel von Babylon und Borsippa : nach den Ausgrabungen durch die Deutsche Orient-Gesellschaft, 1911, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87505819

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Episode: We're back with Tablet IX of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh must face reality. From the grief over Enkidu to a search for his (Noah-like) ancestor Utnapishtim on Mt. Mashu, Gilgamesh will learn about his mortality. Meet scorpion beings and enjoy this next installment with Amy and Chris! Click to listen back to PART 1,  PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8 and PART 9. 

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh

Image Source: https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Scorpion_man

Episode: We’re back now with Tablet VIII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and our grief knows no bounds. Tune in and hear Amy and Chris discuss the depths of Gilgamesh's pain, grief, and loss. They also discuss how Gilgamesh memorializes his friend, and what might have happened in the missing part of the tablet. Click to listen back to PART 1,  PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, and PART 8.

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh

Image Attribution: Cylinder Seal from the British Museum. See https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1899-0418-9

Episode: We’re back, with Tablet VII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, an emotional high point in the epic. Chris and Amy take us into the friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, the aftermath of Humbaba's death, and the curse-filled waiting for Enkidu's fate to unfold. Tune in and enjoy! Click to listen back to PART 1,  PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, and PART 7.

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh

Image Attribution:By Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90610606

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Episode: Kyle Keimer joins to add insights from archaeology to an earlier OnScript episode called Misunderstanding Sacrifice (listen HERE). Dru and Matt L talk about the incomplete pictures gained from archaeology AND the Bible, and how to grapple with both. This episode is cross-listed with the OnScript podcast.

Guest/Co-Host: Kyle Keimer is know to listeners of our Biblical World podcast, and follow THIS link to get to know him more.

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Image Attribution: By illustrators of the 1890 Holman Bible - http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart/1890holmanbible/bw/altarofincensealtarofburnt-offeringlaver.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9424389

Episode: In this first of our "Second Temple Series," Mary Buck takes us back well before the Second Temple Period, back to the Assyrian Period. Beware, there's a pop quiz here! Learn which Second Temple site is her favorite, and much more!

Host: Mary Buck is back hosting this new series!!

Image Attribution: By יעקב - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15709510

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Episode: We’re back, with Tablet VI of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Chris and Amy take us on a deep dive into the "love" of Ishtar, Gilgamesh refusing that love as cruel and temporary, the Bull of Heaven's rage and death, and the impending fate of Enkidu. Tune in and enjoy! Click to listen back to PART 1,  PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, and PART 6.

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh

Image Attribution: By Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92742680

Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.

Episode: Part 2 of our Best Archaeological Finds for 2024 (we’re not that far into 2025!). Enjoy this second of a two-part series. 

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer

Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.

Related Episodes: Have a listen to Part I HERE.

Image Attribution: Cuneiform tablet known as Letter ZTT 22. (Credit: Ziyaret Tepe Archaeological Project)