The Scripture Study Podcast

Episódios

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  Practical Ways to Cultivate Beauty and Creativity in Your Faith 25.06.2026 1h 18min

  In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen are joined by Cindy’s daughter, Caroline Hagedorn, as they explore Mount Sinai, the Ten Commandments, and the deeper meaning of God’s covenant with Israel. They discuss how the Torah reveals God’s vision for holiness, justice, and righteousness, examining how covenant faithfulness transforms His people into a treasured possession and a holy nation. Drawing on biblical scholarship and Jewish perspectives, Susan, C...
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  The Law as a Lamp: Understanding God’s Justice and Mercy Through the Torah 14.06.2026 43min

  In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore how the Torah, the Bible, and the Old Testament reveal what is good, true, and holy. Focusing on God’s covenant with Israel in Exodus, they discuss how obedience and covenant faithfulness transform God’s people into His treasured possession and a kingdom of priests. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Rashi, and other scholars, the hosts examine the law’s role in shaping holiness, justice, compa...
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  How Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments Shape Israel’s Identity and Our Faith Today 09.06.2026 1h 5min

  In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the significance of Mount Sinai, the Ten Commandments, and the biblical concept of covenant. Examining the ancient covenant framework of suzerain and vassal, they discuss how God establishes a sacred relationship with Israel and how that pattern continues through modern faith commitments such as baptism and temple ordinances. The hosts also unpack the unique role of the Decalogue, the communal nature of si...
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  The Greatest Biblical Insights on Beauty, Holiness, and Obedience 29.05.2026 1h 5min

  In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their two-part series on the theology of beauty. They explore how Hebrew beauty differs from Greek ideals, emphasizing that true beauty is rooted in righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God. Using the Tabernacle's design and priestly garments as examples, they illustrate how Hebrew beauty points inward toward spiritual integrity rather than outward physical display. The episode concludes with a refle...
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  Seeing God’s Grandeur: The Spiritual Power of Beauty in Scripture 24.05.2026 56min

  In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the theology of beauty as an objective, transcendental attribute linked to truth and goodness. Drawing from Gerard Manley Hopkins' poetry, Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, and Christian thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas, they discuss how beauty reflects divine order and harmony. The hosts also examine ancient Near Eastern and biblical perspectives, connecting beauty to holiness, covenant, and...
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  From Bondage to Blessing: Understanding God’s Call to Leave Egypt and Trust His Provision 15.05.2026 36min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the biblical theme of "Out of Egypt," focusing on the Exodus story and its significance throughout Scripture. They discuss the Hebrew phrase yetziat mitzrayim, Egypt's cultural influence, and how Matthew connects Jesus to the Exodus through the prophet Hosea. The hosts examine Israel's struggle to leave Egypt's comfort despite enslavement, the wilderness journey's lessons on trusting God, and the hardening...
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  Exploring Exodus Theology: How God’s Deliverance Shapes Identity, Ethics, and Hope 06.05.2026 1h 1min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore "Exodus theology," examining how the Book of Exodus serves as a foundational theological pattern throughout Scripture. Drawing on scholars like N.T. Wright and Nahum Sarna, they discuss how the Exodus shaped Israel's identity, ethics, and worship. They explore typology, showing how Exodus themes prefigure Christ's life, death, and resurrection as the ultimate new Exodus. Susan Petersen also shares a person...
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  The Biblical Power Suit: What Joseph’s Coat Teaches Us About God’s Presence and Protection 30.04.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the powerful symbolism of clothing in the biblical story of Joseph. They examine how Joseph's famous coat, the kito net passim, represented identity, authority, and favoritism, fueling his brothers' jealousy. The hosts discuss how clothing throughout the narrative serves as a tool of deception, vulnerability, and ultimately restoration. Drawing on Midrashic literature, scholarly insights, and broader bibli...
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  Wrestling with Jacob: When Trickster Tales Meet Divine Transformation 23.04.2026 1h 10min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the biblical character Jacob, examining his moral complexities and human flaws as portrayed in Genesis. They discuss the Hebrew word "tom," recurring themes of deception, and the principle of divine measure-for-measure justice. The hosts also critique feminist biblical criticism for imposing modern frameworks onto ancient texts, using the story of Dinah and Shechem as an example. Throughout, Susan Pe...
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  From Eden to Esau: The Spiritual Power of Eating and Desire in Scripture 12.04.2026 54min

  this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the theology of food in the biblical story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25–28). They examine how food and appetite drive key narrative moments, including Esau selling his birthright for stew and Jacob's deceptive meal securing Isaac's blessing. Drawing on rabbinic commentaries and scholars like Gordon Wenham and Norman Wirzba, they highlight parallels with the Garden of Eden and discuss how food symbolize...
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  From Wells to Word Motifs: Decoding the Literary Craftsmanship of Genesis’ Patriarchs 12.04.2026 34min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore literary criticism of the Hebrew Bible, focusing on the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Esau. Drawing on scholar Robert Alter's work, they examine key techniques including type scenes, dialogue-driven characterization, intentional narrative gaps, and word motifs. The hosts analyze well scenes in Genesis as symbols of life, fertility, and covenant. They encourage listeners to embrace the Bible's moral complexi...
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  Unlocking Ancient Secrets: The Hero’s Journey Hidden in Scripture 08.04.2026 49min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore biblical literary criticism as a scholarly tool for understanding the Bible's composition and meaning. Cindy explains various critical approaches, emphasizing that "criticism" means analysis, not negativity. They discuss how biblical narratives use literary devices like the "two ways" doctrine, paired stories, and the hero's journey. Using Abraham and Lot as contrasting examples, they examine moral choice...
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  Exploring God’s Justice and Compassion Through the Turbulent Tales of Genesis and Ezekiel 04.04.2026 1h 4min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis chapters 19-21 and Ezekiel 16, examining the stories of Hagar, Sarah, Ishmael, Isaac, and Lot. They discuss ancient legal customs, including the Hammurabi Code, to provide context for inheritance rights and social dynamics. Key themes include God's compassion toward marginalized figures like Hagar and Ishmael, the multifaceted destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and how prophetic literature reinterp...
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  Understanding Ancient Law, Divine Mercy, and Covenant Promises in the Lives of Abraham and Lot 02.04.2026 49min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their study of Genesis 15–18. They explore Melchizedek, the mysterious priest-king of Salem, discussing his eternal priesthood, connection to temple rituals, and foreshadowing of Christ. They examine Abraham's covenant with God and the promise of an heir. The hosts also provide cultural context for the story of Hagar and Sarah, explaining ancient Near Eastern customs around surrogacy and concubinage, help...
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  The Spiritual Crisis of Lot: Choices, Consequences, and Covenant 27.03.2026 1h 5min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the story of Lot (Genesis 12–19), contrasting his cautionary tale with Abraham’s redemption narrative. They discuss literary techniques like chiasmus and parallelism, highlighting how biblical stories reveal character through actions. The hosts examine Lot’s moral compromises, his estrangement from God, and the symbolism of his choices, while emphasizing Abraham’s faithfulness. Through thoughtful ana...
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  From Idolatry to Covenant: Abraham's Journey of Faith 22.03.2026 27min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2, focusing on Abraham’s journey, the symbolism of trees—especially oaks as covenant landmarks—and the deeper meaning behind sacred spaces in the Old Testament. They unpack the cultural and theological context of the “sister-wife” episodes involving Abraham and Sarah, offering insight into these complex narratives while emphasizing God’s guidance, protection, and covenantal purp...
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  The True Nature of Blessing: What Abraham Teaches Us About Spiritual Prosperity 11.03.2026 28min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 12–17 and the Book of Abraham 1–2, focusing on Abraham’s story in the land of the Chaldeans. They examine the historical and cultural context, contrasting Abraham’s pursuit of the true priesthood with surrounding pagan practices, including human sacrifice, and discuss how he resisted cultural assimilation. The hosts reflect on the scriptural meaning of perfection, emphasizing love, humility, ...
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  Abraham's Pursuit of Righteousness and Covenant Blessings 04.03.2026 24min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their exploration of Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2. They discuss Abraham’s pursuit of covenant blessings, the significance of Milka as a possible priestly queen, and the deeper meanings of “happiness” and “shalom” in the Hebrew Bible. The hosts contrast Abraham’s faithfulness with his ancestors’ choices and highlight Melchizedek’s role as a model of righteousness. Through thoughtful discussion, Susa...
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  Abraham’s Clan: A Powerful Community in the Midst of Ancient Challenges 27.02.2026 30min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2, focusing on the historical and cultural context of Abraham’s life. They discuss his role as a wealthy Bronze Age pastoral chief, the significance of Egypt’s influence in Canaan, and the importance of understanding ancient Near Eastern society. The hosts also highlight the unusual prominence of Milcah in biblical genealogies. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on these insig...
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  Rest, Sacrifice, and the God Who Speaks 18.02.2026 1h 22min

  In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their deep dive into the story of Noah, exploring the flood narrative as a powerful transition between the first creation and a new creation. Through rich temple imagery, Hebrew word studies, covenant themes, priesthood authority, and literary design, they unpack the symbolic meaning of the raven and the dove, the importance of rest (Noah’s name), divine speech patterns, and Noah’s first act after l...