Season 2: Episode 49
Why the Bible Was Written
Date Aired: 1/15/2024
The Hebrew Bible wasn’t created by one of the mighty empires of the ancient world —Egypt, Assyria, or Babylon—but written in the rubble of a small, conquered kingdom. So how has this “epic monument to defeat” not only survived for 2,600 years but spawned three world religions and influenced countless lives? Because the authors of the Hebrew Bible invented something completely new. They created a “people.” Helen and Dave were thrilled to talk with Jacob Wright, biblical scholar and author of the mind-blowing new book, Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins. Jacob turns the Hebrew Bible on its head, explaining how a group of creative scribes used the power of literature to reinvent a fallen kingdom as God’s chosen people.
Listen to the episode on the Biblical Time Machine website or wherever you get your podcasts.
Disclaimer: The Society of Biblical Literature is not responsible for the content of this podcast. The opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the Society of Biblical Literature, its members, or its staff.
