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(00:00) These chapters reflect tension between two different groups of Jews returning from the Exile.
(08:32) “And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh” (Isa. 66.24).
(15:00) Isaiah pleads with those returning from Babylon to keep the Law of the Fast and the Sabbath. Developing celestial character includes having the right motives.
(24:09) Chapter 59 is a lament concerning the separation of man and God. The crooked path is described and we see ways that sin can come into our lives. The redemption of the Messiah straightens that path and provides a way back through repentance.
(35:43) The covenant between God and Israel remains in force. God remembers us and our posterity.
(39:53) Israel will rise again as a mighty nation. Zion will be established and the gates shall be open continually.
(43:53) “Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob” (Isa. 60.16).
(47:15) Isaiah speaks about the coming Messiah and a future day when the Messiah will proclaim liberty to the captives. Jesus reads Isaiah 61.1-2 in a synagogue in Nazareth and announces, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
(51:40) Temple and wedding imagery in Isaiah 61-62.
(57:14) Jesus Christ comes wearing dyed garments “red in thine apparel.” The Lord gives revelation to his servants after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.
(1:02:23) Isaiah’s intercessory prayer for Israel (Isa. 63.7-64.12).
(1:07:40) The righteous works of men are described as rags that fade as a leaf in Isaiah 64.6. Lehi reminds us that we are saved through Christ and his righteousness.
(1:09:47) The great and dreadful day of the Lord. The Savior will bring a new heaven and a new earth where the sting of death is removed and “the former troubles are forgotten.”
(1:17:19) The travail and deliverance of Zion. Isaiah 66 is a precursor to the Christian message of gathering Israel. As a mother comforts, so will God comfort us. The image of the Tree of Life in Nephi’s vision is related to Isaiah 66.11-12.

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The post Ep 393 | Isaiah 58-66, Come Follow Me 2026 (Oct 12-18) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) Contrasting the symbols of the faithful woman and the unfaithful woman in John’s Revelation and in the writings of Isaiah.
(08:02) Isaiah 57 can be seen as a subversion of the Babylonian New Year temple rites.
(12:29) Jehovah is portrayed as the faithful husband of Israel in Isaiah 50. This chapter is a message of hope to the returning exiles.
(18:26) Jacob quotes Isaiah 50-51 to his people in 2 Nephi 6-10. His words are connected to themes of the Fall Festival.
(28:22) Israel is told to awake and put on her strength in Isaiah 51. She is to remember the rock from which she is hewn. These are symbols of coming back into God’s presence.
(36:34) Isaiah 52 continues the Great Exchange, as Babylon and Zion switch places. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publishes peace.” The king’s feet are established and Israel will sing and see eye to eye.
(44:54) The JST of Isaiah 52.15 changes the word “sprinkle” to “gather.” Kings will shut their mouths at the presence of Christ, the Great King.
(48:33) Isaiah 53 is the heart of this week’s message and a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. “Who hath believed our report? To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” The core of Abinadi’s message is Isaiah 53.
(52:16) Jesus knows our pain and sorrows. “We did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”
(57:58) “Who shall declare his generation?” (Isa. 53.8). The saints of God are to declare the physical descent of Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God.
(1:01:48) “When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed” (Isa. 53.10). The Savior saw us during his agony in Gethsemane. He also saw his seed in the Spirit World.
(1:09:58) God speaks of his great love for Israel in Isa. 54.8. His love is shown as a mother’s love for her newborn child.
(1:11:49) The “waters of Noah” (Isa. 54.9) can be read as a promise that when we become a Zion people, Zion will return from heaven.
(1:16:33) All have been invited to the feast. God goes after the outcasts of Israel to bring them home. “Every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters” (Isa. 55.1).

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The post Ep 392 | Isaiah 50-57, Come Follow Me 2026 (Oct 5-11) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) In these chapters the Lord comforts and gives hope to Israel. He promises that he will never abandon us.
(03:15) King Hezekiah seeks the Lord’s advice through the prophet Isaiah as Assyria approaches Jerusalem.
(11:12) In whom do you place your trust? King Benjamin invites us to remember the greatness of God.
(15:13) Isaiah 40 can be read as a temple text. Isaiah sees the council of divine beings in heaven.
(24:00) The Lord gives encouragement to Israel, and reminds them that he has always been there through their trials.
(35:34) The four Servant Songs contained in Isaiah.
(40:04) Different interpretations of “Who is blind, but my servant?” The Joseph Smith Translation opens up other ways to read this servant song.
(44:40) The Lord proclaims his loyalty to Israel, saying “I will do a new thing.”
(50:07) Isaiah warns of idolatry and contrasts Jehovah with the Babylonian god Marduk. He emphasizes that the God of Israel carries us, but the Babylonian god must be carried.
(53:29) Isaiah prophesies of Cyrus, the king of Persia. Cyrus is portrayed as a deliverer because he allowed the Jews to go home to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple.
(56:58) How the Cyrus prophecy is understood in scholarship. A middle path for approaching “Second Isaiah.”
(1:00:19) Isaiah foretells the destruction of Babylon. Babylon leaves the throne and Zion takes her place.
(1:06:27) The prophecy of the House of Israel in the last days. Isaiah shapes his argument in “the covenant treaty formula.”
(1:08:20) The Lord tells Israel, “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.”
(1:12:07) The House of Jacob has come out of the waters of Judah.
(1:17:01) The Book of Mormon adds the significant phrase “the feet of those who are in the east shall be established” in 1 Nephi 21.13. Some see this as evidence of Isaiah being edited.
(1:20:30) Israel has lost her children, but her children will be gathered again.

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The post Ep 391 | Isaiah 40-49, Come Follow Me 2026 (Sept 28-Oct 4) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) Nephi’s keys to understanding Isaiah.
(02:23) The destruction of Babylon is prophesied. Woes are proclaimed to the nations round about Judah.
(07:50) The King of Babylon is seen in vision as a type of Lucifer, son of the morning.
(15:35) The Great Exchange. Babylon and Israel change places as Babylon sits on the ground and Israel takes the throne.
(19:49) Isaiah’s code speech has various interpretations. The politics of Isaiah’s day are used to teach deeper truths.
(23:51) Chapters 15-21.
(26:05) Eliakim replaces Shebna as Hezekiah’s servant in Isaiah 22. Eliakim is described as “a nail in a sure place,” which has reference to Jesus and his trustworthiness.
(35:28) Isaiah predicts the destruction of the merchant city of Tyre.
(36:49) Desolation and victory. The earth will be cleansed and the wicked will be destroyed, but the righteous will be spared. After it is cleansed, the Lord will reign in Zion.
(40:25) God remembers and gives power to those those that wait for him.
(43:24) The Book of Revelation contains parallel images of the faithful bride of Christ and the whore of all the earth.
(48:12) The drunkards of Ephraim will be trodden under foot.
(50:29) The strong city and the lofty city are compared by Isaiah. Isaiah sees the saints of past ages that have brought forth the spirit of our salvation. All will rise in the resurrection.
(56:28) Isaiah 27 presents images of God slaying the dragon in the sea and Israel blossoming and prospering.
(57:51) The parable of God’s plan in history working with fitches, cummin, wheat, barley, and rie. Those who come to earth with unfavorable circumstances will have a gentler judgement. God will account for our degree of difficulty.
(1:06:27) The coming forth of a sealed book, The Book of Mormon, is a marvelous work and a wonder. The book is sealed to those who are unwilling to read it.
(1:15:36) Judah is reproved for turning to surrounding nations for help. The Lord tells the king to not rely on the flesh. Isaiah promises that God will defend and preserve his people.
(1:19:38) Isaiah 34 is a prophecy against Idumea, or the people of Edom. Isaiah 35 speaks of a day of restoration, where the desert will blossom and the Lord will be victorious. The ransomed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy.

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The post Ep 390 | Isaiah 13-35, Come Follow Me 2026 (Sept 21-27) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) Isaiah lived in the 8th century, a time that began in relative peace but later led to great destruction under the conquest of the Assyrian empire, which destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel. Isaiah was an advisor to several kings and lived about 100 years before Nephi. Micah, Amos, and Hosea are contemporaries of Isaiah.
(10:52) Jesus quoted Isaiah and encouraged the Nephites to study his words. Isaiah was the most quoted prophet among the New Testament authors, and his works were important to the Qumran community.
(13:02) Ways to enhance your study of Isaiah.
(20:28) A brief overview of the entire book of Isaiah.
(23:13) A brief overview of chapters 1-12.
(25:31) The Israelites are described as apostate and rebellious. The Lord asks that they “reason together,” saying that “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
(31:53) Isaiah uses metals as a metaphor for people. When he describes the silver as dross, this could carry different meanings. Isaiah stresses that “a remnant will return.” Isaiah 1 reflects the destruction enacted by the Assyrians.
(40:07) Isaiah sees the future latter-day temple in the tops of the mountains. The temple established in Jerusalem represents the millennial hope of peace. He prophesies that the idols people worship will be cast into caves, to the moles and the bats.
(45:39) The daughters of Zion are cursed and tormented for their worldliness. Isaiah discusses three missing objects: the staff, clothing, and the bread. These items can be associated with the temple in Isaiah’s day.
(54:33) The parable of the vineyard portrays several ways the Lord will bless us when we follow him.
(1:09:15) Isaiah sees the Lord and is called as a prophet.
(1:15:13) Isaiah is commanded to “Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.”
(1:21:32) Political intrigue and foreign policy issues facilitate Isaiah’s prophecy of three special children.
(1:33:40) The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. The King of Assyria is going to be destroyed, just as he destroyed other nations.
(1:36:49) The procession of Assyria’s forces approaching Jerusalem is illustrated. The remnant of Jacob will return in the last days.
(1:39:50) Isaiah sees a tree cut down, leaving only a stump. Though this tree seems dead, Isaiah sees that it will come back to life and a new tree will grow out of the stump. The prophet Joseph Smith has a prominent role in the rebuilding of the tree.
(1:42:54) Isaiah sees that peace and order will be restored in the millennial day and that broken things will be healed.

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The post Ep 389 | Isaiah 1-12, Come Follow Me 2026 (Sept 14-20) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are sometimes referred to as “Wisdom Literature.” These texts may have developed during the period of the monarchy. Proverbs shows some Egyptian influence.
(07:44) The big picture of Proverbs: Do I seek wisdom? Wisdom is portrayed as feminine and is a Tree of Life to all who lay hold upon her.
(24:04) The Wisdom Tradition clarifies the difference between the wise person and the fool. Many parallels exist between Nephi and Proverbs, as Nephi was trained in the Wisdom Tradition.
(31:00) Truth and goodness are found in so many religions and cultures. We can cultivate holy envy and compare bests with bests when discussing other religious traditions.
(34:22) The “Strange Woman” described in Proverbs can be seen as a type of the evils mankind should avoid, as her paths lead to death.
(35:24) Whoever finds wisdom finds life unto their soul. Wisdom speaks of her companionship with God during the creation.
(44:44) Who can find a virtuous woman? This can be interpreted as finding wisdom or as being a woman of strength and power.
(48:57) The dominant theme in Ecclesiastes is that all is vanity or “hevel”, meaning that everything on this earth is temporary and fleeting. A valuable lesson we can take from this is to focus our time and energy on what matters most.
(54:03) The authorship of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon, but can also be dated to a later time period.
(1:03:01) Ecclesiastes 12 contains evidence of a later editor reshaping the final message of the book, where it is concluded that the only activity of lasting and permanent value comes from obedience to God’s commandments.

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The post Ep 388 | Proverbs; Ecclesiastes, Come Follow Me 2026 (Sept 7-13) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) A brief overview of these psalms.
(01:32) Psalm 89 portrays God’s power of creation and his justice. Assurances are made to the anointed king that the seed of David will continue with a promise of victory. The last 14 verses are a lament that the king has been forsaken.
(07:15) Psalm 93 teaches that the Lord is mightier than the waters, with a description of him overcoming chaos in his acts of creation.
(09:14) In Psalm 102 the righteous pray for deliverance. Psalm 115 helps us understand Psalm 102, as they both relate to death and resurrection.
(17:23) In Psalm 116 we are assured that God will redeem mankind from death and sorrow and will one day wipe away our tears.
(24:10) Psalm 103 describes how the Lord’s people rejected him, yet the Lord showed them pity. Much of the Old Testament reflects a post exilic view of God that can be negative. This Psalm shows the lovingkindness of God. Lehi describes the essence of the original Hebrew of this psalm when he says “I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.” Knowing God’s true character, nature, and perfections lead us unto salvation.
(31:51) Psalm 105 portrays God’s redemptive work with the children of Israel and the story of the Exodus.
(34:13) Psalm 110, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Different ways to read Psalm 110 in its historical context and in connection with King Benjamin’s sermon. Psalm 110 and Psalm 2 both teach about becoming sons and daughters of Christ.
(45:37) Psalm 118.22, “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” In the Book of Mormon we are warned against rejecting the Messiah, who sits on the right hand of God. Sometimes the Savior does not meet our preconceived expectations.
(55:07) Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem, a prayer to God, and one the longest of the psalms.
(1:02:35) Psalms 120-134 are 15 “psalms of ascent,” relating to the Water-Drawing Ceremony at the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus used this imagery to teach about his power to save.
(1:08:21) In Psalm 127 we are reminded that children are an heritage of the Lord.
(1:12:52) Psalm 135 elaborates upon Israel’s history from the pre-earth Council in Heaven to King David.
(1:16:16) Psalm 136 begins in the premortal Council, reiterates the creation, and then Israel’s Exodus. God’s mercy endures forever.
(1:17:39) Psalm 137 is an emotionally moving exilic psalm lamenting the destruction of the temple.
(1:23:34) Psalm 138 is a thanksgiving prayer of praise. Psalm 139 expresses the king’s worthiness to approach God at the veil of the temple.
(1:24:30) Psalm 146 expresses the message of the work Jehovah would do. This was also the message of the angel to King Benjamin. Psalm 148 shows God’s power in his creative works.
(1:27:21) Psalms 149 and 150 emphasize the participatory nature of the First Israelite Temple Drama. Israel is to sing a new song praising God.

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The post Ep 387 | Psalms 102-150, Come Follow Me 2026 (Aug 31-Sept 6) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) A brief summary of the psalms.
(02:51) Psalm 49 can be read as a resurrection text. “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave.”
(09:20) Psalm 50 teaches that God will come and establish order and peace.
(11:53) Psalm 51 is a prayer asking for forgiveness and a new heart. Hesed is a word used to describe God’s lovingkindness, or his everlasting love. Repentance is rebuilding our relationship with the Savior.
(28:59) Psalm 61 can be read as a plea of the king before he goes out to battle and can be seen in the setting of the temple drama. Compared to God, we are nothing. The teaching of works is found here, but is often lost.
(33:32) To be built upon the Rock is emphasized in the Psalms and also in the Book of Mormon.
(41:43) Psalm 63 is a veil type-scene, as the king approaches the presence of God. “In the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice…thy right hand upholdeth me.” This psalm is connected to Malachi 4.
(52:10) Psalm 64 is a prayer for help. Psalm 65 is an expression of thanks for the abundant harvest feast and the blessing of water in the land.
(59:02) Psalm 66 is an example of how the sacred temple drama was participatory.
(1:03:31) Psalm 68 depicts God as one who loves the widows and the fatherless. It also portrays the battle between light and darkness.
(1:06:12) Psalm 69 teaches that God will bless and help us, but we are also here to be tested. “Deliver me out of the mire and let me not sink.” Psalm 70 is a prayer to God for deliverance.
(1:09:35) Psalm 72 portrays the coronation of the king. Isaiah 61 contains all five essential parts of the ancient coronation ceremony.
(1:14:31) Psalm 74 shows God’s conflict with the dragon and the sea. Creation and order come out of chaos.
(1:15:32) Psalm 77 and 78 retell the story of Moses, a mighty king who carried Israel out of Egypt. This establishes his legitimacy and is tied to the temple drama and God’s sovereignty on earth. We must teach our children.
(1:21:03) Psalm 82 portrays the Council of the Gods, or the council before the world was. Jesus quotes this passage, “Ye are gods and children of the Most High.”
(1:27:13) Psalm 85 teaches that truth will spring out of the earth and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
(1:30:56) Psalm 86 highlights King David as he begs for forgiveness. David works to repent by reconnecting with God.

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The post Ep 386 | Psalms 49-86, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 24-30) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) The historical background and purpose of the Psalms.
(02:14) Many scholars assert that several of the Psalms were used in Israel’s temple worship, especially during the first temple period. They can be divided into hymns of praise, pleas for help or laments, and thanksgiving songs.
(08:44) Some LDS scholars see the setting of the Psalms directly connected to the temple.
(15:13) In Psalm 1 the Tree of Life is seen, similar to Nephi’s dream in 1 Nephi 8-11.
(17:14) Psalm 2 is an enthronement Psalm. The king is set on a holy hill in Zion and is adopted as a Son of God.
(20:36) By making a covenant with God, the king is given the promise of invulnerability. This is both literal and symbolic.
(23:35) Psalm 8 depicts God’s glorious creations. We are central in his creations.
(26:21) “For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels”. The original Hebrew text states that man is “a little lower than the Elohim.”
(29:28) Psalm 19 emphasizes the laws of the Lord, portraying the law as “sweeter than honeycomb.”
(31:37) Psalm 20 is a plea for help. We receive increased divine attention when we go to the temple.
(33:02) Psalm 21 portrays the king receiving the requested blessing, as he comes before the Lord and receives a crown in his presence.
(36:29) Psalm 22 describes the Messiah’s battle with evil. We are given a glimpse into the Savior’s struggle in Gethsemane and Golgotha as he cries out during the day and the night. Justin, in his dialogue with Trypho, connects the sufferer’s cry in Psalm 22 with Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.
(42:28) Jesus, though mocked while on the cross, did not revile against those who ridiculed him.
(45:31) The Bulls of Bashan compass the Messiah. His bones are out of joint, he is poured out like water, and his hands and feet are pierced.
(51:36) The Savior’s post-mortal ministry in the spirit world.
(56:50) Psalm 23 shows the plan of salvation in the pattern of a three-act play. The rod or staff is an extension of God.
(1:01:22) Changing the tenses of the verbs in Psalm 23 can provide additional application.
(1:05:03) Psalm 24, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?” As we demonstrate our trust in Jesus and are cleansed, we are promised we will one day come into the Father’s presence.
(1:07:45) Psalm 24 as a depiction of the ascent of the king coming into the hill of the Lord, with the priests and the Ark of the Covenant.
(1:08:58) Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm. Psalm 29 portrays God’s victory over chaos as his “voice is upon the waters.”
(1:12:00) Psalm 40 describes how the king’s feet are established on the rock, a symbol of sacred kingship. The king prays for the tender mercies and the lovingkindness of the Lord.
(1:15:48) The song of redeeming love.
(1:20:14) Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God.”

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The post Ep 385 | Psalms 1-46, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 17-23) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

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(00:00) An overview of the two parts of Job: the frame and the poem.
(07:31) In the frame, Job is described as a just and perfect man whose property and children are destroyed, yet he praises and blesses the Lord. In the end, he receives back more than he lost.
(16:53) The poem describes Job’s complaints. He even curses being born.
(22:42) Three friends come to “comfort” Job. How to properly engage with someone who is suffering. Rigid orthodoxies and a lack of true empathy can destroy relationships.
(34:52) Our capacity for joy is connected to pain.
(40:20) When we can’t see the purpose of pain, we can still trust in God’s wisdom. It is not possible for mortals to entirely understand his plan. After Job’s revelatory experience with God, his perspective changes.
(46:39) The ideology of the Deuteronomist is challenged in the poem. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? The answers may not come in this life, but pain will ultimately be resolved in “the third act.”
(53:19) Jesus, our Redeemer, will overcome all the injustices of mortality.
(1:00:25) Another way to see Job 19.25. The redeemer in this alternate reading is Job’s defender who will one day come and vindicate him, and will defend his statements regarding the injustice of God.
(1:03:29) A hymn to wisdom and then Job’s final speech. The Lord speaks to Job about his mighty works. God’s creative power and wisdom far exceed the Behemoth and the Leviathan.
(1:09:22) The book of Job can also be read as a temple text, a journey that returns Job back into God’s presence.

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The post Ep 384 | Job, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 10-16) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(07:23) King Ahasuerus seeks a new queen and Esther is put forth by her uncle Mordecai. He compels Esther to not reveal her Jewish heritage to the king. She is chosen as the new queen.(14:42) The villainous

The post Ep 383 | Esther, Come Follow Me 2026 (August 3-9) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) King Cyrus of Persia overtakes Babylon. He believes the Jewish people Babylon conquered should be able to go home.(01:51) The books of Ezra and Nehemiah provide brief accounts of the rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel and

The post Ep 382 | Ezra; Nehemiah, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 27-August 2) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) Although 1-2 Kings and 1-2 Chronicles cover the same time period, they are very different histories.(17:25) When you violate god’s laws you are left to your own strength. The 4-4-4 principle.(29:37) 2 Chronicles 20 emphasizes the protective power of God’s temple.

The post Ep 381 | 1-2 Chronicles, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 20-26) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) Israel is scattered because they rejected God’s statutes and covenants.(09:05) Israel caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire and the Lord was very angry with them for this. These chapters are a warning to us today. We are

The post Ep 380 | 2 Kings 16-25, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 13-19) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(05:08) Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume King Ahaziah’s soldiers that were sent to apprehend him.(12:02) Elisha is wrapped in the mantel of Elijah. Youth that mock Elisha are attacked by bears.(25:30) Possible reasons

The post Ep 379 | 2 Kings 2-7, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 6-12) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) An overview of these chapters. The kingdom of Israel divides when Solomon’s son Rehoboam refuses to reduce the burden on the northern tribes.(06:55) A brief history of the Lost Ten Tribes in the north and Judah in the south.(10:48) Jeroboam, worried that

The post Ep 378 | 1 Kings 12-22, Come Follow Me 2026 (June 29-July 5) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) An overview of these chapters.(04:11) David stays in Jerusalem instead of going to war with his troops. He lies with Bathsheba and then tries to cover his sin by arranging for the death of her husband, Uriah. Reading this story through

The post Ep 377 | 2 Samuel 8-24; 1 Kings 1-11, Come Follow Me 2026 (June 22-28) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) The story of David and Goliath. The Hebrew and Greek versions of 1 Samuel 17 render different accounts of Goliath’s height. An overview of Goliath’s weapons and armor.(05:10) Goliath as a symbol of the unconquerable foes that we all face. David

The post Ep 376 | 1 Samuel 17-31, 2 Samuel 1-7, Come Follow Me 2026 (June 15-21) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes (00:00) Israel wants to have a king like everyone else. Saul is chosen.(07:41) Forms of unrighteous dominion.(11:14) Saul was chosen as Israel’s first king for his goodness, but falls into unrighteous dominion.(24:18) Jonathan, King Saul’s son, is victorious in battle but disobeys

The post Ep 375 | 1 Samuel 8-16, Come Follow Me 2026 (June 8-14) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Ruth, a Moabite, becomes a central character in Israel’s history as the great-grandmother of King David, through whose line comes Jesus Christ. Her story shows that God is the God of the whole world.(10:52) After becoming a widow, Ruth

The post Ep 374 | Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-7, Come Follow Me 2026 (June 1-7) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(06:25) The pride cycle explained.(11:29) The pride cycle illustrated in the Book of Judges.(15:56) Successive generations of Israelites forget God and the things he has done for them.(17:56) The theme of denigrating the northern

The post Ep 373 | Judges, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 25-31) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(02:47) Balancing the violence in Joshua with modern revelation and other ways of interpreting the text.(12:49) If we want the Lord’s help in conflict, then we need to do things the Lord’s way. The

The post Ep 372 | Joshua, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 18-24) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) There is evidence that the Five Books of Moses and specifically the Book of Deuteronomy were edited both before and during the Babylonian captivity, around 600 B.C.(03:14) Many scholars see Deuteronomy as the “Book of the Law” that was

The post Ep 371 | Deuteronomy, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 11-17) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(02:35) The Israelites murmur and complain in the wilderness. How we respond to our afflictions will shape our character. We can strive to see God’s hand in our lives like Nephi and Francis Webster.(15:34)

The post Ep 370 | Numbers, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 4-10) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(04:02) The Nephites saw the Savior Jesus Christ in the Law of Moses.(12:08) The children of Israel willingly donated material to construct The Tabernacle, giving even more than was needed.(15:52) The articles of The

The post Ep 369 | Exodus 35-40; Leviticus, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 27-May 3) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(06:04) The Lord covenants to make Israel a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Time, pressure, and heat create jewels.(14:07) The cultural context of Exodus 19.15. Our doctrine is that

The post Ep 368 | Exodus 19-20; 24; 31-34, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 20-26) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(02:16) The children of Israel murmur and complain in the wilderness. As a comparison, Nephi’s trust in God blesses his wilderness experience.(08:42) The Book of Mormon gives added insight as to why murmuring is

The post Ep 367 | Exodus 14-18, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 13-19) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Multiplying signs and the law of increasing witnesses. God increases in severity as an act of kindness towards those he strives to redeem.(05:02) The Lord wants to save Israel. A summary of the escalation of the plagues as a

The post Ep 366 | Exodus 7-13, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 6-12) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube to see Images → Timestamps: (00:00) Stories of Jesus.(01:19) Jesus teaches a woman of Samaria at the well.(06:04) The woman with an issue of blood.(11:55) Oliver Cowdery’s prayer.(14:23) A woman with a sinful life anoints the feet of Jesus.(16:12) The woman caught in adultery.(18:12) Jesus knows

The post Ep 365 | Easter – The Magnificent Messiah, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 30-April 5) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The children of Israel are placed in bondage by the Egyptians. Moses is born and saved through the efforts of heroic women like Jochebed, Shiphrah, Puah, Miriam, and Pharaoh’s daughter.(08:58) Moses flees from Egypt, meets Jethro, marries Zipporah, and

The post Ep 364 | Exodus 1-6, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 23-29) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.(08:03) Joseph acknowledges to his brothers that God was aware of his trials, and that ultimately they were for his good.(13:25) A comparison of God’s fairness and mercy.(21:51) Judah offered himself in place of

The post Ep 363 | Genesis 42-50, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 16-22) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Joseph of Egypt: An example of living the covenant with steady discipleship.(06:51) Shechem defiles Dinah. Simeon and Levi seek revenge by wiping out the inhabitants of the city.(13:02) Rachel bears Benjamin and dies in childbirth. She is buried in

The post Ep 362 | Genesis 37-41, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 9-15) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Those searching for an eternal companion can learn valuable lessons from the story of Isaac and Rebekah.(04:18) “He shall send his angel before thee to help” in Genesis 24.20.(06:47) A caution: The Lord may have not chosen one particular

The post Ep 361 | Genesis 24-33, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 2-8) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) An overview of these chapters.(02:05) Abraham’s prophetic call and the symbolism of the mighty tree with sacred associations.(13:26) “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”(14:00) Hebrew word play with laugh, rejoice, and Isaac’s name. Doubts and hopes are tied

The post Ep 360 | Genesis 18-23, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 23-March 1) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant include preservation, protection, priesthood, power, a place, and posterity.(09:20) The responsibility of the Abrahamic Covenant is to make Christ’s name known to the world and help all to obtain priesthood and temple blessings.(19:29)

The post Ep 359 | Genesis 12-17; Abraham 1-2, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 16-22) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Different approaches to reading the flood account.(03:47) The flood can symbolize a second creation of the earth.(05:55) A strange passage in Genesis 6.1-4. This text introduces concepts like Watchers, Giants, and a conflict between Enoch and the forces of

The post Ep 358 | Genesis 6-11; Moses 8, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 9-15) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Moses 7 reveals the true character of God. He is an eternal being who weeps for His children.(09:06) The law must be administered. Moses 7.38 – “a prison have I prepared for them.” There is an exit from hell

The post Ep 357 | Moses 7, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 2-8) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The book of the generations of Adam. Another way to view the long lives of the early Patriarchs. The Sumerian King List may help give context to their ages.(11:38) A brief overview of Enoch literature. The name Mahijah in

The post Ep 356 | Genesis 5; Moses 6, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 26-February 1) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps:(00:00) Heavenly Father’s plan in the premortal council and Jesus’ role as Savior. The Savior sought only the glory of the Father.(06:15) The Serpent (Satan) comes to Eve. The serpent was subtle, a word with many meanings. 2 Nephi 2 explains how agency

The post Ep 355 | Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 19-25) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) An overview of the The Old Testament.(04:27) Bryce breaks down the Old Testament into nine time periods.(09:41) Canonization and the creation of the Greek Septuagint. The authors of the New Testament quoted the Greek version of the Old Testament.

The post Ep 354 | Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 12-18) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The book of Moses is the JST of Genesis. The word translation has multiple meanings. Moses 1 is the missing preface to the Old Testament which reveals three important truths.(07:03) We are God’s children, and have infinite worth and potential.(08:45) The

The post Ep 353 | Moses 1; Abraham 3, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 5-11) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Watch on YouTube: Mike’s related video with Stick of Joseph, Ep 230 BONUS VIDEO | Was Jesus DELETED from the Old Testament? → Timestamps: (00:00) Israel is God’s special possession and chosen to bring Heavenly Father’s children home.(08:24) Three main covenants

The post Ep 352 | Introduction to the Old Testament, Come Follow Me 2026 (December 29-January 4) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Proclamations are major declarations from prophets, seers, and revelators. This proclamation states that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.(05:11) There are three parts: prophetic declarations, prophetic warnings, and prophetic counsel.

The post Ep 351 | The Family: A Proclamation to the World, Come Follow Me 2025 (December 15-21) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The 9th Article of Faith explains that the restoration is ongoing.(04:05) President Woodruff issued Official Declaration 1 in 1890. This Manifesto led to the end of the practice of plural marriage.(08:59) Elder Bruce C. Hafen invites us to examine

The post Ep 350 | Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 & 2, Come Follow Me 2025 (December 8-14) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed in Section 137.(01:43) Divine curiosity is a catalyst for revelation.(07:25) Joseph marvels at how Alvin obtained Celestial glory without being baptized. He learns that all who have died without a

The post Ep 349 | D&C 137-138, Come Follow Me 2025 (December 1-7) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) D&C 136 details the will of the Lord as the Saints move west. Winter Quarters was a place to prepare for the final trek to the Great Basin.(04:31) D&C 136 reads differently and Brigham Young’s personality seems to come

The post Ep 348 | D&C 135-136, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 24-30) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Section 133 was intended to be an appendix to the Doctrine and Covenants.(00:55) The role of government is to maintain a balance between rights and responsibilities.(06:59) Section 133 is a companion to Section 1. Prophecies in the Bible will

The post Ep 347 | D&C 133-134, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 17-23) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Three grand keys on the nature of ministering angels and spirits.(02:04) Joseph Smith teaches that God has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s. Traditional Christianity has lost the understanding of Heavenly Father’s physical nature.(07:53) God

The post Ep 346 | D&C 129-132, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 10-16) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) During the Nauvoo period, Joseph Smith receives substantial revelation pertaining to the ordinances of the temple.(03:45) The historical background of Section 125.(05:58) “Essaying” is a term that means trying. Becoming a Saint is a process.(07:39) Through the help of

The post Ep 345 | D&C 125-128, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 3-9) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Joseph Smith and his companions escape from Missouri custody in April 1839.(08:34) The Saints beautify Nauvoo. An overview of this section.(11:03) Joseph has not fallen from grace. The Lord emphasizes Joseph’s prophetic role even though he has weakness. What

The post Ep 344 | D&C 124, Come Follow Me 2025 (October 27-November 2) appeared first on Talking Scripture.