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Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Keith Bodner—Old Testament scholar, author, and professor—to explore the beauty, depth, and divine design of Scripture. Together, they examine how literary artistry and theological truth intertwine throughout the Old Testament, showing that these ancient texts are far more than historical accounts—they’re masterfully constructed narratives revealing God’s character and redemptive plan.

Dr. Bodner unpacks the importance of reading Scripture as both literature and revelation, pointing out how patterns, irony, and structure illuminate meaning. He and Dr. Easley discuss what it means to approach the Bible with reverence, curiosity, and literary attentiveness, and why doing so deepens our understanding of God’s Word.

Whether you’ve studied the Bible for years or are just beginning to appreciate its complexity, this conversation will renew your awe for the divine craftsmanship behind Scripture—and encourage you to see the Old Testament not as a collection of disconnected stories, but as a coherent narrative revealing the wisdom and sovereignty of God.

Takeaways:

• The Old Testament isn’t just a collection of ancient stories—it’s a divine masterpiece, crafted to reveal God’s character and His redemptive plan.
• Every narrative, from Genesis to the prophets, carries intentional design and theological weight, pointing us back to the faithfulness of God.
• When we recognize the literary patterns, irony, and structure within Scripture, we begin to see the brilliance of God’s authorship behind every word.
• Studying the Bible with both literary attentiveness and spiritual humility allows us to appreciate its artistry without losing sight of its authority.
• The coherence and consistency of the Old Testament remind us that Scripture is not man’s invention but God’s revelation—woven together by His sovereign hand.
• Reading Scripture this way renews our awe for God’s Word and deepens our confidence that every story serves His eternal purpose.

ABOUT DR. KEITH BODNER

Keith Bodner is Professor of Religious Studies at Crandall University in New Brunswick, and has studied at the University of Aberdeen and the University of Manchester. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, and is a former section chair (Bakhtin and the Biblical Imagination) for the Society of Biblical Literature. His 2008 book 1 Samuel: A Narrative Commentary was awarded the R. B. Y. Scott Award from the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies.

His recent books include The Artistic Dimension (T & T Clark, 2013) and The Rebellion of Absalom (Routledge, 2014), as well as articles for reference works such as the Biographical Dictionary of Women Biblical Interpreters and The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Law. With an interest in literary criticism, he has also written three volumes for Oxford University Press: Jeroboam’s Royal Drama (2012), The Double Agent (2014), and After the Invasion (2015).

LINKS MENTIONED:

Exploring The Financial Parables of Jesus by Dr. Keith Bodner

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