Darash Chai Experiment

S3 E51 – The Weakness of the Strong – Judges 14

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Samson gets a bad wrap from many pastors and commentators. He is often credited with breaking his Nazarite vows. He is portrayed as a drunkard with no care for the uncleanness of corpses. The only part of the vow that Samson is said to have obeyed was the bit about cutting his hair, that is until his hair was cut. But when we read the story of Samson and pay attention, we will discover that Samson is never once recorded as having a drink or eating a grape. And the concern about corpses of often misunderstood and misapplied. Samson does have a weakness, but it is not wine. It is a much more fundamental weakness that causes him to make the terrible decisions that he makes. His weakness is women. And not just any women. Philistine women.

S3 E50 – Becoming Judge – Judges 13

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +0000

In this chapter we begin the story of the final and the most popular judge of Israel. Samson, the strong man who we know to have been a man of great strength. But the story of Samson does not begin with Samson. Instead, Samson’s story begins with his parents. Specifically with an angelic visitation of Samson’s mother. In the angel’s instructions we discover some things are not quite as kosher in Samson’s family as we might expect for a man whose birth was foretold of by and angel and who would live under a Nazarite vow. But as we consider the implications of the angel’s words, we have to stop and ask ourselves. Who made us judge?

S3 E49 – A Conflict of Pride – Judges 12

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Just after Jephthah’s great victory he, like Gideon is confronted by the tribe of Ephraim for the slight to their honor of not being invited to the war. Unlike Gideon, Jephthah decides to escalate the confrontation into war, and the reason is clear. Jephthah is still in pain from what he forced himself to do to his only daughter, and the way that Ephraim confronts him triggers him into a violent response. And in the end, Ephraim pokes the proverbial bear and pays the price for their own pride.

S3 E48 – The Hero’s Tragedy – Judges 11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Jephthah is a Biblical character that is often trotted out as the epitome of the tragic hero. A man who gives his all, including those he loves, for the success that he so desperately craves. The tragedy of Jephthah is a profound lesson on unintended consequences, rash vows, and difficult choices, and how all three can bring a man who is on top of the world, down to the lowest place that a man can go while still alive.

S3 E47 – The Broken Pattern – Judges 10

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Throughout the book of Judges we have seen a pattern that was spoken of clearly in chapter 2, and which has been repeated throughout the book. Well, this chapter we see the pattern begin again, but when we examine it closely, the pattern is broken from what we have been primed to expect. The people sin, they are turned over to their enemies, they cry out for release, but when God responds, He does not do so as expected, and in this broken pattern we discover an abiding truth about God and His interactions with men.

S3 E46 – The Hero’s Downfall – Judges 9

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0000

The story of Gideon is over, but for the first time in the course of Judges, we are told a story that does not include a single Judge. Instead, we are treated to a narrative that covers the lives of Gideon’s children, and in the lives of his children we find the great tragedy of Gideon. The legend and hero in his own time passed on his own self-importance to at least one of his sons, and that son takes steps that destroy Gideon’s name and legacy.

S3 E45 – The Hero’s Homecoming – Judges 8

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0000

The initial battle for Israel is over, but there is more fighting to be done. Just like the heroes of legend and popular media, Gideon is on a journey, and as the war wraps up, he takes those final steps of the hero’s journey. Coming home. And just as with every other hero who completes the Hero’s Journey, Gideon returns home to find that while his home had not changed, he himself has. And in this change there is a trap and a warning about the treachery of men’s hearts when a man is thrust into fame.

S3 E44 – The Hero’s Weakness – Judges 7

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0000

The story of Gideon is one of the more famous stories in the book of Judges. It is the story of a commander who is forced by God, to whittle down his own forces before facing an enemy of massive size. And when we tell of this story we often highlight Gideon, the man, the hero, the legend. But what we fail to recognize is that the reason that Gideon’s forces were whittled down was so that Gideon would be made weak. So that God would get the glory for the victory, not a man. But we, just like everyone else, we make it about the man, and in doing so we ignore the weakness inherent in this man.

S3 E43 – Courage and Doubt – Judges 6

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0000

The next judge in the book of Judges is Gideon. A mighty man of valor who will fight the enemy before him with only a small band of unarmed combatants. A man who is called by many a coward when the story begins. But when we stop and consider what Gideon is doing and the opposition that he faces we find a completely different story. Gideon is a man of great courage, but he is also a man full of doubt. A combination of traits that God can work with to accomplish his plans.

S3 E42 – The Story of the Song – Judges 5

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Judges 5 is a unique chapter in the book of Judges. While every other chapter is narrative and tells of the exploits of one judge or another, chapter 5 is a song that was sung by Barak and Deborah in celebration of their victory over Sisera and Jabin. So why is it that this book takes a break from the story at this point in the narrative in order to hold a musical number? Well, the answer is found in the story that the song tells.

S3 E41 – Who’s the Judge? – Judges 4

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0000

In chapter 4 we are introduced to a new judge for Israel. And the identity of this judge is quite controversial. The common assertion that is made is that it is Deborah who is the judge of chapters 4 and 5, but others say that the judge is Barak. So is there any indication anywhere else in scripture of who this judge is? Let’s find out.

S3 E40 – Imperfect Saviors – Judges 3

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0000

There are 12 Judges spoken of in the book of Judges but we only read stories of 6 of them. And when we stop and examine the sort of men that we are told of in these longer narratives, we find that they are not the rich and powerful. Each of the men chosen to be a judge has a problem. There is something about them that would keep them from leadership in this society, and yet these broken men are the men that God chooses to enact His will and bring salvation to Israel.

S3 E39 – The Cycle of Sin – Judges 2

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +0000

There is in the stories of Judges a cycle that repeats over and over and over again. It is a seven step cycle that starts and ends with Israel in a state of sin and seeking salvation. And this cycle is one that every Christian is likely familiar with as we experience this cycle repeatedly in our own lives. So what is this cycle and is there a way to break this cycle?

S3 E38 – The State of Sin – Judges 1

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +0000

The book of Judges is a difficult read for many Christians. This book is violent and disturbing and often confusing. It is the most R rated book in the Bible and few of the stories contained in this book end well. But when we really start to examine and study this book we discover that this book is a warning, and not just a warning for ancient Israel. It is a warning for each believer in the God of Jacob today.

S3 E37 – The Unifying Universal – 1 Corinthians 16

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Throughout the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul has been imploring the church at Corinth to seek unity over division in their dealings with each other. And each chapter of this book has been leveraged towards attempting to address areas of division within the body. But when we get to chapter 16 it seems as if all of that simply goes out the window in favor or personal greetings and Paul’s future plans. But when we really stop and examine the chapter in full we find that Paul has not abandoned his previous topic, he is simply brining it full circle.

S3 E36 – The Unifying Gospel – 1 Corinthians 15

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:00 +0000

If there is one place in scripture where a person can turn to read the contents of the good news of the Gospel, that is 1 Corinthians 15. But when people approach this chapter, they often stop after verse 9. But that presents an issue, because the entirety of the gospel is not contained in just the first 9 verses. It is the entire chapter that relates the gospel message.

S3 E35 – Practical Application – 1 Corinthians 14

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 22 May 2025 21:00:00 +0000

In the course of the Bible, there is only one chapter that even begins to talk about the practical application of Spiritual Gifts in the corporate worship service. And when covering this topic Paul uses two gifts in particular to make his point. Tongues and prophecy. Perhaps the two most controversial gifts in the modern age. But when we get down to it, there is one focus that is put on the church service when it comes to the gifts. Order over Chaos.

S3 E34 – The More Excellent Way – 1 Corinthians 13

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 15 May 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Ahh, the love chapter. So sublime. So poetic. So perfectly descriptive of the depths of love. Often when we come to this chapter in 1 Corinthians our minds shut down because we get lost in the depths of the love that is described in this chapter. But this chapter does not stand alone. It appears in the midst of Paul’s description of the usage of the gifts of the Spirit. Why is it that Paul takes this moment to stop and extoll the greatest virtue of love?

S3 E33 – A Gifted Body – 1 Corinthians 12

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 08 May 2025 21:00:00 +0000

In chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians Paul introduced a metaphor for the church that is aptly descriptive and yet goes much deeper than most realize. Yeshua while on this earth walked in a body. When His body left the earth in the ascension, you might assume that His body is no longer present. And yet, in 1 Corinthians Paul calls the church the body of Christ. And if we are the body of Yeshua then what are the implications of this line of thought?

S3 E32 – A Singular Solution – 1 Corinthians 11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

For the past 3 chapters of 1 Corinthians, Paul has been addressing concerns that were raised in a letter that he received from them. In these chapters he has offered great insight into the role that the Christian should play in these situations. If we stop and examine all of these past four chapter and the problems that are addressed we will find that the solutions that Paul offers are not many. There is one solution. A solution that solves each of the issues that the church in Corinth faced.

S3 E31 – Their Example – 1 Corinthians 10

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 21:00:00 +0000

The idea of sacrifice is all throughout scripture. From the very beginning when Cain and Abel offer the first recorded sacrifices, to the NT where sacrifice is something that becomes more personal. In the city of Corinth sacrifice was a ubiquitous practice but not to God. There were many gods worshipped in the city of Corinth, and food that was available to purchase had likely been offered in sacrifice to one of the many gods in the city. What was the Christian in this situation to do?

S3 E30 – The Limits of Liberty – 1 Corinthians 9

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Paul has made the case in the previous chapters that there comes a point where a Christian should limit their actions when it comes to causing others to stumble. But in this chapter, Paul brings this topic home as he turns to the one thing that nearly everyone can agree is an important matter. Finances.

S3 E29 – Knowledge that Destroys – 1 Corinthians 8

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0000

For many, the desire to be right is central to their belief. After all, truth is of vital importance and so defending what we see as true is a just cause. But there is a danger to the focused defense of the truth. A side effect that leaves victims in our wake as we seek to elevate our own ideas of what is true over the ideas of others. And as Paul continues in this letter he has addressed this danger, but in this chapter he brings his thoughts on the matter to the front.

S3 E28 – Zealous to be Right – 1 Corinthians 7

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0000

When coming to Christ is is all too easy to become zealous. Zealous for God, for His kingdom, and for truth. But all too often this zealousness confuses being right with righteousness. And this can be a problem, because when we become zealous for being right, the outcomes can be detrimental to everything that Christ stands for.

S3 E27 – Judgment Within – 1 Corinthians 6

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000

There will from time to time arise issues between believers. We are human and we make mistakes, so what do we do when this occurs? Do we take it to the courts, or do we take it to the church? Well, Paul recommends taking these disuptes to the church, and his reasoning for saying this is quite profound.

S3 E26 – Sin and the Sinner – 1 Corinthians 5

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000

It is all too easy as a Christian to try to disassociate from people who are engaged in egregious sin. There is a desire to try to remain pure in a world of wickedness and that means not engaging the wicked without addressing their sin. But Yeshua ate with sinners! Not as a way of legitimizing their sin, but as a means of calling them to repentance. So too, Paul recommends continuing relationships with sinners who are outside of the church. But those who continue to sin inside the church, well that is another matter.

S3 E25 – Unity in Judgment – 1 Corinthians 4

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Judgment is a hot topic in the modern world. Verses from Scripture are pulled out of context in order to make the claim that people are not to judge each other. And 1 Corinthians 4:5 is one of those verses. But when we take the entire context of this chapter, this verse cannot be a complete moratorium on judgment. Rather it is about engaging in a specific type of judgment.

S3 E24 – Building on the Foundation – 1 Corinthians 3

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000

The division in the Corinthian church was a major issue for Paul. It is such a foundational issue that Paul found it necessary to address this issue first. And with all of the other issues that Paul addresses in this letter to have this be the first, should tell us a lot about its importance. In chapter 3 Paul begins to address the source of unity for the church and to provide metaphors to describe the relationship between the foundation of the Christian faith, and what men build on that foundation.

S3 E23 – The Dividing Line – 1 Corinthians 2

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:00:00 +0000

The church of Corinth was divided and in disarray. Factions were forming and standing in opposition to each other. It is into this fray that Paul sends this letter to the Corinthian church. In the first few chapters, Paul makes an appeal for unity among the members of this church, but we also know that throughout the book, Paul demonstrates that division is also to occur from time to time. The question that then follows is, where does that line between division and unity lie?

S3 E22 – An Appeal for Unity – 1 Corinthians 1

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 21:00:00 +0000

The church at Corinth was a mess. There were many issues that it faced that Paul decided to confront through written letter. But what were those issues? What was the underlying cause that allowed those issues to propagate within the church? To discover this we need to examine the culture and context of the city of Corinth. Only then can we begin to understand the daunting task of discipling this church.

S3 E21 – A Final Warning – Joshua 23-24

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 21:00:00 +0000

As the book of Joshua closes, Joshua gathers the leaders of the people of Israel to Shechem for the last time before his death. While there, Joshua closes the book in the same way that it opened. He encourages Israel to remain true to God and to keep His ways. It is in these last two chapters and the way that Joshua presents his appeal to Israel, that we find what set Joshua apart from the rest of his kinsmen.

S3 E20 – Dangerous Zeal – Joshua 22

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 21:00:00 +0000

As the war for Canaan draws to a close, the two and a half tribes that had chosen to settle beyond the Jordan River are released from their vow and are sent home. And all is at peace in the land. But on the way home these tribes decide to create a thing meant to bring continued peace and camaraderie with their brothers in the land, but this token of brotherhood is misunderstood and nearly leads to civil war.

S3 E19 – When Gifts Collide – Joshua 20-21

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:00:00 +0000

In these two chapters of Joshua we read of the cities that were given to the Levites as their inheritance in the land of Canaan. As we read through this list there is one city that stands out among the others. The city of Hebron. A city that had already been granted to Caleb as his inheritance. How can this be? How can two families both inherit the same city?

S3 E18 – Fulfillment of Prophecy – Joshua 19

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 21:00:00 +0000

Prophecy is a very misunderstood spiritual gift. But using this chapter and its descriptions of the tribal allotments for the remaining tribes, and then looking at the prophecies spoken over the tribes by both Jacob in Genesis 49 and Moses in Deuteronomy 33, we read of prophetic blessings that were spoken over each of the tribes, and when we compare these blessings to the tribal locations we discover some things of interest.

Map 1: https://seeklifesc.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast/tribalallotments.jpg

Map 2: https://seeklifesc.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast/settledland.jpg

S3 E17 – Our Inheritance – Joshua 18

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 21:00:00 +0000

The next two chapters of the book of Joshua are among the most dry chapters in the Bible. There is not a lot that occurs in these chapters as they are simply an accounting of the tribal allotments for the remaining seven tribes of Israel. But at the beginning of chapter 18, Joshua sends out men to scout the inheritance that lay before them and report on it. Well, we too have an inheritance and this chapter serves as a great time to scout out our own inheritance that God has given us.

S3 E16 – To Whom Much is Given – Joshua 16 – 17

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:00:00 +0000

After the tribe of Judah has been given their inheritance the next in line are the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The sons of Joseph who were adopted by Jacob. When these tribes are given their allotments thought there is a huge discrepancy. Ephraim only gets one allotment while Manasseh receives 10! Why is it that Manasseh receives 10x the land while having less that 2x the people, and what must Ephraim do in order to gain more room for growth?

S3 E15 – Seeking More – Joshua 15

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:00:00 +0000

As we begin to read the chapters of Joshua that deal with the dividing of the land to the various tribes, it is easy to simply check out and seek to move on to more exciting texts. But if we were to do this we would miss out on the simple story that is featured in the midst of these lists. The story of Caleb’s tribal brother. A man who is also a son of Kenaz. A Gentile for all intents and purposes. And this gentile is rewarded with status and honor for his feat of prowess, but the reward is not enough to sustain life. More is required and so more is requested.

S3 E14 – The Faith to Claim Mountains – Joshua 14

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 21:00:00 +0000

In Numbers 13 and 14 we read of the faith of Joshua and Caleb when they reported on their scouting trip to Canaan. Despite their faith, Israel reacted in fear to the report of the spies and that generation was prevented from entering the land. Forty-five years later, Israel is in the land and the time has come for Caleb to get his reward. But as we consider the reward that was granted to Caleb we discover that there was more going on than we might expect.

S3 E13 – Settling for Less – Joshua 13

Darash Chai, Inc — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:32:27 +0000

With the fighting over and Israel now firmly ensconced in the land of Canaan, we are introduced to a problem. Not all of the enemy was driven out of the land. And not all of the land was settled. This issue becomes a problem for Israel in the centuries that follow, and this chapter hints at, not just the problem, but also at the reason for the problem.

S3 E12 – The Ultimate Conquest – Joshua 12

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:00:00 +0000

This short pivotal chapter that takes up the prime real estate of the middle of the book is perhaps one of the most boring of the book. This chapter features simply a list of names of the kings that Israel had conquered up to this point. But while this chapter is short and repetitive, there is a principle that is hinted at that explodes this book wide open. Especially when we compare it to the other book at the other end of the wilderness. The book of Exodus.

S3 E11 – Justice and Love – Joshua 11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 21:00:00 +0000

The book of Joshua is often derided as presenting a God who is unloving and vengeful. These remarks often come from people who want a God who is all love. One who would never judge them or anyone else for wickedness or sin. But the Bible presents a different view of God from the one that the world wants. A God who is love, yes, but also a God who is Just. A God who will pay back evil deeds on those who persist in their evil without repentance.

S3 E10: Into the Fray – Joshua 10

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:45:15 +0000

Joshua is often considered a book of conquest, and yet when you read Joshua you discover that only two chapters of the book contain any sort of prolonged warfare, and the first of these is chapter 10. Now, it is all too easy to be tempted to pull out maps and attempt to discern the various places and to read this chapter simply for its historical value, but when we get down to it, that doesn’t help us much. Instead, we need to use the book of Joshua as a guide. Because we are all in a war at all times. A spiritual war for the very lives of men. And when we examine Joshua from the viewpoint of what we can learn when fighting this war, we discover that there are many truths presented here that we can use even today.

S3 E09: Unequally Yoked – Joshua 8:30-9:27

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 16 May 2024 21:00:00 +0000

The idea of covenant is central recurring themes of Scripture. From the covenants with Noah, Abraham, and David, to the Old and New Covenants with Israel, covenants are found throughout. Every time that we find a covenant it is binding on all parties, and breaking the covenant comes with serious consequences. So what do you do when you are tricked into making a covenant with your enemy?

S3 E08: Tactics and Strategies – Joshua 8:1-29

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 May 2024 21:00:00 +0000

After the crushing defeat at Ai, and the removal of the offense from the camp of Israel, the army is now ready to attack this small fortress once a second time. But this time, rather than making the decision on how to attack Ai on their own, they consult God on the strategy to use, and from this we can learn a lot about how to wage our own battles.

S3 E07: A Recipe for Defeat – Joshua 7

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 May 2024 21:00:00 +0000

Just after the victory at Jericho, Israel presses on to their next target. A small fortress town called simply Ai. After what had happened in the first victory, this small town should pose no real threat. And yet, in their first encounter with this city, Israel is defeated and driven back. The reason that Israel loses is quite simple. Commands had been given regarding what was to be done with the plunder from Jericho, but one man got greedy and decided to take some for himself.

S3 E06: The Battle of Matza – Joshua 6

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 21:00:00 +0000

The battle for Jericho is one of the more memorable stories in the Bible. The armies of God march around a city and in the end the wall fall down and Israel is able to defeat the first city of Canaan without any sort of opposition. Most people are at least passingly familiar with this story. But when we dig into the story in the context of the narrative, and in the context of scripture, there are several things that are revealed that shed a new light on this old story.

S3 E05: Doing what was Left Undone – Joshua 5

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000

The first thing that Israel does after crossing the Jordan is to engage in a practice that would leave them in physical pain and vulnerable to attack. This cutting of the flesh is then followed up by a memorial festival of Passover. The reason that these steps are necessary might seem shocking, but let’s just say that Israel in the wilderness was not as faithful to God’s commands as we might think. Even this second generation had left things undone, and that needed to be remedied.

S3 E04: A Miracle Memorial – Joshua 4

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000

While Israel is still crossing the Jordan, God asks Joshua to build something. A memorial to the event that is currently happening in the narrative. Just one of many memorials that we find being commanded in the Bible. Why is it that God commands people to create and enact memorials? Because we are human, and we trust our senses of the current world more than we trust our memories of what God has done. And a memorial bridges the gap to act as a current physical reminder of that past to propel us forward into the unknown.

S3 E03: Drawing Closer – Joshua 3

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000

The time has come for Israel to cross the Jordan river into the land of Canaan. Normally this would not be a great undertaking, until you consider the size of the Israeli army, and that it was flood season for the Jordan. There was no reasonable way to get the army across the river. That is, until God intervened. He had parted the water before, and He does so again in spectacular fashion. But that is just the setting of this narrative. There is something more going on here, just below the surface. Pun fully intended.

S3 E02: A Tale of Twos – Joshua 2

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000

Before the conquest begins, Joshua sends two spies into Jericho. While in the city, these spies encounter a woman who engaged in an inherently sinful profession. And in this woman we find a microcosm of the larger story at play in the book of Joshua. Two forces. Two leaders. Two nations. Two Spies. And one woman with two lives. It is in this contrast of twos that we find the second step on the journey toward the inheritance.

S3 E01: A Call to Faith– Joshua 1

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 22:00:00 +0000

The book of Joshua is often seen as a book of history in the modern world. Simply a recounting of historical facts with little theological implications to be drawn from it. But in the Jewish tradition, Joshua is a book of prophecy. It is a book with a revelation to the people of God. As such, it contains a message that is applicable today. As such, it contains a pattern. A pattern that culminates in inheritance, but it begins with a call to faith.

S2 E32: Rebuke, Repentance, and Restoration– Job 40-42

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 01:08:12 +0000

The final chapters of Job include one of the more fascinating depictions in the Bible. Two grand creatures that appear out of mythology and onto the pages of scripture. It is extremely easy, while in these last chapters, to get distracted by the Behemoth and Leviathan and miss the concepts that are present in the last chapter. Concepts that are meant to be central to the life of every believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

S2 E31: Where Were You?– Job 38-39

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 18:38:51 +0000

God finally speaks. Job has asked for this moment. He has wished for a chance to make his case before God, and God has responded. The response Job gets, however, is not what anyone was expecting. Rather than receiving an answer to suffering, Job is simply presented a host of unanswerable questions.

S2 E30: The Nuance of Hypocrisy– Job 35-37

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 20:34:21 +0000

As Elihu ends his speech much of what he has to say sounds good. In fact, vast portions of his speech are repeated in the upcoming chapters by God Himself. And yet, when God arrives on the scene He accuses Elihu of being without knowledge and of dark speech. What is it in this speech that is so far off from the truth? Well, Elihu reveals something about himself in these closing chapters. He reveals a double-minded nature that is so easy to fall into. Fortunately we have this example to look at so that we can avoid making the same trap.

S2 E29: God in a Box– Job 32-34

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:44:17 +0000

Job’s friends have finished their arguments. Job has finally laid to rest his defense. Out of nowhere comes a zealous young man who feels it is his duty to defend God from Job’s assertions. There is a problem. Elihu’s certainty of how God is capable of acting blinds him of how God has actually acted. This is a trap that anyone and everyone can and likely has fallen into, and when we do so, we do this to our own detriment.

S2 E28: The Final Defense – Job 29-31

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 18:23:44 +0000

Last Episode Job’s friends rested their case against Job, but how did it come to this? Job suffered a great loss and was a victim, and yet, as his friends tried to comfort him, their comfort turned into an attack against Job’s character. In response He was forced to defend himself. This week Job rests his defense with a series of speeches that address this state of affairs. How did this person tragedy of loss turn into a direct indictment of Job, and did he in some way deserve this treatment?

S2 E27: The Source of Wisdom – Job 25-28

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 19:25:36 +0000

With one last short shot across the bow, Bildad and the rest of Job’s friends have had their say. This leaves Job open to finally be able to speak his mind. As Job begins to speak, at first he simply repeats what has already been said, but then, in a surprising move, Job begins to question the source of wisdom. It is at this point that, in this abstract discussion that we find the turning point in the book.

S2 E26: A Study in Contrast – Job 22-24

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:17:11 +0000

Job has turned a corner and is beginning to gain his footing once again. And it is a good thing that Job is thinking more clearly once again, because the confrontation of Job’s friends is about to get real personal. Before, the comments about the evil person have been rather generalized. “They do this,” and “he does that.” Now Eliphaz changes these statements into a direct attack against Job. “You are doing these things, Job.” In response, Job doesn’t get angry. Rather he offers a contrast between himself and the wicked.

S2 E25: A Different Approach – Job 20-21

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 17:18:41 +0000

Job’s friends continue to cast accusations at Job by comparing Job’s current situation to their own ideas of how God should work in the world. Their only understanding of God as the one who punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous does not allow for a righteous man to experience tragedy. Up until now, Job has been floundering. At first these attacks left him reeling and grasping for a defense, but as the same accusations continue to be thrown at him he is slowly getting his bearing. This week, Job changes tactics. His previous defenses have fallen on deaf ears, but now Job takes a different approach.

S2 E24: The Downward Spiral – Job 18-19

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Round and round the condemning thoughts go. Accusing and condemning and circling around and around without ceasing. Bildad is back and this time he is pulling no punches. The tactic that Bildad takes in attacking Job is all too common. How can we ensure that we don’t fall into the pattern of Bildad when confronted with those who are on the downward spiral?

S2 E23: The Probability Doctrine – Job 15-17

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 18:22:51 +0000

At this point in the book of Job we begin to encounter a lot of repetition. Everything that is being said seems to have been said already? Why is it that this ancient scroll would spend so much ink rehashing these same arguments over and over? Unless there is something of profound importance that we can learn from the nuances that are found in the midst of this repetition.

S2 E22: Turn the Page – Job 12-14

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:56:31 +0000

The three friends of Job have had their say. Each of them have been less than helpful in their own way. For the next three chapters Job responds to the friends and in doing so we see him turn the page on his grief. Through some subtle clues we find that Job is no longer in the stage of depression. He is moving on as the reality sets in, and as he finds a closer target for his anger than God.

S2 E21: Dogma and the Depressed – Job 11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:57:03 +0000

When attempting to help a person who is dealing with grief and depression, it can often feel like the process is taking too long. At some point the temptation arises to take a hard line with the person that is suffering. To lay out the simple facts that you feel you can see clearly. This is is the tactic that Tsophar takes with Job in this chapter and as we will see, the dogmatic solution can cause more harm than good.

S2 E20: The Cycle of Depression – Job 9-10

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 16:17:49 +0000

As Job continues to be challenged by his friends we see one of the more common issues that people face with depression. The continuous cycle of negative thoughts that seem unescapable. Round and round the mind goes, trodding the same old paths over and over again until the path become nothing more than a rut. Stuck in this cycle, Job repeats so many of the thoughts that have come previously. And yet, in this midst of this, Job takes a slight turn. Only a little one, but when you are in a rut, it only takes one small turn to begin to escape.

S2 E19: When Tradition Meets Life – Job 8

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:09:03 +0000

As Job’s friends continue to counsel him after the great losses that he has suffered, they continue to go back to the tried and true understanding of God that is contrary to Job’s lived experience. Bildad, like Eliphaz before, points to the current understanding of God as the only way to interpret Job’s circumstances, and in doing so he pushes just a bit further. Now, instead of it being Job’s own understanding of God, Bildad points to the tradition of their fathers.

S2 E18: When Theology Meets Life – Job 6-7

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:20:39 +0000

The stages of grief are fairly well documented, and in this chapter we see the initial shift in Job from Depression to Bargaining. In the midst of this change we also catch sight of something significant. Job’s own theology prior to the events of this book were in line with what Eliphaz preached to him. A small part of what makes this all so difficult is that Job is being forced, through his circumstances, to reevaluate his own ideas of who God is.

S2 E17: Consoling with Prosperity – Job 4-5

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:40:51 +0000

When our friends are suffering we all want to ease their pain in some way. But all too often we don’t know what to say, and our words, often, end up not helping. In the book of Job we are presented with several archetypes of unhelpful counsel in the face of tragedy. In these chapters we encounter the first. Eliphaz. Eliphaz offers counsel that so many of us have tried to offer, but in the end, it just falls short.

S2 E16 – The Depths of Grief – Job 3

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:41:00 +0000

Grief is a terrible fact of life. Every single person who lives any length of time will have to deal with grief. The Bible recognizes this fact and gives insight into the process of dealing with grief. Job lost everything. And this book is an exploration of how those who believe in God can go about dealing with grief. Job chapter 3 is the initial lament. A moment of utter despair. A world without hope or light.

S2 E15 – The Challenge of Grief – Job 1-2

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:11:29 +0000

As the book of Job opens we are introduced to a man who is on top of the world. He has everything that he could possibly desire. And into this blessed life comes a series of great tragedies. Each one on their own would be devastating, but these tragedies compound and compile until all that Job is left with is his life, and his grief. This book presents many challenges to the reader, but none are so applicable as the example of how to handle overwhelming hardship.

S2 E14 – Intro to the Book of Job

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 16:38:42 +0000

The book of Job is shrouded in mystery. No one knows who the author is, the dialog throughout the book is written in beautiful Hebrew poetry, and there are endless debates as to the identity of Job. The beauty of Job is not found in these academic questions, however, and is rather found in the themes that Job addresses. Topics of suffering, faith, wisdom, counsel, tragedy, trauma, and more.

S2E13- The Conclusion-Ecclesiastes 12

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 17:41:55 +0000

The final chapter of Ecclesiastes features one last poem before coming to the conclusion of the matter. This poem focuses on a topic that has already been covered in the book and it’s subject is one of the more common subjects of poetry to this day. The end of life experience. Unlike much modern poetry, however, the point that Qohelet makes is one that points us to God.

S2E12- The Longview-Ecclesiastes 11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 22:51:23 +0000

Once again, here near the end of Ecclesiastes we run into a chapter that seems to be simply a series of proverbs that, on the surface, are not connected to each other. But when we really dig into these proverbs and the ideas that they represent we find a pattern that coalesces together into a series of coherent and connected thoughts on how to approach life.

S2E11- Kings and Fools-Ecclesiastes 10

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 02:16:13 +0000

When it comes to exploring the philosophy of life, there are a lot of little proverbs that a wise man will latch on to. In this chapter we find this at play. A series of proverb after proverb that seems to meander through several different points, but throughout each two characters seem to continually make an appearance. The king and the fool. Pray that they don’t both coincide in your life.

S2E10- The Great Equalizer-Ecclesiastes 9

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 18:01:38 +0000

Last chapter the Preacher contemplated the limits of Wisdom. In this chapter, he continues to examine the limits of the human experience. While wisdom is a trait that everyone has to various degrees, the hard limit of death is one that is applicable to everyone equally.

S2E9- The Depths of Wisdom -Ecclesiastes 8

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 21:22:53 +0000

Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon speaks of wisdom often. It is good, desirable, and makes life easier, yet it leaves those who have it in sorrow and grief. It is not until now that Solomon stops to examine wisdom and as he does he recognizes that despite all of the good traits that wisdom has, it too is limited in what it is able to accomplish.

S2E8- Between the Extremes -Ecclesiastes 7

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 26 May 2022 23:58:53 +0000

The world is full of extremes and throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon explores the realm of the extremes. Wisdom and Foolishness. Righteousness and Wickedness. Rich and Poor. Life and Death. Even past and future are extremes. Extremes are all around us and it is all too easy to get stuck in these extremes to one degree or another. But there is a way of life that is revealed in this chapter. A way that is described as desireable, and that way of life is between the extremes.

S2E7- Unending Appetites -Ecclesiastes 6

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 12 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000

As we continue through Ecclesiastes we find Qoheleth continuing to discern the meaning of life from a materialistic viewpoint. What lasting meaning is there to be found in life when the human appetite is never truly satisfied.

S2 E6: Watch Your Mouth – Ecclesiastes 5

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 05 May 2022 17:09:23 +0000

James 3:5 – So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! Chapter 5 of Ecclesiastes features a unique set of verses in the book of Ecclesiastes. Throughout the book there is a lot of back and forth, pondering the greater questions, and seeking to discover the good in life. In chapter 5 though Qohelet gives a unique warning to all who care to take his words to heart.

S2 E5: Oppression, Trauma, and Unity – Ecclesiastes 4

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 18:20:24 +0000

As Ecclesiastes continues, the author begins to delve into more diverse topics and ways of examining life. As he does, he touches on some issues that are hot in our current culture. As we examine these topics as described in Ecclesiastes and compare them to our culture, we can pierce the veil of the absolute futility of the things that the modern world tells us that we should focus on.

S2 E4: Times and Seasons – Ecclesiastes 3

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 15:52:05 +0000

Ecclesiastes 3 opens with one of the most iconic passages and ideas in literature. An idea that is so foundational to our reality that many other authors over the ages have riffed off of this theme in their own works. We also find scattered throughout the Bible in various ways. What is so profound about the acknowledgment of seasons and how can this concept help us to find peace in our own lives?

S2 E3 – The Finer Things – Ecclesiastes 2

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 16:41:05 +0000

As Solomon attempts to discern the purpose of life, he attempts to engage life in every way that he can think of. He seeks out every experience that men pursue to give meaning to their lives, and the first of these is the pursuit of things. Not just anything though, the finer things. Here at the end of his life, though, Solomon looks back on these things and he is able to draw a single preliminary conclusion from the interaction of engaging in labor for the purpose of acquiring goods.

S2E2 – Cycles of Life – Ecclesiastes 1

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:23:45 +0000

The book of Ecclesiastes opens in a way that highlights the pointlessness of human endeavor. All things end and no experience truly satisfies because the experience fades and we find ourselves desiring or in need once again. In fact, Ecclesiastes might seem like an excuse to become nihilistic or a reason for depression. When we read this book with the conclusion in mind we find that what at first seems hopeless is in reality the very foundation for Biblical obedience.

S2E01 – The Preacher’s Wisdom – Intro to Ecclesiastes

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:53:49 +0000

Ecclesiastes is the book of the Bible that gets the closest to a human philosophy of life. This book is so unlike any other book of the Bible that it needs an introduction. Simply jumping in without a firm grounding in the content of the book or its conclusion can lead to some incorrect or even devastating interpretations and applications. Before we dive into the pages of this book, we need to discuss the underlying context.

Special 13: Kingdom Life

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Making the kingdom of God a priority is the calling of all who believe. This way of living comes with many benefits as well as responsibilities. But what does it look like when it comes to the day to day living out of this kingdom? In this final episode of this series, we examine, what does it look like when you live for the kingdom on a practical level?

Special 12: Kingdom Benefits

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In the last episode it may have seemed as if all that we have to look forward to when we enter the kingdom of God is a never ending series of responsibilities to God and to others. This week we will change our focus and look at the benefits that are part of the kingdom centered life. God is not a slave master who simply takes without giving. He gives gifts to His people, and the gifts He gives are the most valuable things in existence.

Special 11: Kingdom Allegiance

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

When enter into the Kingdom of God we enter in to a life of allegiance to the king of this kingdom. But allegiance is an idea that has lost any real meaning for a modern audience. What does allegiance mean? We have all pledged allegiance at one time to a flag or a cause. What does it mean to pledge our allegiance to the Kingdom of God?

Special 10: Three Year Wrap Up

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

The Three Year Cycle is done. Where to from here? Time for a little house cleaning and a few updates on the state of Darash Chai.

Ep 143: The Final Blessing – Deuteronomy 32:48 – 34:12

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:10:48 +0000

As the Torah comes to a close, Moses speaks his final words to the nation of Israel. In the manner of Jacob upon his death bed in Genesis 49, Jacob blessed his sons and here at the end of the life of Moses, blessings are once again spoken over each of the sons. Or is it? If we examine the text we find that one is missing. Added to this, so many of these blessings are confusing in their nature. What can we learn from these, and how is it that these blessings provide a fitting end to the Torah?

Ep 142: The Song of Witness – Deuteronomy 31:14 – 32:47

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Deuteronomy 32 contains a song. A song that is unique in all of Scripture. It is a song that is to act as a witness against the people when they will eventually break the covenant, but it is a song that also speaks of the future of the world to an end that has not yet occurred in human experience. It is a song of judgment and justice, but also a song of hope. And within its words is an entire theology that describes the entire spectrum of the nature and character of our God.

Ep 141: Witnesses of Life and Death – Deuteronomy 30:15-31:13

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

One thing that every Suzerain Vassal Treaty contained was a list of those who acted as witnesses to the ratification and terms of the covenant. Those who existed outside of the covenant, but who would look in and act as arbiters in matters of dispute. The witnesses to this covenant are not what we might think though. They are not human, nor are they divine in any way. In fact these witnesses are found in the very first sentence of the Bible and they will last until New Creation.

Ep 140: Remember Your Training – Deuteronomy 29:1-30:14

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

The blessings and the curses of Deuteronomy take up quite some space in the text, and the discussion of these topics does not end when the explicit recounting of the various curses ends. Rather, the text then moves on to discuss two types of people who encounter these curses in their own lives. Both are part of the covenant. But one hears these curses and looks around himself and does not see them being carried out in his midst, and so he continues to operate in the hardness of his heart. The other, the man who hears and then notices the curses being carried out in his own existence and allows these judgments to move him to repentance. And in the text is the unstated question that we must all ask ourselves. Which one am I?

Ep 139: Blessing and Curse – Deuteronomy 27-28

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Every Suzerain Vassal Treaty of the historical record contains a section that outlines a series of blessings and curses that were to be enacted against the signatories of the treaty. Blessings for conformation to the treaty and curses for breaking the treaty. Here at the end of Deuteronomy, this treaty between the High King of heaven and the nation that he is forming under His leadership we encounter this section. As we examine these various blessings and curses we discover that there is a singular ideal that underlies both.

Ep 138: Tribute for the King – Deuteronomy 26

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

After several months diving deep into the Bible’s own expansion of the Ten Commandments, the text finally moves on to other topics. The Suzerain Vassal Treaty that is the book of Deuteronomy is once again brought into focus. This week with an exploration of how to give tribute and who to give your tribute to. But this idea of tribute is one that made sense in the ancient world of kings and subjects. In the New Testament, however, the topic takes an interesting shift. No longer is giving to God or others about a tribute that is compelled from subjects, but rather it takes on the case of giving out of love and generosity.

Ep 137: The Tenth Ideal – Deuteronomy 24:5-25:19

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

As we move through the “legal” portions of Deuteronomy, we have discovered that the order of the commands is not random, even though it might seem like it. Rather, these chapters of Deuteronomy serve as real world examples of just how we are to expand the 10 Commandments into our own lives and live them out. This week we finish with the tenth command. Do not envy. The only command that deals with a person’s thought life and not with a product of their actions. But as we examine this passage we find that this ideal works its way out into the world in many interesting ways, and most of these ways have a lot of overlap with things that we have read before.

Ep 136: The Ninth Ideal – Deuteronomy 23:1-24:4

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

As we move through the “legal” portions of Deuteronomy, we have discovered that the order of the commands is not random, even though it might seem like it. Rather, these chapters of Deuteronomy serve as real world examples of just how we are to expand the 10 Commandments into our own lives and live them out. This week we begin the ninth command. Do not bear false witness. A command that is often applied to court cases, or simply telling the truth, but once again, this ideal goes far beyond these limited applications.

Ep 135: The Seventh Ideal – Deuteronomy 21:10-22:30

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 15:36:14 +0000

As we move through the “legal” portions of Deuteronomy, we have discovered that the order of the commands is not random, even though it might seem like it. Rather, these chapters of Deuteronomy serve as real world examples of just how we are to expand the 10 Commandments into our own lives and live them out. This week we begin the seventh command. Do not commit adultery. Usually when we encounter this command we think of extra marital relationships and that is where our minds stop. But as we read the ways that Deuteronomy expands on this command we discover that adultery can reach into many aspects of our lives.

Ep 134: The Sixth Ideal – Deuteronomy 19:1-21:9

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:41:43 +0000

As we move through the “legal” portions of Deuteronomy, we have discovered that the order of the commands is not random, even though it might seem like it. Rather, these chapters of Deuteronomy serve as real world examples of just how we are to expand the 10 Commandments into our own lives and live them out. This week we begin the sixth Command. Do not Murder. This command seems pretty straightforward when we consider how we are to act in the world, but there are some surprising situations that this command is applied to. What can we learn about this command from its extrapolation, and how does it connect to the first command?

Ep 133: The Fifth Ideal – Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:54:28 +0000

As we move through the “legal” portions of Deuteronomy, we have discovered that the order of the commands is not random, even though it might seem like it. Rather, these chapters of Deuteronomy serve as real world examples of just how we are to expand the 10 Commandments into our own lives and live them out. This week we begin the fifth Command. Honor your Father and Mother. On the surface this command seems extremely limited to simple family relationships, but as it is expanded in the course of Deuteronomy we discover that this command spans the entire spectrum of human authority structures. Structures that begin in the home.

Ep 132: The Fourth Ideal – Deuteronomy 15:1-16:17

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:14:30 +0000

As we move through the “legal” portions of Deuteronomy, we have discovered that the order of the commands is not random, even though it might seem like it. Rather, these chapters of Deuteronomy serve as real world examples of just how we are to expand the 10 Commandments into our own lives and live them out. This week we begin the fourth Command. Guard the Sabbath Day. The Sabbath is a time that was a part of creation. In the book of Exodus the Sabbath was all about creation, but here in Deuteronomy the text comes at the command for the Sabbath, and when we see this and then extrapolate into this passage of Deuteronomy we find the heart of of God for the vulnerable.

Ep 131: The Third Ideal – Deuteronomy 13-14

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:19:05 +0000

As we move through the “legal” portions of Deuteronomy, we have discovered that the order of the commands is not random, even though it might seem like it. Rather, these chapters of Deuteronomy serve as real world examples of just how we are to expand the 10 Commandments into our own lives and live them out. This week we begin the third Command. Do not take the Name of God in vain. A command that is often woefully understood. This command has nothing to do with how you use God’s name in speech, rather it speaks to a much deeper principle of how we are to live our lives.

Ep 130: The Second Ideal- Deuteronomy 12

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 21:08:12 +0000

As we begin to move through the upcoming “legal” portions of Deuteronomy, we will discover that the order of the commands is not random, even though it might seem like it. Rather, the upcoming chapters of Deuteronomy serve as real world examples of just how we are to expand the 10 Commandments into our own lives and live them out. This week we begin the second Command. Do not commit idolatry. A command that is repeated all through scripture, and one that is oh so easy to forget.

Ep 129: ProtoGospel 4 – Love – Deuteronomy 10:12-11:25

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:58:42 +0000

In Hebrews 4:2 we read that the same gospel that was taught by the apostles was brought to Israel in the wilderness as well. Here in Deuteronomy, as we enter into the expansion of the Ten Words as presented in this ancient legal document, we discover that all of the major ideas of the gospel are discussed. This week we read of the fourth. The foundational motivation of both the gospel, and the Torah. The greatest command and the eternal gift. And in this text we discover that the love of the Bible is vastly different than the love of Modern Western Society.

Ep 128: ProtoGospel 3 – Justification – Deuteronomy 9:1-10:11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:46:10 +0000

In Hebrews 4:2 we read that the same gospel that was taught by the apostles was brought to Israel in the wilderness as well. Here in Deuteronomy, as we enter into the expansion of the Ten Words as presented in this ancient legal document, we discover that all of the major ideas of the gospel are discussed. This week we read of the third. The concept of Justification and the connected idea of righteousness. Where is it that our righteousness is rooted, and as an outcome, where and how do we find justification?

Ep 127 – ProtoGospel 2 – Grace – Deuteronomy 8

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 17:45:22 +0000

In Hebrews 4:2 we read that the same gospel that was taught by the apostles was brought to Israel in the wilderness as well. Here in Deuteronomy, as we enter into the expansion of the Ten Words as presented in this ancient legal document, we discover that all of the major ideas of the gospel are discussed. This week we read of the second. The idea of grace. As we dig into this idea from an ancient perspective, we discover that grace does not simply mean an undeserved gift. In the Ancient Near East, the idea of grace carried with it a whole slew of social norms that the authors of the Bible leverage throughout their writings.

Ep 126: ProtoGospel 1 – Faith – Deuteronomy 6:4-7:26

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 20:11:48 +0000

In Hebrews 4:2 we read that the same gospel that was taught by the apostles was brought to Israel in the wilderness as well. Here in Deuteronomy, as we enter into the expansion of the Ten Words as presented in this ancient legal document, we discover that all of the major ideas of the gospel are discussed. This week we read of the first. The idea of faith, and as we dig into this idea from an ancient perspective, we discover that faith does not always mean simply, the things of belief. There is a much deeper, more concrete meaning of faith that we can apply to our lives.

Ep 125: Of Law and Torah – Deuteronomy 5:1-6:3

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 15:05:27 +0000

We have a problem when we read the Bible. We are modern people and the Bible was not written to us. The Bible was written to an ancient people. People who did not think or act in the same ways that we do. And that leaves us behind when it comes to Biblical application. We have, in our Modern Western Culture, a concept of what law is and how it is to be used and applied. But when we search the historical record and the Bible itself, we discover that our modern understanding and application of law misses the mark when it comes to understanding and applying Biblical law.

Ep 124: Kingdom Necessities – Deuteronomy 3:23-4:49

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:32:46 +0000

Deuteronomy as a whole paints a picture of a kingdom. A vast kingdom with a Suzerain or a high king, and with each person being a vassal king in their own right. But a kingdom doesn’t exist in a vacuum. There are four things that are absolutely necessary for a kingdom to exist, and this parsha covers all four.

Ep 123: The Enemy Without – Deuteronomy 2:1-3:22

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 21:51:59 +0000

Here at the beginning of Deuteronomy we read what could be called the historical prologue of a Suzerain Vassal treaty. Last week we saw how Israel sabotaged themselves on their journey to the land. In this parsha we read of another class of enemy. The enemies that exist outside of Israel that they have faced so far on their journeys to the east side of the Jordan. From here we get a grasp on the enemies that we face in our day to day lives.

Ep 122: The Enemy Within – Deuteronomy 1

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:36:22 +0000

The book of Deuteronomy takes the form of a Suzerain Vassal treaty. An ancient document that is laid out in a very distinct and recognizable way. This treaty outlines the relationship between a Suzerain of High King and the kings that serve under the high king as his vassals. In this episode we begin to dig into this treaty or covenant that God made with Israel by examining the first two parts of the treaty. The preamble and the historical prologue. What can these sections tell us about our own relationship with God?

Ep 121: Refuge for the Disenfranchised – Numbers 35:9 36:13

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:15:05 +0000

As we close out the book of Numbers we discover a new class of people that God provides for and cares for. A class of people that are not vulnerable in the classical sense, such as the widow, orphan, or stranger. Rather a class of people that is vulnerable in a completely different way. People without representation, but not guilty, or vulnerable. The disenfranchised. And nestled in these instructions for their care is a glimpse of the gospel that demonstrates perhaps the most important dividing factor between those who are part of the Kingdom of God and those who are not.

Ep 120: Boundaries – Numbers 34:1-35:8

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000

On the east side of the Jordan, before the conquest, a challenge suddenly presents itself. Two tribes have decided that they do not want to proceed. They are happy where they currently sit and the land to the east is perfectly suited to their circumstances. And so they come to Moses with a request. Let us stop here and now. We don’t want to take the land. There is contained in their request a hint of something deeper. A motivation that we can all identify with, and one that we can all learn from.

Ep 119: Where We Have Been – Numbers 33

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:31:47 +0000

Nothing bores us more in scripture than endless lists of various sorts, and in this chapter we encounter a list that is unique in scripture. A list of place names that Israel passed through on their journeys in the wilderness. And as we examine the list we discover that many of the places named in this list are found nowhere else in the Bible, and others are places with history. A lot like life itself. And from this we gain insight on something important. The interaction of our past with our future and necessity for remembering where we have been.

Ep 118: Settling – Numbers 32

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +0000

On the east side of the Jordan two tribes approach Moses and they ask for a favor. They desire to settle on the east side of the Jordan and not enter into the land of promise. They desire for their road to be over. After some haggling they get their way and are allowed to settle. To settle for less than what God had promised them. The lessons that we can learn from this episode provide a warning, and an encouragement.

Ep 117: The Binding Word – Numbers 30-31

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Once again in the course of Numbers we find a series of chapters and seem completely disconnected from each other. The text shifts from the topic of holidays and sacrifice from last week to keeping vows and then a military exercise of vengeance. But when we slow down and consider what is truly occurring in the themes of these chapters we discover that these chapters are not disconnected at all. Rather they reveal one of the most important aspects of bearing the image of God.

Ep 116: A Time of Sacrifice – Numbers 28-29

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Once again in the book of Numbers we find a section of text that seems completely disconnected from the things that surround it. Two chapters on sacrifice and the Biblical holidays. A bunch of stuff that we simply don’t connect with. But hidden inside of this combination of sacrifice and holiday there is a plan. A plan for the world and a plan for you. And when we dig just a little deeper we discover that this section of text is not so disconnected from the rest as we originally thought.

Ep115: A Matter of Inheritance – Numbers 26:52-27:23

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:45:00 +0000

Once again, here at the end of Numbers the text gets boring. And here near the beginning of the end we encounter a sequence of snippets that once again seem disconnected from each other. But once again, when we take a step back from the text and examine the themes of that are under discussion we discover that there is a unified theme that spans each of these segments. A theme that highlights what is coming soon. A theme of inheritance.

Ep114: Consumed with Zeal – Numbers 25:10-26:51

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:45:00 +0000

Zeal for God and for His ways is something that every believer is to seek. And zeal can lead us to a place where we hate the wrong and love the right. But all too often, we misplace our zeal. We become zealous without proper understanding, or for the wrong things. And this zeal, when misapplied, becomes dangerous to those around us. Misapplied zeal can lead us to destruction of innocent brothers and sisters. It can lead us to a false sense of humility. We must learn to be zealous, but what exactly are we to be zealous about, and how are we to apply it?

Ep113: Curses into Blessing – Numbers 23:1-25:9

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:45:00 +0000

When Balaam looks over the masses of Israel he is intent on cursing them. Doing so will lead to his personal enrichment and elevation in honor and status. But Balaam is limited in his role. He is only able to speak what God tells him to say, and God has no intention of cursing Israel. And so the words that Balaam speaks over Israel are instead blessings. And yet by the end of the passage, Israel ends up cursed anyway. Why? What went wrong?

Ep112: Opposing Messengers – Numbers 22:2-22:41

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:45:00 +0000

The story of Balaam and the talking donkey is one of the more popular Sunday School stories in the Bible. We are all enamored by the oddity of an animal that speaks to this odd man. And once again we get caught in the trap of another Bible story. We focus on the oddity and in doing so we miss out on something that is of much more value than a supernaturally vocal jackass.

Ep111: Piercing the Darkness – Numbers 21:1-22:1

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 07:45:00 +0000

Israel is on the move and they are heading out of the wilderness. Their 40 years of isolation, training, and judgment are nearly over. Until then, there is the trip that lies before them, and this trip is once again fraught with tests. Will they pass? Have they learned? Is this second generation going to fare better than their parents? This journey out of the wilderness reveals a lot. A lot of growth and a lot of faith. But on many levels they are just like the generation past.

Ep110: Seeds of Anger – Numbers 20

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 20 May 2021 07:45:00 +0000

It is easy to think that you have it all together. To delude yourself into thinking that the problems of the past have been dealt with. It is easy to think this when things are calm. When there are no stressors before you, and no challenges to face. But all it takes is a series of moments. The sudden onset of multiple challenges in a short time frame and suddenly you discover that the old ways are not gone. They were just hidden deep down. And now it is obvious and there for everyone to see. And the consequences can be far reaching.

Ep109: The Waters of Sin – Numbers 19

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 13 May 2021 07:45:00 +0000

Once more the book of Numbers dwells on the obscure and borderline mystical. There are few other places in all of scripture that baffle like the Red Heifer sacrifice. It is this sacrifice that is said to have confused even Solomon in all of His wisdom. Just how can the ultimate form of cleanness from death be brought forth from a process that include death and makes everyone involved in the process unclean? And why, oh why, is this chapter here in the middle of the narratives of the book of Numbers of all places?

Ep108: Chosen and Accepted – Numbers 17-18

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 06 May 2021 07:45:00 +0000

The rebellion has been defeated. And yet the people still don’t seem to get it. Moses and Aaron were chosen by God to lead the people. And so since death and destruction don’t seem to make the point, and new kind of example must be made.

Ep107: The Beast Within – Numbers 16

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:45:00 +0000

The Rebellion of Korah is an episode that is so popular that it was ripped out of its place in the timeline and added to the movie the 10 commandments. This central narrative of Numbers is foundational in its own right. It is the culmination of the stories that have come before. The fullness of the rebellion of the people of Israel. And this chapter contains within it pointers to something much greater. Something that is a part of every human life. A piece of mankind that will one day reach its own culmination of rebellion.

Ep106: Countermeasures – Numbers 15

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:45:00 +0000

For the first time in the narrative portions in the center of the book of Numbers we encounter a chapter that seems out of place. The narratives of this central portions are put aside for a moment to address matters of sacrifice and an accessory for clothing. This chapter seems so out of place in the midst of what we have just been reading. But when we slow down and examine all that this chapter has to say we find that it is not out of place. Rather this chapter is deploying countermeasures to combat the rising rebellion in the midst of Israel.

Ep105: Slander the Plan – Numbers 14

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:45:00 +0000

The pattern continues this week. Israel in their lack of faith in the power of their God has slandered the promise that God has given them. The inhabitants of the land are too great! And now in their fear, Israel takes it one step further and slanders the plan that YHVH has to bring them to their inheritance. And this week we find the limits that YHVH has for this people. The people who have seen Him work over and over, and yet they still doubt. And that doubt leads to drastic consequences.

Ep104: Slander the Promise – Numbers 13

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:45:00 +0000

First it was the manna. Then it was the leader. This week Israel speaks out again. This time against the Promised Land. And we begin to see a pattern forming. An outcome that is consistent in these stories that make up the middle of the book of Numbers. The motivations are different in each of these cases, but the resulting action is the same. The tongue is indeed the untamable beast.

Special 09: The Festival of Matza – Back to Basics

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 07:45:00 +0000

The time for Passover is upon us. Once again we celebrate the festival of our salvation and freedom. And as we approach this season it is all too common to hear a multitude of teachings on the Passover. And yet in all of this, there is a festival that is often overlooked. The festival of Matza. The feast of Unleavened Bread. Too often we get distracted by the Passover as we memorialize our freedom, and we miss out on what follows. The festival of Matza.

Ep103: Slander the Appointed – Numbers 12

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:45:00 +0000

Numbers 12 is a short chapter. But as we dig into this chapter we discover something foundational that is presented. A way of reading and interpreting the Bible that is easy to dismiss. And yet this chapter not only provides the foundation of this principle, it also provides an example of this principle. All while leveraging the narrative towards shining a light in what is perhaps, the darkest part of our hearts.

Ep102: Slander the Gift – Numbers 11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:45:00 +0000

As we begin the second part of the book of Numbers, the text takes a sudden shift from organization and laws to narrative. And in these narrative portions of the center of the book we read of Israel’s adventures in the wilderness. And in these wilderness adventures we begin to see a picture formed in the characterizations of the people. Not a picture of God, or a picture of Israel of the past. Rather a picture of humanity. Our own fallen nature is drug into the light and exposed for all to see.

Ep101: The Promised Good – Numbers 9:22-10:36

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 07:45:00 +0000

This week we reach the end of the first third of the book of Numbers. The bags are packed and Israel is ready to set out on the road. But there are a few small items to go over before the trip begins. And there is one important reminder to be given that will hold Israel true though the next 39 years.

Ep100: Led by God – Numbers 7:89-9:21

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 07:45:00 +0000

As we open the book of Numbers we read of the characteristics that were to define Israel. Twelve distinct tribes united into one nation. Each warrior with honor. Everyone working together with a united purpose. And yet there is still one thing missing. The human leadership that is in place is not popular. And herein lies the crux of the problem. Israel is not led by human leadership. Israel is to be led by God.

Ep099: Dedication – Numbers 7:1-88

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 07:45:00 +0000

In Numbers 7 we once again encounter a chapter of extreme repetition. And yet, in this chapter there is a word that is used for the first four times in the Bible. Dedication. Hanukkah. A word that has come to be associated with a winter festival, dreidels, miracles, and fried foods. And yet we find none of that here. Instead, hanukkah, dedication is a topic that transcends the festival and gets to the very heart of intentions.

Ep098: A Special Vow – Numbers 6

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 07:45:00 +0000

The Nazarite vow is a thing that is shrouded in mystery. What does it mean to be a Nazarite besides the thing that a person is to avoid? What kind of duties or benefit does the Nazarite vow give to a person? And for the sake of the flow of the text, who is the Nazarite vow directed towards? There is a class of person that was just passed over for the priesthood. How is it that this vow is addressed to them?

Ep097: The Spirit of Jealousy – Numbers 5

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 07:45:00 +0000

Numbers 5 contains a ceremony that has caused no end of confusion and consternation for quite a long time. A ceremony that not only seems barbaric to a degree, but also seems completely out of place in the text. Why now, or all places, does the text move to describe the water trial for the woman suspected of adultery? What is the context that this trial is speaking into, and what does it demonstrate about God?

Ep096: Lord of Hosts – Numbers 3-4

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 07:45:00 +0000

We often hear the title Lord of Hosts applied to God. But what does this word mean? Hosts? Usually this word is translated as armies and we think warriors, but if we examine where this word is found, we might find that it is used in some interesting ways that have nothing to do with warfare. Or does it?

Ep095: Count the Cost – Numbers 1-2

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 07:45:00 +0000

The book of Numbers begins as one of the more boring parts of the Bible to be found. Long lists of numbers and positions that really don’t matter today. What does it matter to us if the tribe of Zebulun had 57,400 men and that they camped on the east side of the tabernacle? The fact is that it is super easy to skip over these chapters, but if you were to do so, you would miss the key to something amazing. Something that is all to easy to miss.

Ep094: What Belongs to God – Leviticus 27

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:45:00 +0000

The last chapter of Leviticus contains some of the most counter cultural teachings in the Bible, as well as being one of the most confusing chapters. What exactly is going on with these valuations of a person? And what about putting things under the ban? And how does all of this fit in with Leviticus anyway?

Ep093: The Blessing AND the Curse – Leviticus 26

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 07:45:00 +0000

At the end of Leviticus we read a list of blessings and curses. Things that the nation of Israel can expect to occur in response to obedience or disobedience to God’s Instruction. The blessings point us backward to something that we have already read in Scripture, and the curses point forward to something that will occur in Scripture. And not a single one of these blessings and curses are for the individual. They are a response to the community at large. And they give a picture of things yet to come.

Ep092: The Year of Jubilee – Leviticus 25

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Here in Leviticus we find a command that is given that embodies the ideals of justice, restoration, and redemption. Ideals that are at the heart of the Torah. And yet if we continue in scripture we find that these instructions were never once carried out by Israel. In fact, we read later in the Hebrew Scriptures that it was Israel’s failure to keep this command that was the reason for 70 years of captivity in Babylon. But this command, these ideals are at the heart of the Torah, and they are at the heart of Yeshua’s ministry.

Ep091: Lessons in Leadership – Leviticus 24

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 07:45:00 +0000

When we read through Leviticus 24 from a Western perspective, the chapter seems disjointed and out of place. What exactly is this chapter doing at this spot? It is an inconclusive answer to this question that leads some to make up various answers. However, if we stop and consider every part of this chapter in the context of all that surrounds it, we might just find that there is an important topic being addressed just under the surface. An important aspect of community that up to this point has not been addressed in Leviticus.

Ep090: Festival and Assembly – Leviticus 22:26-23:44

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The fourth movement of the book of Leviticus, the last part of the book that is all about communal worship, begins with the primary events that bind people together. Celebration. Holidays and remembrances. When we first encounter the holiday cycle of Leviticus we recognize that there are seven festivals, but what are these festivals and what can they teach us about our God and His Messiah?

Ep089: A Holy People – Leviticus 21:1-22:25

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 07:45:00 +0000

It is easy for a modern audience to look to the text of the Torah and point out how simple or backward it is according to our modern and enlightened view of the world. This passage in Leviticus is a minefield of gotchas for this type of criticism. However, when we understand what topics it is that the Bible is addressing, rather than pushing our own agenda onto the text, we might find that what is being described is, in fact, quite profound as it teaches us about God and those who are to come into His presence.

Ep088: Being Holy – Leviticus 19-20

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 07:45:00 +0000

At the beginning of chapter 19 we read a phrase that is repeated all throughout Leviticus, and in the New Testament. We read that we are to be holy because God is holy. Usually we take this phrase and we steep it in the form of a command. We are to accomplish holiness. But perhaps that is not how we should understand that phrase. Perhaps there is something more and something deeper being revealed.

Ep087: Avoiding Defilement – Leviticus 17-18

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The next few chapters of Leviticus once again feature a shift of topic. Now, rather than the text exploring the topic of clean and unclean. Now the text is exploring the ideas of holy and defiled. And it is these chapters that are referred to by the apostles when they explore the topics of holiness and defilement. So what are they, and what can we learn from them today?

Ep086: Yom Kippur – Leviticus 16

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Yom Kippur is a day that is unlike any other. It is the Day when atonement was accomplished in the Hebrew Scriptures, and it was on this day that the sins of the people were dealt with. But there is one instruction that is attached to this day that is not explicit in its meaning. The command to “afflict your soul” is one that could have any number of meanings and purposes. What does it mean to “ve’innitem et nephshotechem?” and why is this instruction attached to this day of cleansing?

Ep085: I Feel a Need. A Need for Clean – Leviticus 13-15

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Uncleanness is a topic that contains very little in the way of application for modern audiences. It is something that only had any meaning in the context of the tabernacle or temple. But this does not mean that the topic is useless and can simply be discarded. Uncleanness teaches something extremely important. And that something has a lot to do with the mission of the Messiah.

Ep084: Cleanliness and Godliness – Leviticus 11-12

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The topic of uncleanness is one of those topics that have very little application in the world today. Uncleanness is a status effect that only meant anything in the context of the tabernacle or temple. So why should we care to dig into this topic any further? What can it reveal for us today? And what is it that defines uncleanness? If we can discern this, we can discover the answer to many of the questions that we may have on this topic.

Ep083: A New Start – Leviticus 9-10

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Times will come in each one of our lives when we will encounter a new beginning. A fresh start with a new purpose or a new way of being. When this happens there are two ways that we can respond and here in Leviticus 9-10 we encounter both. There is a way that leads to death. And there is a way that leads to life. And at the time of new beginnings comes the test. Which way will you choose?

Ep082: The Connective Tissue – Leviticus 8

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Not another repetitive chapter! Haven’t we read this chapter before? Why is it that the Bible chooses to repeat it itself on so many occasions? Once again we are reading about the ordination ceremony for the priests. Once again with only a few slight differences. But this chapter repeats a chapter from a previous book, and what exactly can this chapter on ordination teach us about the nature of sin?

Ep081: Sacrifice for Relationship – Leviticus 6:8-7:38

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 07:45:00 +0000

In ancient cultures sacrifice was a way of influencing one god or another. A sacrifice would appease their anger or entice a favorable response. But sacrifice in the Biblical system is based on a completely different set of ideals. Biblical sacrifice was for the purpose of relationship and each sacrifice accomplished that goal of relationship between God and man in some way. As we close the topic of sacrifice we see the text revisit each of the previous sacrifices once more. And in the description of each we catch sight of the keys of relationship with the God of Israel.

Special 08: Sukkot – The Season of Our Joy

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The Festival of Sukkot is perhaps the most involved of all of the Festivals that are recounted in Leviticus 23. It is longer than a week, it requires living in temporary shelters and is the final festival of the calendar cycle of Leviticus. But what is this holiday all about? What does it symbolize and signify, and what in the world does an etrog have to do with this festival?

Special 07: Yom Kippur – A Day of Lifting Up?

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement is recognized world wide as a day of affliction. Why? Because that is what the text says. On Yom Kippur we are to “afflict our souls.” But there is another chapter of scripture that casts the Day of Yom Kippur in a slightly different light. Yes, a day of affliction for the people of God, but what are we to do besides this. Is that the limit? Just fast, pray, and sit back and contemplate God? Or is there something grander in scope that is to be accomplished on this day?

Special 06: The Enthronement in Mark – Yom Teruah 2020

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Yom Teruah is one of the most mysterious of the festivals that is recorded in Leviticus 23. There are no clear instructions, or even any meaning ascribed to the day. It is simply a day of blasts or shouts. That is all. But this day is spoken of throughout scripture in may ways, though seldom by name. When we look to the history of the day in extra Biblical sources we discover that it was the day of coronation. They day when the king ascended to the throne. There are many passages that explore this topic of enthronement, but none is perhaps as profound as the Gospel of Mark.

Ep080: Guilty as Sin – Leviticus 5:1-6:7

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Just after reading about the sin sacrifice in Leviticus 4, we then read about the guilt sacrifice. A sacrifice that is in many ways related to the sin sacrifice and yet not. It is its own thing. How are they different? What do they reveal about us as humans? Sin brings guilt… doesn’t it? If sin causes a person to be guilty then why two separate sacrifices? Is there perhaps something we are missing from the way that we usually conceptualize the ideas of sin and guilt?

Ep079: This Body of Sin – Leviticus 4

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Of the various types of sacrifices that are described in the book of Leviticus, the sin sacrifice is perhaps the most misunderstood. As Hebrews says, it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin! If this is the case. If the sin sacrifice never did take away sin, then what was its purpose? What role did it serve in the worship of Israel, and what can we learn from this sacrifice today?

Ep078: Giving for Fellowship – Leviticus 3

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:45:00 +0000

As we continue to read of sacrifice in the book of Leviticus, it is so easy to just move on and assume that there is nothing there for a modern audience. But it was the book of Leviticus that contained the necessary elements that allowed entry into the tabernacle and the was the foundation for the worship practices of Israel. If the tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly as the author of Hebrews states, then we need to discover the shadows of sacrifice that will allow us to enter in before a holy God.

Ep077: Attitudes of Worship – Leviticus 1-2

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 07:45:00 +0000

When a modern person comes to the book of Leviticus, we first encounter the topic of sacrifice, and well, most of us don’t last long. Sacrifice is a topic that is difficult for a modern people to engage with. We can’t and shouldn’t sacrifice today, Jesus is our perfect sacrifice, so why even bother? Well, when we combine everything that is said about the various sacrifices together, we discover a picture that goes much deeper than the ritual. Something that touches on the attitudes of the human heart.

Ep076: God With Us – Exodus 39-40

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:45:00 +0000

As the book of Exodus draws to a close we see a LOT of repetition. Nearly the entirety of the end of Exodus is a repeat in one way or another. A lackluster ending to a book that was so full of excitement before. And while this book seems disjointed, there is a common theme that runs throughout. This theme is foundational and it can be found in nearly every part of Exodus.

Ep075: He Tabernacled Among Us – Exodus 37-38

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The tabernacle as a structure reveals some pretty amazing things about our relationship with God and His relationship with us. The author of Hebrews says that the Tabernacle is a shadow and a copy of a reality in the heavens, and that our Messiah has now entered into this heavenly equivalent. With this key we can see that the tabernacle reveals the Messiah’s ministry. Who He is as what He accomplished are present in the tabernacle when we see the symbols for what they are.

Ep074: Community Building – Exodus 34:27-36:38

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The last part of the book of Exodus gets extremely repetitive. And not even repetitive about the exciting bits, but repetitive with the tabernacle. It is so easy to just skip over these chapters and move on to something else entirely. When we do so, however, we miss out on something profound. Israel, for all their faults and failures, has finally come to a point where they are united behind a common cause. A community working together whole heartedly to build a dwelling place for God.

Ep073: Before the Face of God – Exodus 33:11-34:26

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 07:45:00 +0000

All through the book of Exodus God has been revealing His name to the world. We have seen His reputation, authority, power, and more. But what is it that drives all of these other aspects of the Name of God? This week we find out. In this passage God calls out His character to Moses, and then acts within that character to renew the covenant that had been broken.

Ep072: A New Priesthood – Exodus 32:1-33:10

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The story of the Golden Calf in the wilderness is one of the most iconic stories in the Bible. Israel had just had a very real encounter with their God. They had agreed multiple times to the terms of the covenant. And then, once their leader is missing for a few weeks, they turn their back on the command that they had received. What precipitated this action? What are the implications of the fallout? Where can Israel go from here?

Special 05: Interlude 1

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:45:00 +0000

There are times in every process when you simply have to take a break. This is one of those times. In this interlude episode we take a break from the weekly parsha cycle to give an update on the progress of various Darash Chai projects, and then to discuss something that has been weighing on my mind.

Ep071: Work and Shabbat – Exodus 31

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 07:45:00 +0000

In Exodus 31 we read the final instructions that are given in regards to the Tabernacle. Several foreman are appointed and the final charge is given to commence the building project that has been commissioned by God. And then, as the final and seventh part of the instructions that have been the topic of the text since Exodus 25, the command is given to keep the Sabbath. There is in this chapter, a contrast between work and Shabbat. Two ends of a spectrum that we all engage in.

Ep070: Separation for Life – Exodus 30:11-38

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 07:45:00 +0000

As the first round of instructions for the tabernacle draw to a close the book of Exodus goes through a series of things that on the surface seem disconnected. Instructions for a census to be taken. Instructions for the bronze wash basin. And ingredients for the holy oil and the incense. When we dig beneath the surface of these four topics, however, and compare then together we discover something fascinating. A topic comes to the front that is a bit counter intuitive to the modern mind. But once we see it, we can recognize this theme all through scripture.

Ep069: The Pattern of Prayer – Exodus 30:1-10

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The instructions for the Tabernacle and its items contain within them some amazing insight into just how we should approach God. This week we return to the tabernacle structure and examine a pattern that it contains that reveals perhaps the most important aspect of any relationship. Communication. God communicates with us in many ways, and we are to communicate in return with Him in return. This communication back to God is called prayer. For the simple fact is, without communication and prayer, can you truly be in a relationship with Him?

Ep068: Sanctified as Priests – Exodus 29

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:45:00 +0000

In the midst of the instructions for the Tabernacle we read of the process of ordination that the priests were to go through before they could serve in the tent. But what does it mean to be a priest? What is it that Adam, the first man, can teach us about this role? Peter, as well as John say that we are being built into a royal priesthood. How is this role of priest to be reflected in our own lives?

Ep067: Garments of Honor and Majesty – Exodus 27:20-28:43

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Throughout the Bible, clothing is used as a symbol in various ways. Clothing caries with it the concept of bestowing honor, being beautified, or being covered in righteousness. So when we get to Exodus 28 we need to incorporate these ideas into our understanding of what is happening in this text. One man, one representative is being honored and elevated above his brothers to serve before God. But these clothes, perhaps more than any other, contain an extra layer of symbolism that reveals much more about the role and purpose of our High Priest.

Ep066: Man’s Approach to God – Exodus 26:31-27:19

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 28 May 2020 07:45:00 +0000

As we read through the instructions for the tabernacle we discover that they are told twice in the end of the book of Exodus. And if we examine these sets of instructions and compare them with each other we find that they are told in different order. Last week we examined the pattern that is revealed in the first set of instructions and the path that God takes when He enters into relationship with man. This week, we will examine the corollary and discover the path that man takes when we attempt to discover and reach out to God.

Ep065: God’s Approach to Man – Exodus 25:1-26:30

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 21 May 2020 07:45:00 +0000

This week begins a months long exploration of the Tabernacle, priesthood, sacrificial system and worship of the God of Israel. And this conversation begins in the book of Exodus? Why is it that we find that the last half of this book of the Exodus has nothing to do with the events of the Exodus? It is easy for us to simply turn out minds off when we get to these boring and repetitive blueprints. But in doing so we miss something. In fact, we miss a lot. Rather than turning our mind off and wandering away in confusion, let’s engage with the text in ways that bring theses instructions to life.

Ep064: The Parable of the Pattern – Exodus 24

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 14 May 2020 07:45:00 +0000

In Exodus 24 the text returns to a narrative once again, and for one chapter only. This narrative though, on closer inspection, acts as a connector. It closes off the wedding narrative that began in Chapter 19, and begins the tabernacle instructions that begin in chapter 25. Throughout this chapter we discover clues that point both ways, which reveals a truth that would have been understood by the original audience. The tabernacle was to be the place where God and Man dwell together as husband and wife. It is a home of sorts and the place where intimacy was accomplished. And this insight into the tabernacle begins our examination of the parable that is contained in the pattern.

Ep063: With Justice for All – Exodus 23

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 07 May 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The Wedding ceremony of the ages is still in progress. The contract for the marriage covenant is nearly complete. And in this final section of the ketuvah we continue to read of the heart of God. And we see a shift in the focus in this chapter. No longer is the subject of the text, those who are in need of justice. Rather as we begin this section, the focus is on those who administer justice. This topic, as well as the 7 blessings of the ceremony are all included in this chapter.

Ep062: The Heart of God – Exodus 21-22

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 07:45:00 +0000

In an ancient wedding ceremony, there are certain things that always happened. One of those things was that the marriage contract was always read during the ceremony. When we understand the events at Mt. Sinai as a wedding ceremony it becomes clear that Exodus 21-23 are the marriage contract. What is contained in this contract? What does it reveal about how we should live? What does it reveal about our God?

Ep061: The Block of Stumbling – Exodus 20

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 07:45:00 +0000

What is the Law? What is the Torah? How are we to view the instructions that are presented in the Bible? How did Ancient people view the instructions of the Bible? The Torah is not what most of us think it to be. That is a bold claim, but the Bible backs this claim. For many of us, the Torah is a Law. A legal code that defines life. For others the Torah is wisdom literature. Simply a list of wise principles but in no way binding. But if we read scripture neither claim can be the whole truth. And so, just as always, we must consider what the Bible has to say about itself before we can arrive at some semblance of the truth.

Ep060: Covenant of Marriage – Exodus 19

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The word covenant is thrown around a lot in relation to the Bible. But in the Torah there are two primary types of covenant used to describe the relationship between YHVH and His people. One is a covenant that existed between kings. That is not this covenant. The other is a covenant of shared intimacy. A covenant of marriage that bound two parties together, and put then in a mutually supportive roles towards each other. Beginning in Exodus 19, the language of Exodus takes becomes saturated with this type of language. A covenant of marriage. Between God and man. What can this possibly mean for us?

Ep059: Discerning Counsel – Exodus 18

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 07:45:00 +0000

At the base of Mt. Sinai Moses receives a gift. His bride and children return to him from their place in Midian. Along with them comes his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. But Moses is not able to enjoy time with his newly returned family because he is occupied with responsibility. And so counsel is given on how to address this situation. But, who is Jethro? What do we know about him? Where does his advice originate from? And the most important question, what is the point of this story? Is it just a story about how to organize a community, or is there something more happening just beneath the surface?

Ep058: Trials and Testimonies – Exodus 16:25 – 17:16

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Throughout Scripture the events at Massah and Meribah are used as a byword to describe a faithless people. But as we examine this story in the context of those around it, we find that this story does not stand on its own. Faithless Israel is a repeated theme throughout the pages of the Bible. But these stories are told for a purpose. They are told to increase our own faith. These stories become pointers to something greater. Something that we can each discover in our own lives if we look hard enough. And as we will discover, it is these stories that provide our greatest weapon in times of uncertainty.

Ep057: The Wilderness of Trust – Exodus 15:19-16:24

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 07:45:00 +0000

There are times in our lives when God asks difficult things of us. When He asks us to trust Him implicitly. When the path forward doesn’t make sense to our mortal minds. These occasions are especially hard when we find ourselves in one of life’s wildernesses. The question comes at these times. Can you trust the Plan? Can you trust the path that God has you on? Can you trust God?

Ep056: The Sea of Creation – Exodus 13:21-15:18

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 07:45:00 +0000

There is not another story in all of literature that is recounted more than the crossing of the Red Sea. It has been recounted for millennia, it has been the subject of countless movies and books. We are all familiar with the story. And that might be a problem. Are we so familiar with the story that we have lost sight of the text? Because there is something amazing that is occurring in the text of this story when we pay close attention to the text.

Ep055: Setting a Baseline – Exodus 13:1-20

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 07:45:00 +0000

In the midst of this epic story about the escape of Israel from the clutches of their Egyptian Overlords, comes a curious example of two instructions that break up the flow of the story. Why are these instructions, one or the festival of unleavened bread and the other for the sanctification of the firstborn, inserted here? What can we learn from these commands that means anything at all for us today?

Ep054: With Freedom for All – Exodus 12:29-51

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 07:45:00 +0000

At the Passover, all of Israel was saved out of Egypt and led into the wilderness. But if we examine the text we discover that “All Israel” includes some who were not blood sons of Abraham. A “Mixed Multitude” left Egypt alongside those that the world considered Israel. But the division of who is part of Israel and who is not does not stop here. The text defines for us where that line lays for future generations.

Ep053: The Cost of Redemption – Exodus 12:1-28

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 07:45:00 +0000

We often hear about what it cost God to redeem mankind. The cost in blood and mortal existence. But there is another cost to redemption that we don’t often acknowledge. The cost of personal sacrifice. But what all does that entail, this personal sacrifice?

Ep052: God of Distinction – Exodus 10:1-11:10

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 07:45:00 +0000

We often hear that God loves everyone. That all mankind are His children and that He cares for us all as a loving father. But just how accurate is this idea Biblically? The idea that God loves ALL people? If there is one thing that the plagues of Egypt teach us, it is that there are those who will fall under God’s judgment and those whom He will protect from Judgment. We already looked at the fact that God creates some for the purpose of demonstrating His justice. Let’s take that idea one step further.

Ep051: The Trial of the Ages – Exodus 8:20-9:35

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 07:45:00 +0000

If there is one thing that we can count on to be revealed in the plagues on Egypt it is that these acts of God are in judgment. But is it simply judgment of the people, or is there a greater judgment going on? And if this is judgment, then when was the trial? Perhaps, if we look at the plagues in a certain light, we can catch a glimpse of the trial occurring in the course of the plagues. So join us as we consider the trial of the ages. The people of Israel vs. the People of Egypt.

Ep050: God of Creation – Exodus 7:17-8:19

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 07:45:00 +0000

The plagues of Egypt is one of the most iconic sequences in all of scripture. This series of judgments on the actions of Pharaoh and the people of the Egypt. But the plagues teach us a lot more about God than simply being acts of judgment. This week we begin a three part series on what these plagues reveal about the God of Israel on various levels.

Extra Resource: https://seeklifesc.com/wp-content/uploads/plagues.pdf

Ep049: A Difficult Message – Exodus 6:2-7:18

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 07:45:00 +0000

We all want to hear from God. We cry out, “God, where are you?” and when we hear nothing we can become despondent. But the fact is that when God does talk to His people, the message is rarely one that is easy to hear. Especially when the messenger looks nothing like you expect.

Ep048: The Chosen Vessel – Exodus 4:18-6:1

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:45:00 +0000

Throughout Scripture we read of men who were the chosen vessel to accomplish part of God’s plan. Men like Moses, David, Jeremiah, Paul and more. These are men who were chosen to be vessels for honor. But when we consider this topic, we gloss over that there were more men chosen in Scripture than these. Men chosen as Vessels for destruction.

Ep047: The Name of God – Exodus 3:1-4:17

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 07:45:00 +0000

In the Bible we are told to speak the name of God. We are to call upon His name and to not take His name in vain. The Name of God is something that has a lot of importance connected to it throughout scripture. But what is that name? Is it something that can be pronounced, or is it something more than that?

Ep046: What’s in a Name – Exodus 1:1-2:25

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 07:45:00 +0000

When we come to the book of Exouds, we read the name “Exodus” and so that is what we expect to find in this book, and we are not disappointed. But when we examine the entirety of the book, the events of the Exodus end in chapter 20. And yet there are 20 more chapters after this point. The exodus is only half of this story. Is there something more? A greater topic in play in this book?

Ep045: Knowing Good AND Evil – Genesis 49:29-50:26

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 07:45:00 +0000

As we close out the book of Genesis, one idea is readdressed. The concepts of Good and Evil. And if we look at scripture as a whole, we may discover that we have some ideas about God and about good that are not quite accurate. What does it mean to know good and evil and to live our lives according to these definitions?

Ep044: Kingdom Heirs – Genesis 48:1-49:27

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Here at the end of the story of Genesis Jacob is near death. His life has been blessed and he has lived 17 years in the land of plenty. But upon his deathbed he calls all of his sons before him and does something unexpected to everyone. First an adoption. Then a blessing. Many blessings in fact. What can we pull from this without getting distracted?

Special 04: Life and Death in Christmas

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 07:45:00 +0000

What do the stages of grief have to do with Christmas? How can going through a significant life change cause a person to jump to conclusions and hurt those closest to them? Is it possible that a lie has been perpetrated on the people of God, and that both sides of the Christmas debate suffer from this lie? To discover the truth, we must go to the sources.

Ep043: Shadow of Messiah – Genesis 46:28-47:31

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Unity has been achieved. The family of Jacob is reunited once again and finally, Jacob has found peace. His lost son has been returned, he has been granted security, not just physically, but financially, and all is well! But the famine still rages around them. The rest of the world is not yet safe. There is a transaction that must take place. The cost? Your life.

Ep042: An Impossible Resolution – Genesis 44:18-46:27

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:45:00 +0000

The test has reached its climax, but what possible defense can Judah offer for the release of his brother Benjamin? The same solution that has been present in scripture since the beginning. Covenant. The keeping of covenant supersedes all other concerns. And it is this that finally convinces Joseph of the change that has occurred in his brother’s lives.

Ep041: An Impossible Test – Genesis 43:24 – 44:17

Darash Chai, Inc — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 07:45:00 +0000

The first challenge that Joseph laid before his brothers has been completed. They have returned with Benjamin, and now begins a test. Can the brothers handle being shamed? Will they sit idly by while Benjamin is honored above them? What will they do when Benjamin is charged with a crime? Have they truly changed, or is there jealousy and division lurking just beneath the surface?

Ep040: An Impossible Task – Genesis 42:18-43:23

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Nearly 20 years ago Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Now he has been reunited with them. But Joseph does not trust his brothers, and this time, Joseph has all the power. Let the games begin. Have the brothers grown, or are they still the selfish violent brats of old?

Ep039: Reversal of Fortune – Genesis 41:38-42:17

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 07:45:00 +0000

There is a theme that we discover all throughout the Bible that can reveal our own role in light of our Messiah. This thematic element is not limited to the Bible, but is in fact one of the most popular tropes in any kind of literature. What is a reversal of fortune, and how do we see it applied in Scripture and in our own lives?

Ep038: The Humble Right Hand – Genesis 41:1-37

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Two years in prison, and for what? Because of a forgetful servant? Because of a lesson in patience? Or could it be that there is more going on here? If there is one thing that Joseph had plenty of still it is perhaps pride, and there is something that is necessary to address this before Joseph can be elevated to the place that God has for him.

Ep037: The Bread and Cup – Genesis 40

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Joseph has been on a downward spiral into the depths of shame for the past few chapters. Taken from honor to slavery to prison. Into this place of shame two new men are introduced. Two new dreams appear. Two new symbols that upon examination are not really new. The baker symbolizing bread. The cup bearer symbolizing wine. Symbols that take on a life of their own throughout scripture. What can we learn from these symbols, and what do they mean for Joseph in the depths of his shame?

Special 03-Sukkot 2019 at Founded In Truth

Darash Chai, Inc — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 07:45:00 +0000

I was invited to give a breakout session at Sukkot with Founded In Truth. It was a wonderful time with a great group of people. Here is the recording of that session. If you wanted an update on Darash Chai, this is it. I am nearly a year into making this experiment my focus. Let’s see where we are. What is the “Nature of Life?”

Ep036: The Accuser – Genesis 39

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 07:45:00 +0000

We are all familiar with the story of Joseph in Potiphar’s house in Egypt. Raised to a position of authority and then an accusation. If we are paying attention, we will recognize that the previous chapter contained a similar story of an accusation against an innocent. This parallel in these chapters opens up for us a topic of human justice. The process that the Bible gives from accusation to conviction. This is vitally important today. A day and age of weaponized accusations.

Ep035: Why Judah? – Genesis 38

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 07:45:00 +0000

In Genesis 38 the text takes a detour that has caused a lot of discussion in theological circles. We know who Judah becomes. We know what Judah just did. And for one chapter we get a Judah centered narrative that tells us of his life between those two points in time. But why this narrative? It is confusing and confounding all at once. What is it about this chapter that it would be the one and only chapter of all of scripture that is focused only on the character of Judah?

Ep034: The Path Between – Genesis 37

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 07:45:00 +0000

The story of the sons of Jacob begins in full in this chapter of Genesis. Once again, we find that as young men, there is a baseline of evil that runs through there hearts. But if we examine this episode of Joseph being sold into slavery from a perspective of life, we may discover an amazing example of just how the path of life is not the same as either good or evil.

Ep033: The Gospel of Genesis – Genesis 35-36

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Genesis is a book of origins. The origin of the world. The origin of the covenant. The origin of the family of Abraham. The origin of the…gospel? How do a trip, the death of two women, a blessing, a coup, and a genealogy reflect the gospel?

Ep032: A Matter of Honor – Genesis 33:18-34:31

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 07:45:00 +0000

For the past few chapter, we have witnessed the fact that Jacob is a changed man. He is at peace with all of his neighbors. It doesn’t last long. Something happens in Shekhem that will shape much of what is to come. But do we truly understand this episode? How can an honor and shame perspective change our understanding of the tragedy of the destruction of Shekhem?

Special 02: Yom Teruah 2019

Darash Chai, Inc — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 07:45:00 +0000

This episode is our second podcast exclusive holiday special. This is a rerecording of a teaching that I gave at a local Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) gathering in Easley, SC. Yom Teruah is a celebration of the Kingship of God. Once we acknowledge His kingship, it follows that we are servants to the king. What does it mean to be a servant?

Ep031: Becoming Israel – Genesis 32:1-33:17

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Jacob has successfully withdrawn from the house of Laban. Now comes the confrontation with Esau. But Jacob is not the same man who left Canaan. His time in Haran has changed him, and before he meets Esau, comes a challenge. A man. In the dark. A contest of strength and will. And before he confronts Esau, Jacob becomes Israel. What did it take? Was this a process that occurred overnight, or has this been something that has been building us for the past 20 years?

Ep030: Deception with Integrity – Genesis 31:3-55

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 07:45:00 +0000

The time has finally come for Jacob to leave Laban’;s house, but knowing Laban, it is not going to be easy. Jacob is no longer defined by the deception that was once his nature, and yet, it is still a tool in his arsenal. In order to overcome Laban, Jacob will need Integrity, but before that, in order to leave, Jacob needs to deceive Laban one last time. How can this be? Can deception be a tool used by the righteous?

Ep029: Desirably Imperfect – Genesis 30:22-31:2

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Upon the birth of Joseph, Jacob desires to leave Laban’s house. He asks to leave, but is convinced to stay. It is at this point that Jacob gets to choose his wages, and he chooses the imperfect of the flocks of Laban as his wages. Then comes one of the most confounding stories in scripture. What are we to make of this? Why is this story even part of scripture? Let’s dig in and see what we can find.

Ep028: The Days of Our Wives – Genesis 29:31-30:21

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Jacob has more issues that hold him back than his deception. He learned a lot from his parents, and the next thing that he is faced with is favortism. And with two wives, and sisters at that, favortism is bound to get him into a whole lot of trouble.

Ep027: The Wages of Justice – Genesis 28:10-29:30

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Jacob is now the defacto leader of the family of Abraham when his father Isaac dies, but he his also on the run for his life. This week we examine this story of Jacob on the run form his brother and into the arms of his uncle. If we were to examine this story in a vacuum, it would seem as if Jacob is beginning his life of blessing as the leader of the family of Abraham, but all is not as it seems. Before Jacob can receive his blessing, he must first learn of his failures. This concept begins a cascade in the life of Jacob, and if we allow it, this concept will begin a process within our own lives to begin to learn of our failures and how to overcome them.

Ep026: Rights and Responsibilities – Genesis 27:30-28:9

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 07:45:00 +0000

The birthright has been purchased, but the blessing has been stolen. Esau is angry. And why shouldn’t he be? The blessing, the leadership position over the family was his by right. Rules of inheritance dictated that Esau would lead the family in the future, but now, not the weasel, serpent, trickster, deceiver has stolen it all away. What is his response? Better yet, what would your response be in a similar circumstance?

Ep025: The Sense of Obedience – Genesis 27:1-29

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 07:45:00 +0000

This week we begin a long exploration of the last of the three patriarchs of Israel. Jacob, also known later as Israel. The time has come for Isaac to give his blessing to one of these boys. He wants to bless one, but due to his loss of sight and an act of cunning and deception, Jacob supersedes his brother Esau! Theft, lying, deception, these things are immoral, and yet God uses them to bless the world. How does that even work?

Ep024: The Trajectory of Separation – Genesis 26:12-35

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Isaac the patriarch is the one that we know the very least about. Abraham was around for 13 chapters. Jacob will be around for the rest of Genesis. Isaac gets this one chapter to shine, and this chapter is vitally essential to the overall message of Genesis. Why THIS, confusing and unrelatable chapter? What do wells and covenants have to do with me, and with the church today?

Ep023: Death and Blessing – Genesis 25:1-26:11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 07:45:00 +0000

When we began this experiment, we developed a few tools that we could use to discern the topics of Scripture as we approach them. When we come to a passage that features not just one, but two lists of names, and then a few seemingly disconnected stories, what do we do with them? Should we simply skip past it as if there is no meaning? or do we slow down, take our time, and tease the text? If we take our time, we can discover that the Bible is full of profound and meaningful discussions, even in the most boring of places.

Ep022: The Message Delivered – Genesis 24:34-67

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 07:45:00 +0000

A candidate has been found. A proposal has been made. Now comes the responsibility of sharing the message. But wait, the message that the servant gives is not 100% accurate to what we read before. Is the servant being faithless, or is there something else going on?

Ep021: The Servant’s Quest – Genesis 24:1-33

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Sarah has died, Isaac is unmarried, and Abraham is getting old…er. The time has come for Abraham to send his servant out into the world to find a person to join the covenant that God has made with his family. But who? How to choose? What is it that the servant should look for? Who is this servant anyway, and what can we learn from him?

Ep20: The Life of Sarah – Genesis 23

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 07:45:00 +0000

As we read through the story of Abraham, there is an essential person that is always in the background. The woman behind the man. When we speak of Sarah, we usually point out her lack of faith with Hagar, or when she laughed. Rarely do we ever try to understand her as a person. So let’s do that. Let’s get to know Sarah. You may find that you identify with her more than you know.

Ep019: Living in Obedience – Genesis 22

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 07:45:00 +0000

What do you do when God asks the impossible? What do you do when God asks everything of you? Of all of the stories of Abraham in the Bible, the story of the Binding of Isaac is perhaps the most iconic. It reveals the standard and shows a man, who has to trust fully and reveals the truth that absolute faith requires obedience.

Ep018: Flesh and Faith – Genesis 21

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Ishmael and Isaac. The sons of Abraham. One the son of the flesh. The other the son of the promise. This chapter gives us the opportunity to examine one of the most confusion passages in Paul’s writings, as well as to examine ourselves. Are you a son of the flesh, or a son of faith. Both were seed of Abraham. Only one got the promise.

Ep017: The Righteous Nation – Genesis 20

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 07:45:00 +0000

In Genesis 20 we usually get caught up in what Abraham did and the unfairness and immorality of it all. Under the surface though there is a portrait of God and the way that He interacts with people. This lesson on God’s character is one that we should not miss.

Ep016: The Righteous of Sodom – Genesis 19

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 07:45:00 +0000

All too often we approach Genesis 19 in isolation and when we do so, we end up missing a large part of the story. We end up making rush judgments without all of the necessary information. What can we learn about Sodom and Gomorrah if we incorporate the rest of Scripture into our assessment of this story?

Special 01: Shavuot 2019 – Podcast Exclusive

Darash Chai, Inc — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 12:08:00 +0000

This episode is our first podcast exclusive holiday special. This is a rerecording of a teaching that I gave at a local Shavu’ot / Pentecost gathering in Greenville, SC. What is this holiday all about and how can we practice the principles of Shavu’ot in our lives?

Ep015: The Spirit of Prophecy – Genesis 18

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 07:45:00 +0000

We usually think of prophecy as foretelling the future, but that is not completely accurate. Prophecy is so much more than telling what is going to happen. This chapter contains a sequence that reveals, not only the truth of what prophecy is, but what our response to prophecy should be as well.

Ep:014: The Sign of Humility – Genesis 17

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 30 May 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Circumcision is one of those topics that everyone has an opinion on. Is it necessary? What are the implications? The complications? What’s the point? Does it matter? Let’s explore the circumcision and see what the Bible has to say about circumcision from the very beginning.

Ep013: The Fall of Abraham – Genesis 16

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 23 May 2019 07:45:00 +0000

It has been 10 years since Abram arrived in Canaan. 10 years since God made a promise to him. 10 years of waiting and disappointment. Have they missed something? Is there another option? The temptation to take charge is overwhelming. They aren’t completely out of options….They’ve waited long enough. Time to do something.

Ep012: Impelled by Faith – Genesis 15

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 16 May 2019 07:45:00 +0000

What exactly is faith? We all think that we know what faith is, but do we really? Faith is something that is both intangible but at the same time produces a very real and tangible result. Abram models this for us, as do so many others. What is faith, and how do we live lives of faith?

Ep011: Contrast of Righteousness – Genesis 14

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 09 May 2019 07:45:00 +0000

As the scope of the narrative of the Bible goes from world shaping events to the life of a single man, so too does the topics and themes of Scripture change from vast to intimate. In Genesis 14 we see a contrast of two kings. One a king or righteousness in relationship to the world. The other a king of righteousness in relationship to God. This dichotomy should cause us to wonder. Do we really understand righteousness in the first place?

Ep010: The Cost of Dedication – Genesis 12:1-13:18

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 02 May 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Here begins the story of Abram. A man of faith. A man of righteousness. A man of dedication. Abram is traditionally held up as a model for all who come after. He obeyed God when asked to do the inconceivable. He obeyed even when it hurt. In order to obey, he paid a cost.

Ep009: The Knowledge that Deceives – Genesis 11

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 07:45:00 +0000

The Tower of Babel episode closes off for us the end of the Noah cycle. As it does, it returns to the topic that it began with, but this time around, we get a new take on an old topic. What is it that CS Lewis called “The Great Sin,” and what can Babel teach us about it?

Ep008: Relationship Broken – Genesis 9:18-10:32

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Something happened in Noah’s tent to cause Noah to curse his grandson. This story has confused and confounded generations of scholars and laymen alike. Likely what caused the curse is not what occurred in the tent, but what occurred outside of the tent. To discover the truth, we must first learn about Honor and Shame.

Ep007: The Keys of Relationship – Genesis 8:15-9:17

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Once new creation has been started, relationship begins. Not simply any relationship, but a covenant relationship. What elements are needed to enter into a covenant relationship with another?

Ep006: Our Great Hope – Genesis 8:1-14

Darash Chai, Inc — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 07:45:00 +0000

The world has been unmade. The time has come for it to be created anew. Peter says that we should always be ready to explain the hope that is in us, but what is that great hope?

Ep005: Descent into Corruption – Genesis 6:9-7:24

Darash Chai, Inc — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 07:45:00 +0000

The world is ending. What is pattern of destruction? What is the pattern of escape? What is really going on in the story itself? There are some awesome truths about righteousness and holiness hidden just under the surface of the Noah narrative. Join in as we dig deep.

Ep004: Propagation of an Image – Genesis 5:1-6:8

Darash Chai, Inc — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Genealogies are perhaps the most boring part of scripture that we encounter. As we will discover though, genealogies can provide the backdrop for some of the most profound and philosophical discussions in the Bible. Let’s put out tools all together and use them to see what we can discover of use in this seemingly boring and meaningless chapter.

Ep003: A Puzzling Image – Genesis 4:1-26

Darash Chai, Inc — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 07:45:00 +0000

Many times scripture is not clear when we wish it would be. What do we do with this vagueness? How can we find a pearl of great value in the midst of questions without answers? The answer may lie in the pieces of a puzzle.

Ep002: The Temptation of an Image – Genesis 2:4-3:24

Darash Chai, Inc — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 20:36:00 +0000

Life is found in patterns. We have to learn the patterns of Scripture before we can find the things of life. In this episode we search two new patterns. Metaphors and Word Trains. How can we use these patterns to develop meaning?

Resources

The Temple in the Garden – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0997241020/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
Design Patterns in the Bible – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkqsQpck8YU

Ep001: The Purpose of an Image – Genesis 1:1-2:3

Darash Chai, Inc — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:19:00 +0000

In this episode we begin to examine the Bible through the lens of life. Genesis 1. The story of creation. The chapter in which life is introduced to our world. This episode begins a four part series on ways to dig deeper in Scripture and to discover what it is that the author is affirming.

Ep000: Welcome to Darash Chai

Darash Chai, Inc — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:00:00 +0000

What does it mean to Seek Life? What is the purpose of Darash Chai? What is life? How is any of this different than what has been done before? Why should you care? Welcome to the Darash Chai experiment.