Talking Scripture

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

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

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

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

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(00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.
(07:23) King Ahasuerus seeks a new queen and Esther is put forth by her uncle Mordecai. He compels Esther to not reveal her Jewish heritage to the king. She is chosen as the new queen.
(14:42) The villainous Haman arranges to get the king to sign a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.
(16:28) Xerxes is depicted as an unwitting king, as are other kings in the Bible.
(19:07) Esther is determined to approach the king for his help, even at the risk of her life. Mordecai tells Esther that she is born for this time and in this kingdom to save her people. The Jews fast to be saved from Haman’s decree.
(25:17) Esther tells the king her true identity as a Jew and also Haman’s evil plot to destroy them. Haman is hanged on his own gallows by order of the king.
(27:12) Mordecai is honored, Queen Esther gets the house of Haman, and a decree is made to preserve the Jews.
(28:38) The Jews have rest from their enemies. The house of Haman is destroyed as collective punishment for his crimes. The Feast of Purim is instituted to commemorate their deliverance.
(32:44) Mordecai, the Jew, stands next to the king in power and might.

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

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(00:00) King Cyrus of Persia overtakes Babylon. He believes the Jewish people Babylon conquered should be able to go home.
(01:51) The books of Ezra and Nehemiah provide brief accounts of the rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel and Jeshua work alongside the Jews and inspire them as they rebuild. Haggai and Zechariah are prophets during this time.
(04:29) The historical timeline of Second Temple Judaism. There is emphasis among the Jews on keeping the Law. Many apocalyptic texts, though preserved and read by some, are not made canon.
(08:32) Our enemies may try to discourage, mock, and conspire against the rebuilding of Zion, but this work will continue even if at times it seems to falter.
(24:30) The people of the land that opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem were the Samaritans. They also read Torah, believed in Moses’ prophetic mission, and loved God. They offered to help rebuild the Jerusalem temple, but were forbidden. The Lord needs people outside the church to help.
(33:44) How we should respond to opposition as we rebuild Zion.
(42:32) George Q. Cannon relates the experience of building the Nauvoo Temple during great persecution. We should defend the faith as we build the kingdom.
(49:10) The work of rebuilding is accomplished through the guidance of prophets. Sacrifices and feasts commence again during the Second Temple Period.

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

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(00:00) Although 1-2 Kings and 1-2 Chronicles cover the same time period, they are very different histories.
(17:25) When you violate god’s laws you are left to your own strength. The 4-4-4 principle.
(29:37) 2 Chronicles 20 emphasizes the protective power of God’s temple. The battle isn’t ours alone. Moab besieges Jehoshaphat.
(41:22) Elder Christofferson taught that no injustice in mortality is permanent.
(43:50) 2 Chronicles 30 is Hezekiah’s invitation to Israel to come to the temple.
(51:01) Some from the north came to the temple. Perhaps Lehi’s ancestors were among them. The second temple is destroyed in 70 AD, just a short time after Christ.
(54:37) Asa’s trust in God. The discrepancy regarding Azariah in 2 Chronicles 15 is explained.
(58:35) 2 Chronicles 18 portrays God among his divine council. Micaiah enters the council and is sent to deceive wicked king Ahab.
(1:07:59) The power of the temple and covenants are valid and protective.

→ For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here.

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