First Reading offers exegetical resources for the Old Testament Lectionary reading each week. Dr. Rachel Wrenn is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Capital University), Rosy Kandathil is a PhD candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University, Dr. Tim McNinch is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Christian Theological Seminary, and Paul Essah is a PhD student in Hebrew Bible at Yale University. In addition to short weekly episodes, they periodically invite ...
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Selections of LibriVox audiobooks of the 10-year reading plan in Great Books of the Western World, First Year. This series is meant to be heard in order. Selections will be added until this series is complete.
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That's "Right"! Lectionary Date: January 19, 2025 [2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Rosy is up, and she explores the "rightness" of this beautiful prophetic text.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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You are My Beloved Lectionary Date: January 12, 2025 [Baptism of the Lord, Year C] Tim peeks under the hood of a beautiful poem about God's love.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Looking Back ... Looking Forward Lectionary Date: January 5, 2025 [2nd Sunday after Christmas, Year C] Rosy sets the context for contemplating a new season ... or new year?بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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And He Grew Up... Lectionary Date: December 29, 2024 [1st Sunday after Christmas, Year C] For this Christmas lection, we look at the stories of two boys who grew up in preparation for their special callings.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Advent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 22, 2024 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year C] In our final Advent episode of 2024, Paul and the gang (recording in person at the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting in San Diego) take a look at the political context and powerful imagery of the reading from Micah.…
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Advent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 15, 2024 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C] For the 3rd week of Advent, Rachel takes us to the lesser-known prophet Zephaniah, who introduces a new aspect of God's profile.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Advent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 8, 2024 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C] For the 2nd Sunday in Advent, Rosy highlights the tension in the coming of God's "messenger." We're coming to you from our conference in San Diego!بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Advent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 1, 2024 [1st Sunday of Advent, Year C] Advent is here! And First Reading has you covered, with episodes recorded in person at our professional convention in San Diego. For Advent 1, Tim looks at the prophet Jeremiah's claim that God will hold unfaithful leaders to account.…
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First Reading Episode #300!!! Lectionary Date: November 24, 2024 [Reign of Christ Sunday, Year B] It's a special party episode of First Reading, as we celebrate our 300th episode! All four hosts take a few minutes to share what has been meaningful to them about this podcasting journey. Then, we dive into some analysis and preaching tips for the fir…
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Birth Pangs of a New Reality Lectionary Date: November 17, 2024 [26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rosy opens up the story of Hannah in conversation with Jesus's "little apocalypse" in Mark.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Uncovering and Covering Lectionary Date: November 10, 2024 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Paul explores the theological impact of Ruth's vulnerability and its redemptive power.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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A Migrant Invasion Lectionary Date: November 3, 2024 [24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rosy encourages us to preach the story of a migrant family facing discrimination, as these themes also swirl in our own political moment.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Peace in the Midst of Mysterious Suffering Lectionary Date: October 27, 2024 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Paul and Rosy pick up our ongoing conversation in the book of Job this lectionary season. This week, Paul highlights Job's shift in tone after an overwhelming barrage of divine questions.…
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Party Episode! God's (Non)Answer to Job Lectionary Date: October 20, 2024 [22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] In this party episode, all four First Reading hosts wrestle with God's enigmatic response to Job out of the whirlwind.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Honest to God Lectionary Date: October 13, 2024 [21st Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rachel ventures cautiously into the book of Job. It's a tricky book, but Rachel discovers a model for being honest to God. We recorded this before Hurricane Helene—our prayers are with all who are suffering in the aftermath of the storm. Hopefully, this episode gi…
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God's Finger-work Lectionary Date: October 6, 2024 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This week, Tim explores the context, language, and imagery of a classic psalm!بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Recycled episode: Eldad and Medad Lectionary Date: September 29, 2024 [19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rachel hosted a great little episode on "Eldad and Medad" not too long ago (Pentecost 2023). They are back in the lectionary cycle again, so we're replaying that episode. We'll be back with a new episode next week!…
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Rooted in the Word Lectionary Date: September 22, 2024 [18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] We're back with a brand new episode! This week, Rachel walks us through "one of her favorite psalms"—for real this time... This psalm has accompanied her through some challenging times.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Recycled Episode: The Tongue of a Learner Lectionary Date: September 15, 2024 [17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] We'll be back with new material next week! In the meantime, Tim sets his face like flint to offer a nonviolent interpretation of this famous text!بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Recyled Episode: The Sharing is the Blessing Lectionary Date: September 8, 2024 [16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Your beloved hosts are all busy starting up the fall semester, so here's a recycled episode from this week's lectionary selections! In this episode, Rachel gives an overview of wisdom literature, and tackles the prosperity gospel—al…
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Party Episode! A Place for God's Name Lectionary Date: August 25, 2024 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] All four hosts are back from Summer Break for a Party Episode looking at Solomon's temple dedication scene (as well as Psalm 84, a temple psalm).بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Recycled Episode: A Listening Heart Lectionary Date: August 18, 2024 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] We're getting ready for a "Party Episode" next week, so this time around we're recycling a fascinating post from the FR vault: Tim's reflection on King Solomon's request for "wisdom"... or "a listening heart," from the last time this text came…
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First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: August 11, 2024 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rosy reflects on the sad story of the collapse of David's family and his failures as a parent.…
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First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: August 4, 2024 [11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Paul considers how David's abuse of power has parallels in today's world.…
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First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 28, 2024 [10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rachel takes a careful listen to Bathsheba's voice.…
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First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 21, 2024 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Tim explores the kind of "place" that King David's leadership makes.…
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First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 14, 2024 [8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rosy considers how we might embody a bit more joy in our worship this summer.…
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First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 7, 2024 [7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. But this week, Paul connects "praise" and "memory" in the lectionary psalm.…
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First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: June 30, 2024 [6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rachel takes us to the depths to find some hope for our "nefesh" in the Psalm. (Did you know that we …
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First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: June 23, 2024 [5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Tim opens up the relatively unknown editorial history of one of the most famous stories in the Bible.…
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Morning and Evening Lectionary Date: June 16, 2024 [4th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rachel soaks in the poetry of praise in the lectionary psalm for the week. If you are ELCA affiliated, and interested in touring "The Best of Egypt" with Rachel Wrenn, take a look at the trip details here: https://www.eliastours.com/tours/best-of-egypt-tour-with…
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Resist the Cursedness Lectionary Date: June 9, 2024 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Tim McNinch leads our reflection on the classic Genesis story, highlighting its expansiveness and modern resonance. Please check out the podcast series produced by Tim's students at Christian Theological Seminary! Today's episode (titled "Comfort Food") is prod…
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Keeping the Word in the Air Lectionary Date: June 2, 2024 [2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rachel Wrenn is up with a reflection on the young Samuel's call narrative. If you are interested in touring "The Best of Egypt" with Rachel Wrenn, take a look at the trip details here: https://www.eliastours.com/tours/best-of-egypt-tour-with-elias-nawawie…
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Tuning Into the Voice of God Lectionary Date: May 26, 2024 [Trinity Sunday, Year B] Rosy and Tim are back with an all-new episode on Isaiah's dramatic vision of God's holiness!بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Genesis 22:1–14, with Ethan Schwartz
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التشغيل لاحقا
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The "Best of" First Reading Easter Series We hope you’ve enjoyed this Easter season “Best of" First Reading series. We’re rounding it out this week with one of our favorite conversations, this time with Dr. Ethan Schwartz, who teaches Hebrew Bible at Villanova University. Rachel and Tim enjoyed their deep dive with Dr. Schwartz so much that they in…
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Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, with Carol Newsom
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The "Best of" First Reading Easter Series If you’ve been following First Reading during Easter season this year, then you know that we are using this time when the Lectionary draws from the Book of Acts as the first reading, to replay some of our favorite First Reading conversations with leading biblical scholars. This week, we want to share anothe…
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The "Best of" First Reading Easter Series While the RCL hangs out in the Book of Acts, we at the Old Testament Lectionary Podcast are replaying some of our favorite interview episodes. This week, we are bringing out Rachel's and Tim's 2019 conversation with Rev. Dr. Johanna van Wijk-Bos. Dr. Bos taught for four decades as Professor of Old Testament…
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The "Best of" First Reading Easter Series We reach deep into vault once again this week, to pull out the treasure of our 2019 conversation with Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler, one of the leading scholars in the field of Hebrew Bible. He is Bernice and Morton Lerner Distinguished Professor in Judaic Studies at Duke University; and Professor Emeritus and form…
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The "Best of" First Reading Easter Series During Easter season this year, when the lectionary pulls from Acts as the “first reading,” we are re-releasing some of our favorite interviews with biblical scholars from the First Reading podcast vault. This week, we’re sharing another of our very early episodes, a conversation with the inimitable Stephen…
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Isaiah 43:16–21, with Vanessa Lovelace
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The "Best of" First Reading Easter Series This summer, while the Lectionary uses the Book of Acts as the first reading, we are re-releasing some of our best episodes from the First Reading Podcast vault. This week, we’re going way back to one of our first episodes (#007 actually, for James Bond fans out there), back to 2019 when Rachel and Tim inte…
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Esther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:20–22, with Rosy Kandathil
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The "Best of" First Reading Easter Series Easter is a strange season in the Lectionary for us here at the "Old Testament Lectionary Podcast," because during Easter the first reading is drawn from the New Testament book of Acts. So, this year, we’ve decided to use this season to re-release some of our favorite episodes from the vault, conversations …
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PARTY EPISODE: Easter Hope in the Middle of Chaos Lectionary Date: March 31, 2024 [Easter Sunday, Year B] Rachel, Paul, and Tim discuss the first reading for Easter in this party episode (also celebrating Rachel's birthday!). We also made a video version of this episode, which you can see on YouTube:…
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True and False Humility Lectionary Date: March 24, 2024 [Palm Sunday, Year B] Tim wrestles with the tension between humility and privilege.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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I Will Inscribe It on Their Hearts Lectionary Date: March 17, 2024 [5th Sunday in Lent, Year B] Paul explores what's new about Jeremiah's "new covenant."بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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The Hurt Becomes the Healing Lectionary Date: March 10, 2024 [4th Sunday in Lent, Year B] Rosy explores the New Testament symbolism of an Old Testament image.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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A Celebration of Torah Lectionary Date: March 3, 2024 [3rd Sunday in Lent, Year B] Tim plays with the cosmic imagery of this classic psalm.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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The Happy Part of a Sad Psalm? Lectionary Date: February 25, 2024 [2nd Sunday in Lent, Year B] Rachel finds so much more in this psalm than a simple script for Jesus on the cross.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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A Fresh Start (But Not a Happy Ending) Lectionary Date: February 18, 2024 [1st Sunday in Lent, Year B] Rachel takes us to the conclusion of the Genesis flood story and helps us see it through the lens of "covenant."بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Picking Up the Mantle Lectionary Date: February 11, 2024 [Transfiguration Sunday, Year B] Tim has some Hebrew help for this transfiguring story.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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Party Episode: Hope 2.0 Lectionary Date: February 4, 2024 [5th Sunday after Epiphany, Year B] We’re together again for a spitball session on a beautiful prophetic poem, all about hope.بقلم Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD
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