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Ross Nichols

This episode unfolds the captivating tale of Moses Shapira's quest to validate his ancient manuscript strips. Spurred by Friedrich Bleek's insights and facing scholarly skepticism, Shapira embarks on a dramatic journey to Germany, challenging the academic world with his belief in the biblical significance of his discovery. It begins with a ten-page letter to Hermann…

This episode promises to weave together the lesser-known connection of Moses Shapira with one of Jerusalem's most ancient treasures, the Siloam Inscription, and the poignant story of a young boy whose discovery in 1880 leads to an adoption by the Spafford family, known for their tragic narrative and enduring faith. Explore the fascinating intersections of…

Ross & Jono delve into the enigmatic actions of Moses Shapira upon his realisation that his sixteen leather fragments may well be the oldest manuscript of the Bible. On September 24, 1878, Shapira sent a transcription of part of the manuscript to Professor Schlottmann in Halle, only to receive a stern rebuke on October 17,…

Ross & Jono discuss some of the archaeological debates going on in the news: The Shema Bulla, long thought to be a forgery, now declared authentic. Explore its fascinating journey from a Bedouin market to the center of a scholarly storm. Also, the Mount Ebal Amulet or Fish Weight?: Once hailed as a significant find,…

Made of Acacia wood and overlayed with gold, the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible's book of Exodus has captivated imaginations, inspired movies, and remained a legendary icon. But where did it disappear? What secrets does it hold? Our discussion transcends common knowledge, exploring the lesser-known and perhaps the unknown realms as dictated…

Immerse yourself in a captivating discussion on The LOST Treasures of the Temple with Ross & Jono! The Bible reports that untold treasures were kept within the sacred precincts of the Temple of the LORD, but it also records numerous plunderings and instances of the Kings of Judah giving these treasures away! Join Ross &…

Ross & Jono enter a resurgent debate, intensified by the tragic events of 7 October 2023: Has the Jewish nation been replaced as God's chosen people? What does it mean to be "chosen"? Is supersessionism the root of anti-Semitism? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3-BREjAKHE&list=PLzmklBloXBL_-cUkMUOsoYdTMp-aZx4pV&index=5

Uncover the mysteries of the Cherubim, beings far removed from the chubby angels of popular lore. These enigmatic figures challenge the depths of our imagination – are they guardians, divine entities, or something entirely beyond our comprehension? Delve into the Hebrew Bible with us to explore the true essence of these mysterious figures. We'll unravel…

Amalek, the ancient archenemy of Biblical Israel. Journey with us as we explore the tales of Amalek from Exodus 17, Deuteronomy 25, and elsewhere in the Tanakh. Dive deep into the scriptures as we unravel the stories of their wicked deeds and the eternal conflict between Amalek and Jehovah. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51pCxKiH--8&list=PLzmklBloXBL8ynRtRMKsFyO6QHkd_b3hD&index=3

Dive deep into one of the Hebrew Bible's most mystifying tales, found in the Book of Numbers. In a world where consequences befall the rebellious, serpents strike the Israelites, bringing venomous pain and agony. But salvation comes in an unexpected form—a shimmering bronze serpent, raised high on a stake. One mere glance at this metallic…

This week, Ross and Jono turn their attention to the mysterious Azazel. Encountered in the intriguing ceremony detailed in Leviticus 16, Azazel is shrouded in ambiguity. Here, two goats take center stage—one is sacrificed as a purification offering, while the other, notably linked with Azazel, is sent to the wilderness. Embark on a journey into…

Ross & Jono journey back to the days of Noah, delving deep into the ancient beliefs surrounding the enigmatic Nephilim. Who did the ancients believe these beings were? The Hebrew term 'Nephilim' is intrinsically linked to the verb 'to fall,' leading to myriad intriguing interpretations and theories. From the cryptic verses in Genesis chapter six,…

Join Ross and Jono as they dive deep into the latest sensational archaeological news story from the land of Israel! ➥ Just a week ago, the media was awash with news about the discovery of ancient Roman weaponry in a mysterious cave close to Ein Gedi. But there's more to this story than meets the…

Ross & Jono delve into the fascinating world of Hapax Legomena — those enigmatic words that appear just once in the Hebrew Bible. Fresh off their enlightening series on the Ten Words, this episode promises to be another riveting exploration of biblical linguistics. Discover the challenges and mysteries these unique words present to scholars, how…

Dive into a captivating discussion with Ross & Jono as they examine the heart of Texas Bill 1515. This new legislation mandates public elementary and secondary schools to prominently display a version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. But which rendition is it, and where did it come from? Ross & Jono will delve…

Does the Moses Scroll contain 10 or 11 commandments? Join us as we clarify misconceptions and reveal that, contrary to popular belief, the Moses Scroll does contain exactly 10 commandments, as does the Samaritan Exodus and Deuteronomy. We'll dive into a meaningful discussion about the tenth commandment of the Shapira Manuscripts: "do not hate your…

Hosts Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor take a close look at the important biblical directive against "bearing false witness." What does it really mean to "bear false witness" according to the ancient Hebrew texts? How have different translations shaped our understanding of this commandment? 📜🤔 Join us as we unpack this "word" by comparing…

Ross & Jono continue their deep dive into the Ten Words, turning their focus towards the often misunderstood commandment of "coveting." Ross presents a unique perspective, suggesting that this commandment reaches beyond mere actions and penetrates deep into the heart's desires. Jono, with his keen insights, may present an engaging counter-argument, adding to the depth…

Watch, as hosts Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor continue their deep dive into The Ten Words, turning their focus on the prohibition of theft. What do the ancient Hebrew texts really mean when they say, "thou shalt not steal?" Join us as we explore this intriguing commandment from seven different ancient Hebrew versions, unlocking…

Adultery. What does it mean according to the Bible? What are the differences between polyandry, polygamy, and polygyny? Can a man have more than one woman? Can a woman have more than one man? These are just some of the questions we'll explore. Drawing from seven ancient versions of The Ten Words, we're all set…

Join Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor for a fascinating exploration of the commandment "לא תרצח." Often translated as "Thou shalt not kill," the wording has sparked profound debates. Does the original Hebrew refer to 'kill' or 'murder'? How does it align with the numerous biblical references to crimes necessitating the death penalty? In this…

In this episode, we're diving into the heart of the Ten Words with an intriguing exploration of 'The Big Three' – the prohibitions against murder, adultery, and theft. Are you curious about the four unique orders these pivotal commandments appear in across various ancient texts? Join Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor as they unpack…

Delve into the intriguing depths of biblical history with Jono Vandor and Ross Nichols! As the evening marks the beginning of Shavuot, also known as Pentecost, we invite you to join us for an illuminating discussion about this profound Biblical festival. Traditionally, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the "Ten Words" or the Ten Commandments at…

Remember, observe, or sanctify Shabbat? Join Ross and Jono as they compare ancient documents that claim to record the Ten Commandments accurately. Even Exodus and Deuteronomy contain significant variations from each other. https://youtu.be/RBdgbMqYhV8?list=PLzmklBloXBL8ZPUPmjor5sJ-N4cRvKnDL&t=142 TANAKHTOURS.COM

Discover the hidden depths of The Ten Words in a captivating new podcast series! Join Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor, as they embark on an engaging and challenging journey through one of the most significant topics in the Hebrew Bible - The Ten Words. Often referred to as The Ten Commandments, these "ten" words…

Join Ross & Jono for their ongoing series on Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible. This week's show focuses on biblical texts related to the Passover. Do our sources agree, or are there "issues" that demand a closer look? Don't miss their Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible's Exodus texts. Also, what does the Moses Scroll…

In this live stream, Jono gives a bit of his personal journey in answer to a viewer's question, and Jono and Ross announce a new series of discussions on a critical approach to the texts of the Hebrew Bible. https://youtu.be/r_wCu0L4xEE TANAKHTOURS.COM

Shortly after the discovery of the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone) in 1868, artifacts purportedly discovered in Transjordan and testifying to an ancient Moabite culture made their way to the Jerusalem shop of Moses Wilhelm Shapira. They were initially believed to be authentic. The Germans, having recently failed in their attempt to acquire the Mesha Stele,…

In this program, Ross & Jono make an exciting announcement and also discuss the next commandment "You shall not steal" discussing how The Moses Scroll's rendering of the commandment has more in common with Leviticus 19 and Zechariah 5 than Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system JOIN ROSS, TOVIA, & JONO IN ISRAEL ON THE…

Ross and Jono have finally reached the focal point of the text of The Moses Scroll: the Ten Words. In this episode, they provide details about what set THIS version of the Decalogue apart from all others. https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system

In Deuteronomy, the Shema comes after the Ten Commandments. In The Moses Scroll, it comes before. Which is more consistent? Is there a detectable pattern in the Pentateuch when it comes to instruction? Find out in this week's episode. https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system JOIN ROSS NICHOLS, TOVIA SINGER, & JONO VANDOR ON TANAKH TOURS!

The Pentateuch contains several sections that purportedly describe the travel itinerary of the Children of Israel in their wilderness journeys. Sorting the route has proven most difficult due to inconsistencies between books, conflicting place names in the various sources, confused geographical references, and occasional references from later scribes. Numbers 33:1-2 informs us in the third…

"...and God committed adultery"?!? How did this highly controversial mistranscription from the paleo-Hebrew text of The Moses Scroll occur? What did it actually say and did it concur with the canonical text? Find out in this week's episode! https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system

Whose idea was it to send the spies? Whose idea was it to delegate leadership? Who are the Anakites and is there any archaeological evidence to even support their existence? More importantly, are any of the above narratives derived from the Moses Scroll? Find out in this week’s episode! https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system

This week, Ross and Jono begin to introduce their listeners to the text of a fascinating manuscript. Called The Moses Scroll by Ross in his recently published book, and The Valediction of Moses by Harvard scholar Idan Dershowitz - both of whom believe that it is ancient and authentic. Could this manuscript be the earliest…

Sometime in early spring of 1883, Moses Shapira came upon a book that made him reconsider the objections of Schlottmann and Delitzsch. As he put it in a letter to Hermann Strack dated 9 May 1883, “A short time ago a book called Einleitung in das Alte Testament [Introduction to the Old Testament] von [by] Friedrich Bleek…