The Scripture Study Podcast

In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen are joined by Cindy’s daughter, Caroline Hagedorn, as they explore Mount Sinai, the Ten Commandments, and the deeper meaning of God’s covenant with Israel. They discuss how the Torah reveals God’s vision for holiness, justice, and righteousness, examining how covenant faithfulness transforms His people into a treasured possession and a holy nation. Drawing on biblical scholarship and Jewish perspectives, Susan, C...

In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore how the Torah, the Bible, and the Old Testament reveal what is good, true, and holy. Focusing on God’s covenant with Israel in Exodus, they discuss how obedience and covenant faithfulness transform God’s people into His treasured possession and a kingdom of priests. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Rashi, and other scholars, the hosts examine the law’s role in shaping holiness, justice, compa...

In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the significance of Mount Sinai, the Ten Commandments, and the biblical concept of covenant. Examining the ancient covenant framework of suzerain and vassal, they discuss how God establishes a sacred relationship with Israel and how that pattern continues through modern faith commitments such as baptism and temple ordinances. The hosts also unpack the unique role of the Decalogue, the communal nature of si...

In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their two-part series on the theology of beauty. They explore how Hebrew beauty differs from Greek ideals, emphasizing that true beauty is rooted in righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God. Using the Tabernacle's design and priestly garments as examples, they illustrate how Hebrew beauty points inward toward spiritual integrity rather than outward physical display. The episode concludes with a refle...

In this episode of The Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the theology of beauty as an objective, transcendental attribute linked to truth and goodness. Drawing from Gerard Manley Hopkins' poetry, Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, and Christian thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas, they discuss how beauty reflects divine order and harmony. The hosts also examine ancient Near Eastern and biblical perspectives, connecting beauty to holiness, covenant, and...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the biblical theme of "Out of Egypt," focusing on the Exodus story and its significance throughout Scripture. They discuss the Hebrew phrase yetziat mitzrayim, Egypt's cultural influence, and how Matthew connects Jesus to the Exodus through the prophet Hosea. The hosts examine Israel's struggle to leave Egypt's comfort despite enslavement, the wilderness journey's lessons on trusting God, and the hardening...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore "Exodus theology," examining how the Book of Exodus serves as a foundational theological pattern throughout Scripture. Drawing on scholars like N.T. Wright and Nahum Sarna, they discuss how the Exodus shaped Israel's identity, ethics, and worship. They explore typology, showing how Exodus themes prefigure Christ's life, death, and resurrection as the ultimate new Exodus. Susan Petersen also shares a person...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the powerful symbolism of clothing in the biblical story of Joseph. They examine how Joseph's famous coat, the kito net passim, represented identity, authority, and favoritism, fueling his brothers' jealousy. The hosts discuss how clothing throughout the narrative serves as a tool of deception, vulnerability, and ultimately restoration. Drawing on Midrashic literature, scholarly insights, and broader bibli...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the biblical character Jacob, examining his moral complexities and human flaws as portrayed in Genesis. They discuss the Hebrew word "tom," recurring themes of deception, and the principle of divine measure-for-measure justice. The hosts also critique feminist biblical criticism for imposing modern frameworks onto ancient texts, using the story of Dinah and Shechem as an example. Throughout, Susan Pe...

this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the theology of food in the biblical story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25–28). They examine how food and appetite drive key narrative moments, including Esau selling his birthright for stew and Jacob's deceptive meal securing Isaac's blessing. Drawing on rabbinic commentaries and scholars like Gordon Wenham and Norman Wirzba, they highlight parallels with the Garden of Eden and discuss how food symbolize...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore literary criticism of the Hebrew Bible, focusing on the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Esau. Drawing on scholar Robert Alter's work, they examine key techniques including type scenes, dialogue-driven characterization, intentional narrative gaps, and word motifs. The hosts analyze well scenes in Genesis as symbols of life, fertility, and covenant. They encourage listeners to embrace the Bible's moral complexi...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore biblical literary criticism as a scholarly tool for understanding the Bible's composition and meaning. Cindy explains various critical approaches, emphasizing that "criticism" means analysis, not negativity. They discuss how biblical narratives use literary devices like the "two ways" doctrine, paired stories, and the hero's journey. Using Abraham and Lot as contrasting examples, they examine moral choice...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis chapters 19-21 and Ezekiel 16, examining the stories of Hagar, Sarah, Ishmael, Isaac, and Lot. They discuss ancient legal customs, including the Hammurabi Code, to provide context for inheritance rights and social dynamics. Key themes include God's compassion toward marginalized figures like Hagar and Ishmael, the multifaceted destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and how prophetic literature reinterp...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their study of Genesis 15–18. They explore Melchizedek, the mysterious priest-king of Salem, discussing his eternal priesthood, connection to temple rituals, and foreshadowing of Christ. They examine Abraham's covenant with God and the promise of an heir. The hosts also provide cultural context for the story of Hagar and Sarah, explaining ancient Near Eastern customs around surrogacy and concubinage, help...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the story of Lot (Genesis 12–19), contrasting his cautionary tale with Abraham’s redemption narrative. They discuss literary techniques like chiasmus and parallelism, highlighting how biblical stories reveal character through actions. The hosts examine Lot’s moral compromises, his estrangement from God, and the symbolism of his choices, while emphasizing Abraham’s faithfulness. Through thoughtful ana...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2, focusing on Abraham’s journey, the symbolism of trees—especially oaks as covenant landmarks—and the deeper meaning behind sacred spaces in the Old Testament. They unpack the cultural and theological context of the “sister-wife” episodes involving Abraham and Sarah, offering insight into these complex narratives while emphasizing God’s guidance, protection, and covenantal purp...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 12–17 and the Book of Abraham 1–2, focusing on Abraham’s story in the land of the Chaldeans. They examine the historical and cultural context, contrasting Abraham’s pursuit of the true priesthood with surrounding pagan practices, including human sacrifice, and discuss how he resisted cultural assimilation. The hosts reflect on the scriptural meaning of perfection, emphasizing love, humility, ...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their exploration of Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2. They discuss Abraham’s pursuit of covenant blessings, the significance of Milka as a possible priestly queen, and the deeper meanings of “happiness” and “shalom” in the Hebrew Bible. The hosts contrast Abraham’s faithfulness with his ancestors’ choices and highlight Melchizedek’s role as a model of righteousness. Through thoughtful discussion, Susa...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2, focusing on the historical and cultural context of Abraham’s life. They discuss his role as a wealthy Bronze Age pastoral chief, the significance of Egypt’s influence in Canaan, and the importance of understanding ancient Near Eastern society. The hosts also highlight the unusual prominence of Milcah in biblical genealogies. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on these insig...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen continue their deep dive into the story of Noah, exploring the flood narrative as a powerful transition between the first creation and a new creation. Through rich temple imagery, Hebrew word studies, covenant themes, priesthood authority, and literary design, they unpack the symbolic meaning of the raven and the dove, the importance of rest (Noah’s name), divine speech patterns, and Noah’s first act after l...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the story of Noah from Genesis 6–9 and Moses 8. They discuss Methuselah’s covenantal glory, the Hebrew wordplay behind Noah’s name, and the Ark’s sacred symbolism. Drawing on ancient texts and LDS perspectives, they highlight how the Ark parallels the temple as a sanctuary amid chaos. The episode emphasizes God’s sorrow over human wickedness, the importance of covenant, and the enduring relevance of ...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Moses chapter 7, with references to Moses 6 and Deuteronomy. They discuss the ancient doctrine of the “two ways”—the way of life (covenant faithfulness, justice, and order) versus the way of death (rebellion, chaos, and violence). Contrasting Cain’s city of Enoch, built on commerce and violence, with Seth’s city of righteousness, they highlight the importance of covenant loyalty to God, the symbolism of ci...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Genesis 5 and Moses 6, focusing on Adam and Eve’s journey after the Fall, the meaning of sin and transgression, and the role of Satan as tempter. They discuss Jewish and Latter-day Saint perspectives, the symbolism of Cain and Abel, and the biblical theme of choosing between two paths—life or destruction. The hosts emphasize moral agency, the consequences of choices, and God’s ongoing grace, connecting the...

In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore the Fall of Adam and Eve through Genesis 3–4 and Moses 4–5. They discuss the deep symbolism of trees, the dual paths of righteousness and wickedness, and the role of Satan as adversary. Drawing on Jewish midrash, they encourage wrestling with scripture’s complexities. The hosts reflect on the meaning of Adam and Eve’s garments, the significance of sacrifice, and how God transforms loss into hope, ultimate...

Episode Title: Moses 1 & Abraham 3 — Identity, Glory, and the God Who Reveals Hosts: Susan Petersen & Cindy Madsen Episode Summary In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen explore Moses 1 and Abraham 3, two foundational temple texts that frame the story of creation and humanity’s divine identity. Drawing from Come, Follow Me, modern prophets, and biblical scholarship, they discuss premortal existence, patriarchal blessings, covenant identity, an...

Episode Title: Of Trees and Skin: Genesis 1–2 and the God Who Orders Chaos Hosts: Susan Petersen & Cindy Madsen Episode Summary In this episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen dive deeply into the creation accounts found in Genesis 1 and 2, along with insights from the Books of Moses and Abraham. Rather than asking modern scientific questions of the text, they explore how ancient audiences understood creation—as God bringing order, function, and sacred pur...

Hosts: Susan Petersen & Cindy Madsen Episode Summary In this opening episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen lay a foundation for meaningful Bible study by introducing listeners to the Old Testament. They explore what the Bible is, how it is structured, and why understanding genre, context, and translation matters for accurate and faithful interpretation. This episode equips listeners with practical tools to approach scripture with confidence, curiosity, an...

In this introductory episode of the Scripture Study Podcast, hosts Susan Petersen and Cindy Madsen welcome listeners to a weekly midweek Bible boost. They explain the podcast’s focus on exploring scriptural symbols, contexts, the teachings of Jesus, and practical applications, following the “Come Follow Me” curriculum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The hosts encourage listeners to slow down, invite the Holy Spirit, and deepen their understanding of God’s word. New episode...