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A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy. If there is a dispute between men, and they come into court, and the judges decide between them, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty, then if the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence with a number of stripes in proportion to his offense. 40 stripes may be given him, but not more lest if one should go on to beat him with more stripes than these, your brother be degraded in your sight. You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain. If brothers dwell together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel. And if the man does not wish to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, my husband's brother refuses to perpetuate his brother's name in Israel. He will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me. Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him. And if he persists saying, I do not wish to take her, then his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face. And she shall answer and say, so shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house, and the name of his house shall be called in Israel the house of him who had his sandal pulled off. When men fight with one another, and the wife of the one draws near to rescue her husband from the hand of him who was beating him, and puts out her hand and seizes him by the private parts, then you shall cut off her hand. Your eyes shall have no pity. You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house two kinds of measures, a large and a small, a full and fair weight. You shall have a full and fair measure. You shall have that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who act dishonestly are an abomination to the Lord your God. Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary and cut off your tail those who were lagging behind you. And he did not fear God. Therefore, when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget when you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance and have taken possession of it and live in it. You shall take some of the, first of all, the fruit of the ground which you harvest from your land that the Lord your God is giving you. And you shall put it in a basket. And you shall go to the place that the Lord your God will choose to make his name to dwell there. And you shall go to the priest who was in office at that time, and say to him, I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our fathers to give us. Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down before the altar of the Lord your God, and you shall make response before the Lord your God. A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number. And there he became a nation great, mighty and populous. And the Egyptians treated us harshly and humiliated us and laid on us hard labor. Then we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers. And the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil and our oppression. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground which you, O Lord, have given me. And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house. You and the Levite and the sojourner who is among you. When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year, which is the year of tithing, giving it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be filled, then you shall say before the Lord your God, I have removed the sacred portion out of my house. And moreover, I have given it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all your commandment that you have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of your commandments, nor have I forgotten them. I have not eaten of the tithe while I was mourning, or removed any of it while I was unclean, or offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God. I have done according to all that you have commanded me. Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people, Israel, and the ground that you have given us, as you swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey this day. The Lord your God commands you to do these statutes and rules. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared today that the Lord is your God, and that you will walk in his ways and keep his statutes and his commandments and his rules, and will obey his voice. And the Lord has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, and that he will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that he has made, and that you shall be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised. Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, keep the whole commandment that I command you today. And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster, and you shall write on them all the words of this law when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers has promised you. And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones concerning which I command you today on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster, and there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them. You shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones, and you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God. And you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly. Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, keep silence and hear. O Israel, this day you have become the people of the Lord your God. You shall therefore obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today. That day Moses charged the people, saying, when you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for. For the curse Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. And the Levites shall declare to all the men of Israel in a loud voice, cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman and sets it up in secret. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless and the widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who lies with his father's wife because he has uncovered his father's nakedness. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who lies with his sister, whether the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who lies with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them. And all the people shall say, Amen. A reading from the book of Psalms, a psalm, a song for the Sabbath. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High, to declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night. To the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work, at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O Lord. Your thoughts are very deep. The stupid man cannot know, the fool cannot understand this, that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish. They are doomed to destruction forever. But you, O Lord, are on high forever. For behold your enemies, O Lord. For behold, your enemies shall perish. All evildoers shall be scattered. But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox. You have poured over me fresh oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies. My ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord. They flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit. In old age they are ever full of SAP and grain to declare that the Lord is upright. He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. A reading from the Book of Acts. Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer. But his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra in Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the Word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troes, and a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, come over to Macedonia and help us. And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the Gospel to them. So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where where we supposed there was a place of prayer. And we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods who was a Worshiper of God the Lord, opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized and her household as well, she urged us, saying, if you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. And she prevailed upon us. As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, these men are servants of the most high God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation. And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, these men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice. The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. And the prisoners were listening to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, do not harm yourself, for we are all here. And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. And he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced, along with his entire household, that he had believed in God. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police saying, let those men go. And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, the magistrates have sent to let you go, therefore come out now and go in peace. But Paul said to them, they have beaten us publicly, uncondemned men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison. And do they now throw us out secretly? No, let them come themselves and take us out. The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them and they took them out and asked them to leave the city. So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia, and when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: April 10, 2025
Scriptural Readings: Deuteronomy 25–27; Psalm 92; Acts 16
Host: Jackie Hill Perry
Publisher: Crossway
In the April 10th episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year, Jackie Hill Perry guides listeners through a profound journey of scripture, encompassing selected passages from Deuteronomy, Psalm 92, and Acts 16. This episode delves into themes of justice, worship, and the early Christian church's expansion, offering listeners both historical context and spiritual insights.
Overview: Jackie begins with a thorough reading of Deuteronomy chapters 25 to 27, where Moses outlines laws and ordinances for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. These chapters emphasize justice, community responsibility, and the importance of upholding God's commandments.
Key Points:
Justice and Punishment: Deuteronomy 25 outlines fair judicial practices, emphasizing proportional punishment and the prevention of degrading one's fellow Israelites through excessive penalties. For instance, the law stipulates that a guilty party should receive no more than 40 lashes to maintain dignity within the community.
Family and Inheritance Laws: The text underscores the importance of maintaining family lines and property within the tribe. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 discusses levirate marriage, ensuring that a widow remains within her deceased husband's family to preserve his name and inheritance.
Integrity in Commerce: Verses 13-16 prohibit dishonest practices in trade, such as using unequal weights and measures, highlighting God's abhorrence of deceitful behavior.
Remembrance of Amalek: The Israelites are commanded to remember Amalek's attack during their exodus from Egypt and to annihilate their memory, symbolizing the eradication of evil and opposition to God's people.
Altar Instructions: Deuteronomy 27 provides detailed instructions for building altars on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, serving as public declarations of adherence to God's laws and the consequences of disobedience.
Notable Quotes:
"You shall have a full and fair measure. You shall have that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." [Speaker A, 10:15]
"All who act dishonestly are an abomination to the Lord your God." [Speaker A, 12:30]
Insights: Jackie emphasizes the importance of these laws in fostering a just and cohesive community. She highlights how these ancient statutes can inform contemporary Christian living, particularly in areas of ethics, family responsibility, and community integrity.
Overview: Psalm 92 is presented as a song of thankfulness and praise, celebrating God's steadfast love and the flourishing of the righteous. Jackie interprets this psalm as an invitation to rejoice in God's works and to find strength in His enduring faithfulness.
Key Points:
Praise in All Seasons: The psalm encourages continuous worship, praising God both in the morning and at night, symbolizing constant remembrance and gratitude.
God's Creative Power: It acknowledges God's role as the creator who brings joy through His works, recognizing the complexity and depth of His thoughts.
Fate of the Wicked vs. the Righteous: The psalm contrasts the ultimate destruction of the wicked with the flourishing of the righteous, who are likened to well-established trees bearing abundant fruit.
God as a Rock: The psalmist declares God as a steadfast and righteous foundation, untainted by unrighteousness.
Notable Quotes:
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High." [Speaker A, 20:05]
"The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." [Speaker A, 25:50]
Insights: Jackie connects the themes of this psalm to personal and communal worship, encouraging listeners to recognize and celebrate God's ongoing blessings. She underscores the assurance that righteousness leads to prosperity and stability, grounded in God's unwavering support.
Overview: Transitioning to the New Testament, Jackie reads Acts 16, which chronicles the Apostle Paul's missionary journey, including his interactions in Derbe, Lystra, and Philippi. This chapter highlights the challenges and triumphs of early Christian evangelism, the role of divine guidance, and the transformative power of faith.
Key Points:
Mentorship and Cultural Adaptation: Paul mentors Timothy, highlighting the importance of discipleship across cultural lines. Timothy's circumcision is noted as a strategic move to facilitate acceptance among Jewish communities.
Strengthening the Church: The apostles deliver decisions from Jerusalem to the churches, reinforcing unity and growth in the early Christian communities.
Divine Intervention: A vision from a Macedonian man calls Paul to preach the Gospel in Macedonia, illustrating the significance of divine direction in mission work.
Conversion and Conflict in Philippi: The conversion of Lydia, a prominent businesswoman, and the dramatic imprisonment of Paul and Silas demonstrate both the personal impact of the Gospel and the opposition it can provoke.
Miracles and Deliverance: An earthquake miraculously frees Paul and Silas from prison, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household, showcasing God's power to transform even dire circumstances.
Notable Quotes:
"Paul said, believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." [Speaker A, 35:45]
"When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year... I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God." [Speaker A, 40:20]
Insights: Jackie reflects on the perseverance and faith demonstrated by Paul and his companions, drawing parallels to modern Christian missions. She highlights the importance of obedience to divine guidance, the impact of personal witness, and the assurance that God can work through adversity to further His kingdom.
The April 10th episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year offers a rich exploration of foundational biblical texts. Jackie Hill Perry adeptly navigates the complexities of Deuteronomic laws, the uplifting declarations of Psalm 92, and the dynamic narratives of Acts 16. Listeners are encouraged to apply these scriptures to their lives, fostering a deeper understanding of justice, worship, and evangelism within their faith journey.
Notable Quotes Compilation:
"You shall have a full and fair measure. You shall have that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
— Speaker A, [10:15]
"All who act dishonestly are an abomination to the Lord your God."
— Speaker A, [12:30]
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High."
— Speaker A, [20:05]
"The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon."
— Speaker A, [25:50]
"Paul said, believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."
— Speaker A, [35:45]
"When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year... I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God."
— Speaker A, [40:20]
This episode serves as a meaningful segment in the year-long journey through the ESV Bible, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of key biblical principles and their application in both personal and communal contexts.