April 16 (Joshua 2–4; Psalm 98; Acts 22)

Summary

Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: April 16, 2025 Readings: Joshua 2–4; Psalm 98; Acts 22

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Introduction

In today's episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a profound journey through pivotal scriptures spanning the Old Testament, Psalms, and New Testament. Jackie Hill Perry meticulously guides us through Joshua chapters 2 to 4, Psalm 98, and Acts chapter 22, offering insights that bridge the narratives of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. This comprehensive summary delves into each reading, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and the overarching themes that resonate throughout these passages.

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Joshua 2–4: Rahab’s Faith and the Miraculous Crossing of Jordan

Summary: The episode opens with Jackie Hill Perry presenting the story of Rahab, a pivotal figure in the Book of Joshua. Rahab, a resident of Jericho and a prostitute, plays a crucial role in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. When Joshua sends two spies to scout the land, Rahab conceals them in her house despite the king of Jericho's orders. Her actions demonstrate remarkable faith in the God of Israel, acknowledging His sovereignty and the impending divine judgment on Jericho.

As the narrative progresses, the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River. Under Joshua's leadership, they follow the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among them. Miraculously, the waters of the Jordan halt, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This momentous event not only signifies God's unwavering support but also establishes a tangible memorial of faith for future generations.

Notable Quotes:

• Rahab’s Declaration of Faith (00:56):

  "The Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath."
  (00:56)

• Joshua’s Assurance (03:26):

  "The Lord has given all the land into our hands, and also all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us."
  (03:26)

• Divine Command for Consecration (04:21):

  "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you."
  (04:21)

• Memorial Stones (06:32):

  "Take 12 stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan... so that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in the time to come, what do those stones mean to you?"
  (06:32)

Insights: Jackie emphasizes Rahab's transformation—from a woman of questionable standing to a beacon of faith. Her unwavering trust in God sets the stage for the Israelites' successful crossing. The act of setting up memorial stones serves as a lasting testament to God's miraculous provision and faithfulness, encouraging believers to remember and recount God's mighty works.

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Psalm 98: A Call to Universal Praise

Summary: Psalm 98 is a vibrant hymn calling all of creation to praise the Lord for His marvelous deeds. Jackie Hill Perry highlights the inclusivity of this psalm, inviting not just Israel but "all the earth" to join in jubilant worship. The psalmist celebrates God's righteousness, salvation, and unwavering love, portraying Him as the ultimate judge who rules with equity.

Notable Quotes:

• Invitation to Sing (09:38):

  "Oh, sing to the Lord a new song. For he has done marvelous things."
  (09:38)

• Universal Praise (10:14):

  "Let the sea roar and all that fills it, the world and those who dwell in it."
  (10:14)

• God’s Righteous Judgment (10:27):

  "He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity."
  (10:27)

Insights: Jackie underscores the psalm's theme of universal acknowledgment of God's greatness. The call for all elements of nature to participate in worship underscores the omnipresence of God's majesty. This psalm serves as a reminder of the comprehensive scope of God's salvation and the harmonious relationship between creation and the Creator.

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Acts 22: Paul’s Defense and Conversion

Summary: Transitioning to the New Testament, Acts 22 presents a dramatic account of Apostle Paul's defense before a hostile crowd in Jerusalem. Jackie Hill Perry narrates Paul's passionate recounting of his past as a persecutor of Christians and his transformative encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. This pivotal moment not only reshapes Paul's destiny but also underscores the power of divine intervention in redirecting lives for a higher purpose.

As Paul speaks, the crowd's hostility intensifies, leading to threats against his life. However, Paul's unwavering stance as a Roman citizen ensures his protection, highlighting themes of justice and divine providence. His plea for understanding and his emphasis on witnessing to Jesus Christ resonate deeply, illustrating the profound change from persecution to proclamation.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul’s Conversion Experience (11:12):

  "A great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'"
  (11:12)

• Assertion of Citizenship (13:28):

  "Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?"
  (13:28)

• Call to Witness (12:21):

  "You will be a witness for him. To everyone of what you have seen and heard."
  (12:21)

Insights: Jackie highlights the stark transformation in Paul's life—from a fervent persecutor to a dedicated apostle. This narrative exemplifies the theme of redemption and the profound impact of encountering the divine. Paul's legal acumen in asserting his rights as a Roman citizen not only protects him but also serves as a powerful metaphor for the protection and purpose found in faith. His commitment to witnessing underscores the mission-driven nature of the Christian faith.

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Conclusion

Today's episode weaves together stories of faith, transformation, and divine intervention. From Rahab's courageous act that paved the way for Israel's conquest, through the universal call to praise in Psalm 98, to Paul's life-altering encounter that redirected his mission, listeners are reminded of the multifaceted ways God interacts with humanity. Jackie Hill Perry masterfully connects these narratives, encouraging believers to reflect on their own journeys of faith and the enduring presence of God's guidance and salvation.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Joshua]

A reading from the book of Joshua. And Joshua, the son of Nun, sent.

[Rahab]

Two men secretly from Shittim as spies.

[Joshua]

Saying, go view the land, especially Jericho.

[Rahab]

And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was.

[Joshua]

Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told to the king of Jericho, behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.

[Rahab]

Then the king of Jericho sent to.

[Joshua]

Rahab, saying, bring out the men who have come to you who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.

[Rahab]

But the woman had taken the two.

[Joshua]

Men and hidden them. And she said, true, the men came.

[Paul]

To me, but I did not know.

[Joshua]

Where they were from. And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out.

[Rahab]

I do not know where the men went.

[Joshua]

Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them. But she had brought them up to.

[Rahab]

The roof and hid them with the stalks of flax that she had laid.

[Joshua]

In order on the roof.

[Rahab]

So the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. And the gate was shut. As soon as the pursuers had gone.

[Joshua]

Out, before the men lay down, she.

[Rahab]

Came up to them on the roof.

[Joshua]

And said to the men, I know.

[Rahab]

That the Lord has given you the.

[Joshua]

Land and that the fear of you.

[Rahab]

Has fallen upon us, and that all.

[Joshua]

The inhabitants of the land melt away before you.

[Rahab]

For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red.

[Joshua]

Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to.

[Rahab]

The two kings of the Amorites who.

[Joshua]

Were beyond the Jordan to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction.

[Rahab]

And as soon as we heard it.

[Joshua]

Our hearts melted, and there was no.

[Rahab]

Spirit left in any man because of you.

[Joshua]

For the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

[Rahab]

Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that as I have dealt.

[Joshua]

Kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death. And the men said to her, our life for yours, even to death, if you do not tell this business of.

[Rahab]

Ours, then when the Lord gives us.

[Joshua]

The land, we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.

[Rahab]

Then she let them down by a.

[Joshua]

Rope through the window.

[Rahab]

For her house was built into the.

[Joshua]

City wall so that she lived in the wall. And she said to them, go into.

[Rahab]

The hills, or the pursuers will encounter.

[Joshua]

You and hide there three days until.

[Rahab]

The pursuers have returned.

[Joshua]

Then afterward you may go your way. The men said to her, we will.

[Rahab]

Be guiltless with respect to this oath.

[Joshua]

Of yours that you have made us swear.

[Rahab]

Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in.

[Joshua]

The window through which you let us down. And you shall gather into your house.

[Rahab]

Your father and mother, your brothers, and.

[Joshua]

All your father's household.

[Rahab]

Then if anyone goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own.

[Joshua]

Head, and we shall be guiltless.

[Rahab]

But if a hand is laid on anyone who is with you in the.

[Joshua]

House, his blood shall be on our head. But if you tell this business of.

[Rahab]

Ours, then we shall be guiltless with.

[Joshua]

Respect to your oath that you have made us swear. And she said, according to your words, so be it. Then she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

[Rahab]

They departed and went into the hills and remained there three days until the pursuers returned. And the pursuers searched all along the.

[Joshua]

Way and found nothing.

[Rahab]

Then the two men returned. They came down from the hills and passed over and came to Joshua, the son of Nun.

[Joshua]

And they told him all that had happened to them. And they said to Joshua, truly the.

[Rahab]

Lord has given all the land into.

[Joshua]

Our hands, and also all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us. Then Joshua arose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim and.

[Rahab]

They came to the Jordan, he and.

[Joshua]

All the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

[Rahab]

At the end of three days, the.

[Joshua]

Officers went through the camp and commanded the people, as soon as you see.

[Rahab]

The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out.

[Joshua]

From your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length.

[Rahab]

Do not come near it in order.

[Joshua]

That you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before. Then Joshua said to the people, consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. And Joshua said to the priests, take.

[Rahab]

Up the Ark of the Covenant and.

[Joshua]

Pass on before the people.

[Rahab]

So they took up the Ark of.

[Joshua]

The Covenant and went before the people. The Lord said to Joshua, today I.

[Rahab]

Will begin to exalt you in the.

[Joshua]

Sight of all Israel.

[Rahab]

That they may know that as I.

[Joshua]

Was with Moses, so I will be with you. And as for you, command the priests.

[Rahab]

Who bear the Ark of the Covenant. When you come to the brink of.

[Joshua]

The waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan. And Joshua said to the people of Israel, come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. And Joshua said, here is how you.

[Rahab]

Shall know that the living God is.

[Joshua]

Among you and that he will without.

[Rahab]

Fail drive out from before you the.

[Joshua]

Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites and the Jebusites.

[Rahab]

Behold, the Ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is.

[Joshua]

Passing over before you into the Jordan.

[Rahab]

Now therefore, take 12 men from the.

[Joshua]

Tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man.

[Rahab]

And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the.

[Joshua]

Earth shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing.

[Rahab]

And the waters coming down from above.

[Joshua]

Shall stand in one heap. So when the people set out from.

[Rahab]

Their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the Ark of.

[Joshua]

The Covenant before the people.

[Rahab]

And as soon as those bearing the.

[Joshua]

Ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests.

[Rahab]

Bearing the Ark were dipped in the.

[Joshua]

Brink of the water. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks. Throughout the time of harvest, the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away.

[Rahab]

At Adam, the city that is beside.

[Joshua]

Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the salt sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho.

[Rahab]

Now the priests bearing the Ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly.

[Joshua]

On dry ground in the midst of the Jordan.

[Rahab]

And all Israel was passing over on.

[Joshua]

Dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

[Rahab]

When all the nation had finished passing.

[Joshua]

Over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, take 12 men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them saying, take 12 stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan.

[Rahab]

From the very place where the priests feet stood firmly, and bring them over.

[Joshua]

With you and lay them down in the place where you lodged tonight.

[Rahab]

Then Joshua called the 12 men from.

[Joshua]

The people of Israel whom he had appointed a man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them, pass on.

[Rahab]

Before the Ark of the Lord your God, into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder according to the number of the tribes of the people.

[Joshua]

Of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in the time to come, what do those stones mean to you?

[Rahab]

Then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the Ark of the covenant of.

[Joshua]

The Lord when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.

[Rahab]

So these stones shall be to the.

[Joshua]

People of Israel a memorial forever. And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded.

[Rahab]

And took up 12 stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the.

[Joshua]

People of Israel, just as the Lord told Joshua.

[Rahab]

And they carried them over with them.

[Joshua]

To the place where they lodged and laid them down there.

[Rahab]

And Joshua set up 12 stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant had stood. And they are there to this day. For the priests bearing the Ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished. That the Lord commanded Joshua to tell.

[Joshua]

The people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua, the people passed over in haste. And when all the people had finished.

[Rahab]

Passing over the Ark of the Lord and the priests passed over before the.

[Joshua]

People, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half tribe.

[Rahab]

Of Manasseh passed over armed before the.

[Joshua]

People of Israel, as Moses had told them, about 40,000 ready for war, passed over before the Lord for battle to the plains of Jericho.

[Rahab]

On that day the Lord exalted Joshua.

[Joshua]

In the sight of all Israel. And they stood in awe of him.

[Rahab]

Just as they had stood in awe.

[Joshua]

Of Moses all the days of his life. And the Lord said to Joshua, command.

[Rahab]

The priests bearing the Ark of the.

[Joshua]

Testimony to come up out of the Jordan. So Joshua commanded the priests come up out of the Jordan.

[Rahab]

And when the priests bearing the Ark.

[Joshua]

Of the Covenant of the Lord came.

[Rahab]

Up from the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests feet.

[Joshua]

Were lifted up on dry ground, the.

[Rahab]

Waters of the Jordan returned to their.

[Joshua]

Place and overflowed all its banks. As before the people came up out.

[Rahab]

Of the Jordan on the 10th day.

[Joshua]

Of the first month. And they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho.

[Rahab]

And those 12 stones which they took.

[Joshua]

Out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, when your children ask their fathers in times to come, what do these stones mean?

[Rahab]

Then you shall let your children know.

[Joshua]

Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.

[Rahab]

For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you.

[Joshua]

Until you passed over as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over.

[Rahab]

So that all the peoples of the.

[Joshua]

Earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God. Forever. A reading from the Book of Psalms. A psalm.

[Paul]

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song. For he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.

[Rahab]

All the ends of the earth have.

[Paul]

Seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord.

[Joshua]

All the earth break forth into joyous.

[Paul]

Song and sing praises. Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre.

[Rahab]

With the lyre and the sound of.

[Paul]

Melody with trumpets and the sound of the horn. Make a joyful noise before the king.

[Rahab]

The Lord.

[Paul]

Let the sea roar and all that fills it, the world and those who dwell in it. Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord. For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness.

[Joshua]

And the peoples with equity. A reading from the Book of Acts.

[Paul]

Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you. And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said, I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, in Cilicia, but brought.

[Joshua]

Up in this city, educated at the.

[Paul]

Feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers. Being zealous for God, as all of you are, this day I persecuted this way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness.

[Rahab]

From them I received letters to the.

[Paul]

Brothers and I journeyed toward Damascus to.

[Joshua]

Take those also who were there and.

[Paul]

Bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus about noon, a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And I answered, who are you, Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting. Now. Those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, what shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, rise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed.

[Joshua]

For you to do.

[Paul]

And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand, by those who were with me and came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man, according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there came to me, and standing by me, said to me, brother Saul, receive your sight. And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said, the God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the righteous one and to hear a voice from his mouth, for.

[Rahab]

You will be a witness for him.

[Paul]

To every one of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, Calling on his name. When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw him saying to me, make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me. And I said, lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. And when the blood of Stephen, your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him. And he said to me, go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles. Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live. And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging to find out why they were shouting against him like this. But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, is it.

[Rahab]

Lawful for you to flog a man.

[Paul]

Who is a Roman citizen? And uncondemned?

[Joshua]

When the centurion heard this, he went.

[Paul]

To the tribune and said to him, what are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen. So the tribune came and said to him, tell me, are you a Roman citizen? And he said, yes. The tribune answered, I bought this citizenship for a large sum. Paul said, but I am a citizen by birth.

[Rahab]

So those who were about to examine.

[Paul]

Him withdrew from him immediately. And the tribune also was afraid. For he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet. And he brought Paul down and set him before them.