Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Title: April 23
Scriptures Covered: Joshua 19–20; Psalm 105:1–25; Romans 2
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Host/Author: Crossway with Jackie Hill Perry

Introduction

In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry," listeners embark on a spiritual journey through selected passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. This installment features readings from Joshua 19–20, Psalm 105:1–25, and Romans 2, providing a comprehensive exploration of biblical inheritance, divine faithfulness, and righteous judgment.

Old Testament Reading: Joshua 19–20

Speaker: Reader 1
Timestamp: 00:01

The episode begins with a detailed reading from the Book of Joshua, chapters 19 and 20. This passage focuses on the distribution of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, it details the land allocations for the tribes of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan.

• Tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9):
  "The inheritance of the people of Simeon formed part of the territory of the people of Judah... 13 cities with their villages." (00:01)

• Tribe of Zebulun (Joshua 19:10-16):
  "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Zebulun, according to their clans, these cities with their villages." (02:30)

• Tribe of Issachar (Joshua 19:17-29):
  "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Issachar, according to their clans, the cities with their villages." (05:15)

• Tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:30-39):
  "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Asher, according to their clans, these cities with their villages." (07:50)

• Tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:40-46):
  "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Naphtali according to their clans, the cities with their villages." (10:10)

• Tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:47-51):
  "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Dan, according to their clans, these cities with their villages." (13:40)

Key Themes:

• Land Distribution: The passage underscores the meticulous division of land among the tribes, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to the Israelites.
• Tribal Boundaries: Detailed descriptions of boundaries emphasize the order and structure within the Israelite community.
• Cities of Refuge: Joshua 20 introduces the cities of refuge, establishing places where individuals accused of manslaughter could seek asylum, reflecting the themes of justice and mercy.

Notable Quote: "Therefore you have no excuse, O man...His praise is not from man, but from God." (Joshua 19:52, Reader 1, 15:30)

Psalm Reading: Psalm 105:1–25

Speaker: Reader 2
Timestamp: 07:09

The episode transitions to a heartfelt reading from Psalm 105:1–25, a psalm that recounts God's enduring covenant with His people and His mighty works.

• Call to Praise (Psalm 105:1-7):
  "O give thanks to the Lord. Call upon his name. Make known his deeds among the peoples... His judgments are in all the earth." (07:09)

• God's Covenant with Abraham (Psalm 105:8-15):
  "He remembers his covenant forever, the word... You, I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance." (07:40)

• Israel's Sojourn and God's Protection (Psalm 105:16-25):
  "Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham, and the Lord made his people very fruitful... The Lord called Moses, and Aaron his servant." (08:43)

Key Themes:

• Divine Faithfulness: The psalm emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His promises, tracing His relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• God's Miracles and Judgments: It highlights the miracles performed and judgments rendered, underscoring God's sovereignty over all nations.
• Blessings and Prosperity: The prosperity of Israel as a result of God's blessings is a central focus, reflecting the theme of divine provision.

Notable Quote: "Go down to Egypt, and residence there, and be it about, and become a nation, strong and numerous." (Psalm 105:23, Reader 2, 08:56)

New Testament Reading: Romans 2

Speaker: Reader 2
Timestamp: 08:56

The episode concludes with a profound reading from Romans 2, where the Apostle Paul delves into themes of judgment, righteousness, and the universality of sin.

• Judgment Without Excuse (Romans 2:1-5):
  "Therefore you have no excuse, O man... On the day of Wrath, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed, he will render to each one according to his works." (08:56)

• God's Impartiality (Romans 2:6-11):
  "To those who by patience and well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life... God shows no partiality." (09:10)

• The Law and Conscience (Romans 2:12-16):
  "For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law... their conscience also bears witness." (09:40)

• True Circumcision (Romans 2:17-29):
  "If you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law... a Jew is one inwardly. And circumcision is a matter of the heart by the Spirit, not by the letter." (10:15)

Key Themes:

• Universal Accountability: Paul asserts that all individuals, regardless of their background, are accountable to God’s judgment.
• Hypocrisy in Judgment: The passage challenges those who judge others while committing the same sins, emphasizing self-examination.
• Transformation Through the Spirit: True righteousness is depicted as an inward change of the heart, not merely external adherence to the law.

Notable Quote: "Nor is circumcision outward and physical, but a Jew is one inwardly... a matter of the heart by the Spirit, not by the letter." (Romans 2:29, Reader 2, 10:45)

Conclusion

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" offers a deep dive into the intricacies of land inheritance among the tribes of Israel, the steadfastness of God's covenant, and the profound truths about judgment and righteousness in the New Testament. By engaging with these passages, listeners are encouraged to reflect on God's faithfulness, the importance of genuine inward transformation, and the universal call to live righteously.

Notable Takeaways:

• Faithfulness in Promises: God's unwavering commitment to His promises is a cornerstone of the Israelite narrative and a source of inspiration for believers today.
• Inward Transformation: Romans 2 emphasizes the necessity of inner change over mere external compliance, urging believers to seek a heart aligned with the Spirit.
• Justice and Mercy: The establishment of cities of refuge in Joshua underscores the balance between justice and mercy, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

Listeners are invited to ponder these themes and apply the timeless lessons of these scriptures to their daily lives, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His word.