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A reading from the Book of Judges. After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites to fight against them? The Lord said, judah shall go up. Behold, I have given the land into his hand. And Judah said to Simeon his brother, come up with me into the territory allotted to me that we may fight against the Canaanites. And I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you. So Simeon went with him. Then Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand. And they defeated 10,000 of them at Bezek. They found Adoni Bezek at Bezek and fought against him and defeated the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Adoni Bezek fled, but they pursued him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. And adoni Bezek said, 70 kings, with their thumbs and their big toes cut off, used to pick up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. And the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it and struck it with the edge of the sword and set the city on fire. And afterward the men of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country and in the Negeb and in the lowland. And Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron. Now, the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath Arba. And they defeated Shishai and Ahiman and Talmai. From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Deber was formerly Kiriah Sefer. And Caleb said, he who attacks Kiria Sefer and captures it, I will give him Achsa, my daughter, for a wife. And Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Axa, his daughter, for a wife. When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey. And Caleb said to her, what do you want? She said to him, give me a blessing, since you have set me in the land of the Negeb. Give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. And the descendants of the Kenite Moses, father in law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of Palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies under Negeb near Arad. And they went and settled with the people. And Judah went with Simeon, his brother, and they defeated the Canaanites who inhabited Sivath and devoted it to destruction. So the name of the city was called Hormah. Judah also captured Gaza with its territory and. And Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. And the Lord was with Judah. And he took possession of the hill country. But he could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron. And Hebron was given to Caleb, as Moses had said. And he drove out from it the three sons of Anak. But the people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. So the Jebusites have lived with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day. The house of Joseph also went up against Bethel. And the Lord was with them. And the house of Joseph scouted out Bethel. Now, the name of the city was formerly. And the spies saw a man coming out of the city. And they said to him, please show us the way into the city, and we will deal kindly with you. And he showed them the way into the city. And they struck the city with the edge of the sword. But they let the man and all his family go. And the man went to the land of the Hittites and built a city and called its name Luz, that is its name to this day. Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages. For the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely. And Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them. Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron or the inhabitants of Naalal. So the Canaanites lived among them, but became subject to forced labor. Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acho or the inhabitants of Sidon, or of Allab, or of Aksib, or of Helba, or of Aphek, or of Rehab. So the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, for they did not drive them out. Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh or the inhabitants of Beth Anath. So they lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and of Beth Anath became Subject to forced labor. For them, the Amorites pressed the people of Dan back into the hill country, for they did not allow them to come down to the plain. The Amorites persisted in dwelling in Mount Hiraz, in Aijalon, and in Sha'albom. But the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily on them, and they became subject to forced labor. And the border of the Amorites ran from the ascent of Akrabim, from Sila and upward. A reading from the book of Psalms. Then they despised the pleasant land, and having no faith in his promise, they murmured in their tents and did not obey the voice of the Lord. Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness and would make their offspring fall among the nations, scattering them among the lands. Then they yoked themselves to the bell of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to the dead. They provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them. Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stayed. And that was counted to him as righteousness from generation to generation forever. They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account. For they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke rashly with his lips. They did not destroy the peoples as the Lord commanded them, but they mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did. They served their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons. They poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan. And the land was polluted with blood. Thus they became unclean by their acts and played the whore in their deeds. Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage. He gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress when he heard their cry. For their sake, he remembered his covenant and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive. Save us, O Lord, our God, and gather us from among the nations that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel. From everlasting to everlasting. And let all the people say, amen Praise the Lord. A reading from the Book of Romans. Or do you not know, brothers? For I am speaking to those who know the law, that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives. For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law. And if she marries another man, she is not an adulteress. Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. What then shall we say? That the law sin by no means. Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin, for I would not have known what it is to covet. If the law had not said, you shall not covet but sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proves to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Did that which is good then bring death to me? By no means it was sin producing death in me through what is good in order that sin might be shown to be sin and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh sowed under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now, if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me that is in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inner being, but I see in my members another law, waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of death. Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: April 26, 2025 Title: Judges 1; Psalm 106:24–48; Romans 7
In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry," hosted by Crossway, listeners embark on a profound journey through the scriptures. Today's readings encompass pivotal passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament, offering insights into Israel's early struggles, communal repentance, and the depths of human conscience and redemption. This summary delves into each reading, highlighting key themes and notable excerpts to provide a comprehensive understanding for those who haven't tuned in.
Overview: The Book of Judges narrates the cyclical pattern of Israel's fidelity and rebellion following Joshua's leadership. In Judges 1, the focus is on the tribe of Judah and their attempts to conquer the Promised Land.
Key Points:
Leadership and Alliance: After Joshua's death, the Israelites seek guidance on who will lead their military efforts against the Canaanites. The Lord designates Judah, demonstrating divine selection and support.
"The Lord said, Judah shall go up. Behold, I have given the land into his hand." ([00:01])
Military Campaigns: Judah's alliance with Simeon leads to significant victories, such as the defeat of 10,000 Canaanites and the capture of key cities like Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron. These victories are attributed to divine assistance.
Failure to Fully Dispossess Canaanites: Despite successes, several tribes, including Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali, fail to completely drive out the Canaanite inhabitants. This partial conquest results in the Canaanites becoming subject to forced labor rather than being eradicated.
Legacy of Incomplete Obedience: The text highlights the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's commands, setting the stage for future conflicts and moral decline among the Israelites.
Notable Insights:
Divine Support vs. Human Incompleteness: While Judah experiences clear victories with God's help, the overall theme underscores the Israelites' inability to fully fulfill God's commands without complete obedience.
Intertribal Dynamics: The collaboration between Judah and Simeon illustrates the importance of unity among the tribes, yet also reveals disparities in commitment and success.
Overview: Psalm 106 is a penitential psalm that recounts Israel's repeated transgressions against God, highlighting their unfaithfulness and the resulting divine judgment. Verses 24–48 focus on the people's rebellion and eventual repentance.
Key Points:
Murmuring and Rebellion: The Israelites express disdain for the Promised Land, lack faith in God's promises, and persist in rebellion, leading to divine frustration.
"Then they despised the pleasant land, and having no faith in his promise, they murmured in their tents and did not obey the voice of the Lord." ([00:01])
Idolatry and Sinful Practices: The psalm details the nation's engagement in idolatrous acts, including sacrifices to the dead and the worship of Baal Peor, provoking God's anger and bringing plagues upon them.
"They yoked themselves to the bell of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to the dead. They provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them."
Intercession and Mercy: Phinehas's righteous intervention halts the plague, showcasing individual intercession's power and God's willingness to relent due to steadfast love.
"Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stayed. And that was counted to him as righteousness from generation to generation forever."
Consequences of Disobedience: The persistent rebellion leads to oppression by nations, scattering among peoples, and the erosion of their covenant relationship with God.
"He gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their power."
Repentance and Divine Compassion: In their distress, the Israelites cry out, leading God to remember His covenant and extend mercy, prompting a return to worship and praise.
"Save us, O Lord, our God, and gather us from among the nations that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise."
Notable Insights:
Cycle of Sin and Redemption: The psalm illustrates the persistent cycle of sin, punishment, repentance, and redemption, emphasizing God's enduring mercy despite human failings.
Individual Righteousness Impacting the Community: Phinehas's actions highlight how individual faithfulness can have profound effects on the broader community's standing with God.
Overview: In Romans 7, Apostle Paul delves into the complexities of the law, sin, and the human condition. He articulates the internal struggle between the desire to do good and the reality of sin overpowering human intent.
Key Points:
Death to the Law through Christ: Paul begins by explaining that believers have died to the law through the body of Christ, enabling them to belong to Him and produce fruit for God.
"Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God." ([00:01])
The Law and Sin: He acknowledges that the law itself is not sinful but becomes a means through which sin is revealed. The commandments make individuals aware of their sinful inclinations, leading to death.
"For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit for death."
The Inner Conflict: Paul describes the struggle between the desire to follow God's law and the inherent sinful nature that compels him to act against his intentions.
"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate."
The Realization of Sin's Dominance: He concludes that it is not he who does the sinful acts, but sin living within him. This leads to a recognition of the need for deliverance from the body of death.
"So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin."
Notable Insights:
Human Frailty and Divine Grace: Paul's candid exposition of his struggles underscores the human condition's fragility and the necessity of divine intervention for true righteousness.
The Role of the Law: While the law is holy and righteous, it serves to expose sin's true nature, highlighting the need for a savior to overcome the law's condemning power.
Today's readings from Judges, Psalms, and Romans collectively paint a vivid picture of Israel's early challenges, their moments of rebellion, and the profound internal battles faced by believers. Judges 1 illustrates the tangible efforts and divine assistance in conquering land, yet also serves as a cautionary tale of incomplete obedience. Psalm 106:24–48 invites reflection on communal sin and the unwavering mercy that God extends even in the face of persistent unfaithfulness. Lastly, Romans 7 delves into the personal struggle with sin, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ in liberating believers from the law's constraints.
This episode encourages listeners to contemplate the interplay between divine guidance, human responsibility, and the redemptive love that bridges the gap between them. By engaging with these scriptures, individuals are invited to assess their own spiritual journeys, recognize areas of struggle, and embrace the hope found in God's enduring grace.
Notable Quotes:
"Now, if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me." — Apostle Paul, Romans 7:20 ([00:01])
"Save us, O Lord, our God, and gather us from among the nations that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise." — Psalm 106:47
"The Lord was with Judah. And he took possession of the hill country." — Judges 1:19
This episode provides a rich tapestry of biblical narratives and theological reflections, urging listeners to deepen their understanding of scripture and its application to personal faith journeys.