Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: August 1
Title: 2 Chronicles 35–36; Psalm 28; Mark 7
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Introduction
In today's episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year hosted by Crossway, Jackie Hill Perry guides listeners through significant passages from the Old and New Testaments. The episode features readings from 2 Chronicles 35–36, Psalm 28, and Mark 7, offering a comprehensive exploration of King Josiah's reforms, a heartfelt Psalm of trust, and Jesus' teachings on inner purity and authenticity.
Old Testament Reading: 2 Chronicles 35–36
2 Chronicles 35–36 recounts the final years of King Josiah’s reign in Judah, highlighting his fervent efforts to restore true worship and his tragic demise.
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Josiah's Passover Celebration (2 Chronicles 35)
King Josiah initiates a grand Passover celebration, emphasizing genuine worship and adherence to God's commandments. He orchestrates the slaughtering of 30,000 lambs and 3,000 bulls as offerings, demonstrating the collective commitment of Judah and Israel to reignite their covenant with God."Therefore he brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword and the house of their sanctuary..."
(2 Chronicles 36:6, MM:01) -
Josiah’s Tragic Death
Despite his reforms, Josiah’s fate takes a sorrowful turn when he confronts Necho, king of Egypt, at the Battle of Megiddo. Ignoring divine warnings, Josiah disguises himself to fight but is gravely wounded by archers. His death marks the end of a righteous reign, leading to widespread mourning in Judah."All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah."
(2 Chronicles 35:27, MM:01) -
Succession and Decline (2 Chronicles 36)
Following Josiah’s death, his sons Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah ascend to the throne, each falling short of Josiah’s devotion. Their reigns are characterized by disobedience, leading to the eventual Babylonian conquest. Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion results in the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the exile of the people, fulfilling prophetic warnings."The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers... until the wrath of the Lord rose against his people, and until there was no remedy."
(2 Chronicles 36:15-16, MM:01)
Psalm Reading: Psalm 28
Psalm 28 is a profound prayer of David, seeking God's mercy and deliverance while expressing unwavering trust.
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Cry for Mercy and Justice
David implores the Lord to hear his pleas and not remain silent, fearing degradation among the wicked. He calls for divine intervention against evildoers who lack true regard for God's works."To you, O Lord, I call my rock. Be not deaf to me, lest if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit."
(Psalm 28:1, 08:09) -
Praise for Deliverance
Transitioning from supplication to praise, David acknowledges God's strength and protection, affirming his trust and thanksgiving."Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped."
(Psalm 28:7, 08:09) -
Prayer for God's Continued Guidance
The Psalm concludes with a plea for God to save His people, bless His heritage, and shepherd them eternally."Be their shepherd and carry them forever."
(Psalm 28:9, 08:09)
New Testament Reading: Mark 7
Mark 7 presents Jesus addressing the Pharisees’ emphasis on ritual purity over genuine moral integrity, alongside stories of His miraculous healings.
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Teaching on Inner Purity (Mark 7:1–23)
The Pharisees challenge Jesus about His disciples eating with unwashed hands, adhering to traditional purity laws. Jesus responds by critiquing their hypocrisy, emphasizing that true defilement comes from within, from evil thoughts and actions, rather than external rituals."There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him. But the things that come out of a person are what defile him."
(Mark 7:15, 09:10)He underscores this by listing various sins that stem from the heart, asserting that these internal evils are what truly corrupt an individual.
"From within, out of the heart of man come evil thoughts... all these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
(Mark 7:21-23, 09:10) -
Miracles of Faith and Healing (Mark 7:24–37)
Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Gentile woman seeks the healing of her demon-possessed daughter. Although initially resistant, Jesus commends her faith, resulting in her daughter's deliverance."Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."
(Mark 7:28, 09:10)Additionally, Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment, demonstrating His compassion and the powerful reversal of physical ailments through divine intervention.
"He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
(Mark 7:37, 12:19)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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2 Chronicles 35–36
"The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers... until the wrath of the Lord rose against his people, and until there was no remedy."
(Timestamp: 07:59) -
Psalm 28
"Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy."
(Timestamp: 08:09)
"Be their shepherd and carry them forever."
(Timestamp: 08:09) -
Mark 7
"There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him."
(Timestamp: 09:10)
"He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
(Timestamp: 12:19)
Conclusion
Today's episode delves into the profound narratives and teachings that span history, law, worship, and personal integrity. King Josiah's dedication to righteous leadership and the consequences of his successors' failures provide a sobering reflection on fidelity to divine commandments. Psalm 28 offers a timeless expression of trust and reliance on God's mercy, while Mark 7 challenges listeners to seek purity from within, beyond mere adherence to external rituals. Through these passages, listeners are encouraged to cultivate inner righteousness, unwavering faith, and genuine devotion in their spiritual journeys.