August 4 (Ezra 6–7; Psalm 31; Mark 10)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: August 4 (Ezra 6–7; Psalm 31; Mark 10) Release Date: August 4, 2025

In this enriching episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a profound journey through selected passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. This episode focuses on Ezra 6–7, Psalm 31, and Mark 10, providing insights into restoration, trust, and the teachings of Jesus. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key points, discussions, and notable quotes presented throughout the episode.

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Old Testament Reading: Ezra 6–7

Summary: The episode begins with a reading from the Book of Ezra, chapters 6 and 7, which chronicles the pivotal moments in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the leadership of Ezra. The narrative highlights the decrees issued by Persian kings Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, facilitating the reconstruction efforts and the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon.

Key Points:

• Decree of Darius (Ezra 6:1-12):

  • Darius the king issues a decree supporting the rebuilding of the Temple, ensuring it is constructed with precision and funded from the royal treasury.
  • Emphasis on restoring the sacred vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon, with a promise of their return to Jerusalem.
  • Strict penalties are outlined for anyone attempting to alter the decree, underscoring the importance of the project.
  • Notable Quote: “[00:19] Narrator: In the first year of Cyrus the king...”

• Completion and Dedication of the Temple (Ezra 6:13-22):

  • The Temple is completed in the sixth year of Darius's reign, marked by grand celebrations and sacrifices.
  • The faithful respond with joy, offering extensive sacrifices and observing the Passover with reverence.
  • Recognition of divine favor in the success of the rebuilding efforts.

• Ezra’s Mission (Ezra 7):

  • Introduction of Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, commissioned by King Artaxerxes to lead religious reforms and ensure adherence to the Law of Moses.
  • Artaxerxes provides Ezra with a royal decree granting authority to gather resources and personnel necessary for his mission.
  • Emphasis on the collaborative effort between the king and the religious leaders to restore proper worship in Jerusalem.
  • Notable Quote: “[04:44] Narrator: Statutes and rules in Israel...”

Notable Quotes:

• “[07:19] Reader: Extended to me his steadfast love before...”

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Psalm Reading: Psalm 31

Summary: Psalm 31 serves as a heartfelt prayer of trust and reliance on God amidst adversity. The Psalmist expresses deep anguish, seeking refuge and deliverance from enemies, while affirming unwavering faith in God's protection and righteousness.

Key Points:

• Declaration of Trust (Psalm 31:1-5):

  • The Psalmist begins by declaring trust in the Lord, seeking to avoid shame through divine righteousness.
  • A plea for deliverance and a request for God to be a steadfast refuge during times of trouble.
  • Notable Quote: “[07:37] Reader: To the choirmaster. A psalm of David...”

• Expression of Suffering (Psalm 31:6-13):

  • Vivid descriptions of personal affliction, including physical and emotional distress.
  • The Psalmist laments being despised and forgotten, emphasizing the depth of their suffering.
  • Yet, amidst the pain, there is a reaffirmation of trust in God’s faithfulness.
  • Notable Quote: “[08:33] Narrator: For my life is spent with sorrow...”

• Confidence in God’s Deliverance (Psalm 31:14-22):

  • A shift from lament to confident assurance in God’s ability to rescue and protect.
  • The Psalmist praises God’s abundant goodness and steadfast love, acknowledging divine intervention in times of siege and danger.
  • Concludes with a call to all believers to love the Lord, highlighting the preservation of the faithful.
  • Notable Quote: “[09:50] Narrator: When I was in a besieged city...”

Notable Quotes:

• “[07:37] Reader: To the choirmaster. A psalm of David...”
• “[08:33] Narrator: For my life is spent with sorrow...”
• “[09:50] Narrator: When I was in a besieged city...”

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New Testament Reading: Mark 10

Summary: The New Testament segment delves into Chapter 10 of the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus imparts profound teachings on marriage, discipleship, wealth, and eternal life. Through dialogues and parables, Jesus addresses the challenges of entering the Kingdom of God and underscores the virtues of humility and servitude.

Key Points:

• Teaching on Divorce (Mark 10:1-12):

  • Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question about the legality of divorce, reaffirming God’s original intent for marriage.
  • Emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of the marital union: “Where therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
  • Notable Quote: “[10:15] Reader: Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it...”

• Blessing the Children (Mark 10:13-16):

  • Jesus welcomes children, rebuking disciples who attempted to impede them.
  • Highlights that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it with childlike faith and humility.
  • Notable Quote: “[10:03] Reader: Be strong, and let your heart take...”

• The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-31):

  • A wealthy man challenges Jesus on inheriting eternal life, leading to the famous discourse on the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.
  • Jesus underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
  • Peter’s assurance about the rewards for discipleship is met with a reminder of the paradoxical nature of the Kingdom: “Many who are first will be last and the last first.”
  • Notable Quote: “[12:37] Narrator: Go through the eye of a needle...”

• Prediction of Jesus’ Death (Mark 10:32-34):

  • Jesus foretells His impending betrayal, suffering, and resurrection, emphasizing the cost of discipleship.
  • This revelation astonishes His followers as they contemplate the path ahead.
  • Notable Quote: “[14:15] Reader: You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles, lord it over them...”

• Request of James and John (Mark 10:35-45):

  • James and John seek positions of honor beside Jesus, but He teaches them about true greatness through servitude.
  • Jesus sets an example by stating, “...the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”
  • Notable Quote: “[14:53] Reader: But whoever would be great among you must be your servant...”

• Healing of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52):

  • The episode concludes with the miraculous healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose faith leads to his restoration.
  • Demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and the transformative power of faith: “Your faith has made you well.”
  • Notable Quote: “[15:18] Reader: Out and say, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me...”

Notable Quotes:

• “[10:15] Reader: Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it...”
• “[12:37] Narrator: Go through the eye of a needle...”
• “[14:53] Reader: But whoever would be great among you must be your servant...”
• “[15:18] Reader: Out and say, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me...”

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Conclusion

This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry offers a deep dive into pivotal biblical passages that explore themes of restoration, unwavering trust in God, the essence of true discipleship, and the transformative power of faith. Through the readings of Ezra 6–7, Psalm 31, and Mark 10, listeners are encouraged to reflect on the importance of obedience, humility, and reliance on divine guidance in their spiritual journeys.

By weaving together historical accounts, poetic expressions of faith, and the teachings of Jesus, the episode provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Scriptures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the biblical narrative.

Transcript

[Narrator]

A reading from the Book of Ezra. Then Darius the king made a decree and search was made in Babylonia, in the house of the archives where the documents were stored, and in Ecbadana, the citadel that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found on which this was written.

[Reader]

A record.

[Narrator]

In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem. The Let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be 60 cubits and its breadth 60 cubits, with three layers of great stones and one layer of timber. Let the cost be paid from the royal treasury and also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought back to the temple that is in Jerusalem, and each to his place. You shall put them in the house of God. Now therefore, Tadani, governor of the province beyond the river Shethar, Bozanai, and your associates, the governors who are in the province beyond the river, keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from beyond the river, and whatever is needed, bulls, rams or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require, let that be given to them day by day without fail, that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I, Darius, make a decree. Let it be done with all diligence. Then, according to the word sent by Darius the king Tadonai, the governor of the province beyond the river, shall Shethar, Bozanah and their associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered and the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites and and the rest of the returned exiles celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. They offered at the dedication of this house of God 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel, 12 male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. And they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their divisions for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. On the 14th day of the first month, the returned exiles kept the Passover for the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together. All of them were clean. So they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests and for themselves. It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile and also by everyone who had joined them and separated himself from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to worship the Lord, the God of Israel. And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy. For the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. Now, after this, in the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, Ezra the son of Zeraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraoth, son of Zerahiah, son of Uzziah, son of Buckeye, son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, the chief priest that Zezerah went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses that the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. And the king granted him all that he asked for the hand of the Lord, his God was on him. And there went up also to Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. Some of the people of Israel and some of the priests and Levites, the singers and gatekeepers and the temple servants. And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh Year of the king. For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia. And on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and.

[Reader]

To do it, and to teach his.

[Narrator]

Statutes and rules in Israel. This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a man learned in matters of the commandments of the Lord and. And his statutes for Israel. Artaxerxes, king of Kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven. Peace. And now I make a decree that any one of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom who freely offers to go to Jerusalem may go with you. For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God, which is in your hand, and also to carry the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, with all the silver and gold that you shall find in the whole province of Babylonia, and with the freewill offerings of the people and the priests, vowed willingly for the house of their God that is in Jerusalem. With this money, then, you shall with all diligence, buy bulls, rams and lambs with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and you shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God that is in Jerusalem. Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and gold you may do according to the will of your God. The vessels that have been given you for the service of the house of your God, you shall deliver before the God of Jerusalem. And whatever else is required for the house of your God which it falls to you to provide, you may provide it out of the king's treasury. And I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers in the province beyond the river. Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence, up to 100 talents of silver, 100 cores of wheat, 100 baths of wine, 100 baths of oil and salt, without prescribing how much? Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons. We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute on any one of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the the temple servants are other servants of this house of God. And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province beyond the river. All such as know the laws of your God and those who do not know them you shall teach. Whoever will not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment, or for confiscation of his goods, or for imprisonment. Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, and who.

[Reader]

Extended to me his steadfast love before.

[Narrator]

The king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord, my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. A reading from the Book of Psalms.

[Reader]

To the choirmaster. A psalm of David. In you, O Lord, do I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame in your righteousness. Deliver me. Incline your ear to me. Rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me.

[Narrator]

A strong fortress to save me. For you are my rock and my.

[Reader]

Fortress, and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me. You take me out of the net they have hidden from me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

[Narrator]

I hate those who pay regard to.

[Reader]

Worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love. Because you have seen my affliction, you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a broad place. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress. My eye is wasted from grief, my soul and my body also.

[Narrator]

For my life is spent with sorrow.

[Reader]

And my years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away because of all my adversaries. I have become a reproach especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances. Those who see me in the street flee from me. I have been forgotten like one who is dead, I have become like a broken vessel. For I hear the whispering of many terror on every side as they scheme together against me, as they Plot to take my life. But I trust in youn, O Lord. I say you are my God. My times are in youn hand. Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors. Make youe face shine on youn servant. Save me in youn steadfast love, O Lord.

[Narrator]

Let me not be put to shame.

[Reader]

For I call upon youn. Let the wicked be put to shame. Let them go silently to Sheol.

[Narrator]

Let the lying lips be mute which.

[Reader]

Speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt. Oh, how abundant is your goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you. In the sight of the children of mankind. In the COVID of your presence you hide them from the plots of men, you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for He has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me.

[Narrator]

When I was in a besieged city.

[Reader]

I had said in my alarm, I.

[Narrator]

Am cut off from your sight.

[Reader]

But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help. Love the Lord, all you his saints.

[Narrator]

The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly.

[Reader]

Repays the one who acts in pride.

[Narrator]

Be strong, and let your heart take.

[Reader]

Courage all you who wait for the Lord.

[Narrator]

A reading of the Gospel according to Mark.

[Reader]

And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. And crowds gathered to him again and again, as was his custom, he taught them. And Pharisees came up and in order to test him, asked, is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife? He answered them, what did Moses command you? They said, moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away. And Jesus said to them, because of your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Where therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

[Narrator]

And in the house the disciples asked.

[Reader]

Him again about this matter. And he said to them, whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery. And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, let the children come to me. Do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you. Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said to him, why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments. Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud. Honor your father and mother. And he said to him, teacher, all these I have kept from my youth. And Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, you lack one thing. Go sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven and come, follow me. Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, how difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to.

[Narrator]

Go through the eye of a needle.

[Reader]

Than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. And they were exceedingly astonished and said to him, then who can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, with man it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God. Peter began to say to him, see, we have left everything and followed you. Jesus said, truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the Gospel who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last first. And they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed. And those who followed were afraid. And taking the 12 again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, see, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes. And they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles.

[Narrator]

And.

[Reader]

And they will mock him and spit on him and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise. And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, teacher, we want you to.

[Narrator]

Do for us whatever we ask of you.

[Reader]

And he said to them, what do you want me to do for you? And they said to him, grant us to sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your glory. Jesus said to them, you do not know what you are asking.

[Narrator]

Are you able to drink the cup.

[Reader]

That I drink or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? And they said to him, we are able. And Jesus said to them, the cup that I drink, you will drink. And with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. And when the 10 heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, you know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles, lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

[Narrator]

But it shall not be so among you.

[Reader]

But whoever would be great among you must be your servant. And whoever would be first among you.

[Narrator]

Must be slave of all.

[Reader]

For even the Son of Man came.

[Narrator]

Not to be served, but to serve.

[Reader]

And to give his life as a ransom for many. And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was.

[Narrator]

Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry.

[Reader]

Out and say, jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stopped and said, call him. And they called the blind man, saying to him, take heart, get up. He is calling you. And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, what do you want me to do for you? And the blind man said to him, rabbi, let me recover my sight. And Jesus said to him, go your way. Your faith has made you well. And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.