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

Episode: December 1 (Ezekiel 32–33; Psalm 121; 1 Timothy 1–3)
Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Crossway

Overview

This episode features narrated readings from Ezekiel 32–33, Psalm 121, and 1 Timothy 1–3 as part of a year-long journey through the Bible. The primary focus includes:

• God’s judgments against Egypt and surrounding nations (Ezekiel)
• The assurance of God’s protection (Psalm)
• Paul’s exhortations to Timothy concerning church order, prayer, and leadership qualifications (1 Timothy)

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ezekiel 32–33: Judgment, Lamentation, and the Role of the Watchman

• Prophecy Against Pharaoh and Egypt (00:01–08:04):

  • Ezekiel delivers laments and pronouncements of judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt for their pride and sins.
  • Egypt’s fate is compared to other nations who have fallen and been consigned to death and shame in the world below (Sheol).

  “Son of man, raise a lamentation over Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say to him, you consider yourself a lion of the nations, but you are like a dragon in the seas..." (00:04)

  • Vivid imagery is used: darkness covers the heavens, Egypt’s blood fills the land, and the pride of Egypt is brought to ruin.
  • Egypt is described as joining other fallen nations—Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom, and the princes of the north—in Sheol.

• The Watchman’s Responsibility (08:05–12:12):

  • God instructs Ezekiel on the importance of warning the people: If the watchman fails, the consequences fall on him; if he warns but the people ignore, they bear the blame.

  “If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet so that the people are not warned... his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.” (08:40)

  • God’s heart for repentance is clear:

    “As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways...” (11:04)

  • The people misjudge God's ways as unjust, but God affirms personal responsibility for righteousness and repentance.

  • The news of Jerusalem’s fall is relayed, confirming Ezekiel’s warnings and God’s justice.

  • The readings close with God’s lament: people hear prophetic words but don’t put them into practice, treating Ezekiel like a singer rather than a true messenger.

  “You are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice... for they hear what you say, but they will not do it.” (13:45)

2. Psalm 121: Assurance of God’s Protection (14:01–15:12)

• The psalmist declares unwavering faith in God's constant protection and care.

  “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (14:10)

• Emphasizes that God never slumbers and perpetually watches over His people, keeping them from all harm.

3. 1 Timothy 1–3: Sound Doctrine, Prayer, and Church Leadership (15:14–end)

• Sound Doctrine and Paul’s Testimony (15:14–18:05):

  • Paul urges Timothy to confront false teachings and speculations.
  • The true purpose of instruction is “love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (16:20)
  • Paul recounts his own transformation—from a blasphemer to a recipient of God’s mercy—to illustrate God’s grace and patience.

  “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me... Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience...” (18:01)

• Prayer and Worship (18:06–19:40):

  • Believers are encouraged to pray for all people, including civic leaders, to foster a peaceful society pleasing to God.

  “God our Savior... desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (18:45)

• Instructions on Conduct and Gender Roles (19:41–21:30):

  • Men are to pray without quarreling; women should pursue modesty and good deeds.
  • Paul restricts women from teaching or exercising authority over men in the church context, citing the order of creation and the story of Adam and Eve.

  “Let a woman learn quietly, with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man...” (20:25)

• Qualifications for Church Leaders (21:31–25:02):

  • Character and conduct matter for overseers (elders) and deacons: above reproach, self-controlled, hospitable, able to manage their households, and respect from outsiders.
  • Deacons and their wives are to be dignified, sober-minded, and faithful.
  • Those who serve well gain confidence in the faith.

  “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach...” (21:32)

• Purpose of Instruction (25:03–end):

  • Paul writes these instructions so the church “may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is... a pillar and buttress of the truth.” (25:24)
  • The reading concludes with an early Christian confession about Christ’s incarnation, vindication, proclamation, and ultimate glory.

  “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness. He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit...” (25:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” (Ezekiel 33:11, 11:04)
• “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2, 14:10)
• “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15, 18:01)
• “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1, 21:32)
• “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness. He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit...” (1 Timothy 3:16, 25:49)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ezekiel 32–33 (Judgment and the Watchman): 00:01–13:56
• Psalm 121 (God’s Protection): 14:01–15:12
• 1 Timothy 1–3 (Paul’s Instructions to Timothy): 15:14–end

Tone & Flow

The reading voice is reverent, sober, faithful to the ESV text, and carries solemn warnings as well as encouragement and reassurance. The episode flows in three distinct segments (Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament) with clear transitions.

For listeners, this episode is a compelling reminder of God’s justice and mercy, His unceasing protection, and the high calling and order within Christ’s church.