Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: December 10 (Daniel 2–3; Psalm 130; Hebrews 9)
Date: December 10, 2025

Overview

This episode follows the reading plan of “Through the ESV Bible in a Year,” focusing on three pivotal scriptures:

• Daniel 2–3: The interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the fiery furnace account.
• Psalm 130: A heartfelt prayer of repentance and hope.
• Hebrews 9: The superiority of Christ’s new covenant and atoning work.

Listeners are guided through dramatic Old Testament scenes of faithfulness and deliverance, a Psalm of longing and mercy, and a New Testament explanation of redemption through Christ. The readings reveal the sovereignty of God, steadfast faith under persecution, and the assurance of forgiveness and salvation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s Troubling Dream

Timestamp: 00:01–10:38

• Nebuchadnezzar’s Anxiety: The Babylonian king’s dreams disturb him, prompting a demand that his magicians reveal both the dream and its interpretation—a seemingly impossible request.
• Human Limitation: The Chaldeans admit, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand... except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” (04:21)
• Daniel’s Wisdom and Prayer: Daniel responds with prudence, seeks time, and unites his friends in prayer for God’s mercy to reveal the mystery.
• God’s Revelation: God answers by revealing the dream’s details and meaning to Daniel in a night vision. Daniel’s response is worship and praise:
  “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might... He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” (07:45)
• The Dream & Its Meaning: Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar of a great statue (gold head, silver chest, bronze thighs, iron legs, feet of iron and clay) shattered by a divine stone.
• Prophetic Interpretation: Daniel boldly interprets the kingdoms represented, culminating in a divine, everlasting kingdom:
  “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed... it shall stand forever.” (10:02)

2. Daniel 3: The Fiery Furnace

Timestamp: 10:38–12:17

• Idolatry Commanded: King Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden image, commanding all peoples to worship it under threat of fiery death.
• Courageous Faith: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse, stating:
  “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image.” (11:01)
• Miraculous Deliverance: The fiery furnace is heated seven times hotter, but God’s angel protects them. Nebuchadnezzar marvels at a fourth figure:
  “I see four men unbound... and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” (11:30)
• Recognition of God’s Power: The king blesses the God of the faithful men and promotes them:
  “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants...” (12:07)

3. Psalm 130: Prayer from the Depths

Timestamp: 12:17–13:02

• Deep Repentance: The Psalmist cries out for mercy, acknowledging human guilt and God’s forgiveness:
  “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness...” (12:35)
• Wait for the Lord: The theme of patient hope:
  “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning.” (12:44)
• Promise of Redemption: Israel called to hope in God’s steadfast love and abundant redemption:
  “He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” (12:57)

4. Hebrews 9: Christ – The Superior High Priest

Timestamp: 13:02–16:45

• Old Covenant Worship: Description of the earthly tabernacle, priestly rituals, and annual atonement.
• Limitations of the Law: Animal sacrifices “cannot perfect the conscience,” dealing only with outward matters.
  “Gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshipper...” (13:58)
• Christ’s Greater Work: Jesus enters the “greater and more perfect tent,” offering not animal blood but his own for eternal redemption. The contrast is clear:
  “How much more will the blood of Christ... purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (14:44)
• The New Covenant: Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, securing an inheritance for the called, fulfilling the law’s requirement for blood.
  “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (15:37)
• Once-for-all Sacrifice: Christ’s single, effective sacrifice replaces repetitive offerings. He will return, not to deal with sin, but to save eagerly waiting believers:
  “He has appeared once for all... to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (16:25)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Daniel’s humility before the king:
  “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery... But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” (06:55)
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s resolve:
  “But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (11:09)
• Nebuchadnezzar’s astonishment:
  “I see four men unbound... and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” (11:30)
• Psalmist’s hope:
  “My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning.” (12:44)
• Hebrews’ summary of Christ’s work:
  “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (15:37)
  “He has appeared once for all... to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (16:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |----------------------|------------| | Daniel’s Dream | 00:01–10:38 | | Fiery Furnace | 10:38–12:17 | | Psalm 130 | 12:17–13:02 | | Hebrews 9 | 13:02–16:45 |

Conclusion

This episode brings together stories of divine revelation, courageous faith, and redemptive hope. Through Daniel’s boldness, the faith of his friends, the honesty of the Psalmist, and the deep theology of Hebrews, listeners are reminded of God’s sovereignty, mercy, and faithfulness across all ages. Each passage calls to deeper trust and hope in the God who saves—both in earthly trials and for eternity.