Episode Overview

Theme:
This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry (December 12, 2025) focuses on central biblical themes of faithfulness, divine deliverance, and the enduring nature of God’s promises. The readings include Daniel 6–7 (Daniel in the lions’ den and Daniel’s prophetic visions), Psalm 132 (a song reflecting on God’s covenant with David and Zion), and Hebrews 11 (the famed “hall of faith” recounting Old Testament figures’ enduring trust in God).

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Daniel 6: Integrity, Persecution, and Deliverance

(00:01 – 04:38)

• Daniel’s Promotion and Integrity:

  • Daniel rises above the other officials because “an excellent spirit was in him” (00:41).
  • Other officials seek grounds for complaint but find none, except in connection “with the law of his God” (01:17).

• Plot Against Daniel:

  • Daniel’s rivals manipulate King Darius to pass a law prohibiting petition to anyone but the king for 30 days, knowing Daniel’s devotion (01:34).

• Daniel’s Response:

  • Despite knowing the consequences, Daniel continues his regular prayer routine:
    • “He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (02:02)

• The Lions’ Den:

  • Daniel is cast into the den. King Darius is distressed and wishes to rescue him but is powerless due to the irrevocable law (02:44-03:13).
  • Darius says, “May your God whom you serve continually deliver you” (03:02).

• Divine Intervention:

  • Daniel is protected: “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths…because I was found blameless before him” (03:34).
  • Darius rejoices and Daniel is unharmed “because he had trusted in his God” (03:54).

• Justice and Proclamation:

  • Daniel’s accusers are punished.
  • Darius issues a royal decree recognizing Daniel’s God:
    “For he is the living God, enduring forever, and his kingdom shall never be destroyed…” (04:04).

2. Daniel 7: Apocalyptic Visions and God’s Everlasting Kingdom

(04:39 – 09:25)

• Prophetic Dream:

  • Daniel dreams of four beasts from the sea, each symbolizing different kingdoms (04:45-05:18).

• The Little Horn and Judgment:

  • “I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one…in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking great things.” (05:28)
  • “The Ancient of Days took his seat…his throne was fiery flames…” (05:48)
  • Judgment is rendered; the beast is destroyed while the “little horn” is judged (06:13).

• The Son of Man:

  • An exalted figure is given eternal dominion:
    “And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion…” (07:00)

• Interpretation and Reassurance:

  • The four beasts represent four earthly kings, but “the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.” (07:21)
  • The last beast will persecute the saints, “until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given for the saints…” (08:07)
  • The vision troubles Daniel:
    “My thoughts greatly alarmed me and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.” (09:22)

3. Psalm 132: Remembering God’s Covenant with David

(09:25 – 10:37)

• David’s Devotion:

  • The psalm recalls David’s vow to find a dwelling place for God:
    “I will not enter my house or get into my bed…I will not give sleep to my eyes…until I find a place for the Lord…” (09:26-09:30)

• God’s Oath to David:

  • “The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back.” (09:54)
  • God chooses Zion for His dwelling and promises abundant blessings, salvation, and a lasting royal line (10:10-10:32).

• Enduring Promise:

  • “There I will make a horn to sprout for David…his enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.” (10:32-10:37)

4. Hebrews 11: The Hall of Faith

(10:40 – 14:02)

• Definition of Faith:

  • “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (10:41)
  • Vital for relationship with God: “Without faith it is impossible to please him…” (11:13)

• Examples of Faith:

  • Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab are highlighted for their acts of faith even amidst uncertainty and trial (10:43-13:50).
  • Endurance and trust: “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” (12:26)

• Suffering and Triumph:

  • Heroes undergo hardship but persevere, “of whom the world was not worthy…” (13:45)
  • Their faith looks beyond present realities to future, divine fulfillment (13:51-14:02).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Daniel’s Fidelity:

  • “He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10, 02:02)

• King Darius’ Blessing:

  • “May your God whom you serve continually deliver you.” (03:02)

• Daniel’s Testimony:

  • “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths…and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him.” (03:34)

• Darius’ Decree:

  • “For he is the living God, enduring forever, and his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues, he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…” (04:04)

• Vision of the Son of Man:

  • “And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away…” (07:00)

• Faith Defined:

  • “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, 10:41)

• Ultimate Faith:

  • “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar…” (Hebrews 11:13, 12:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Daniel in the Lions’ Den: 00:01 – 04:39
• Daniel’s Apocalyptic Vision: 04:39 – 09:25
• Psalm 132 (David’s Covenant): 09:25 – 10:37
• Hebrews 11 (Examples of Faith): 10:40 – 14:02

Conclusion

This episode weaves together Old Testament narrative, prophecy, poetic worship, and New Testament exhortation around the central theme of unwavering faith in God’s promises and power. From Daniel’s deliverance in the lions’ den to the ancient visions of God’s eternal kingdom, and culminating in the chronicles of faith in Hebrews 11, listeners are encouraged to persist in faith regardless of circumstances, holding fast to God’s enduring word and ultimate plan for His people.