Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: December 14 – Daniel 10–12; Psalm 134; James 1–2
Host: Crossway
Date: December 14, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners through readings from Daniel chapters 10 through 12, Psalm 134, and James chapters 1 and 2. Rich with prophetic visions, practical wisdom for Christian living, and calls to faithfulness and steadfastness, these passages move from Daniel’s apocalyptic revelations, through a psalm of blessing, to James’s clear instructions on Christian conduct, faith, and works.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Daniel 10–12: Prophetic Visions and the End of Days

(00:01–12:06)

• Daniel’s Mourning and the Angelic Encounter

  • Daniel fasts and mourns for three weeks (00:01–00:26), abstaining from meat, wine, and delicacies, in deep spiritual distress.
  • On the banks of the Tigris, Daniel encounters a radiant figure “clothed in linen” whose powerful appearance causes him such fear he collapses. (“His face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches…” 00:27)
  • The angel assures Daniel, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” (01:19)

• Spiritual Warfare and Delayed Answer

  • The angel reveals he was delayed by opposition from the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" for 21 days, until Michael the archangel intervened. (02:03)
  • He comes to explain “what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” (02:30)

• Complex Political Prophecies

  • A detailed vision unfolds of future conflicts between the kings of the North and South, with intrigue, alliances, betrayals, and cycles of war (03:45–10:03).
  • The recurring theme: The rise and fall of powers, but God’s sovereign hand guides history, even amidst turmoil.

• End Times and Resurrection

  • “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince, who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble such as never has been… but at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.” (10:06)
  • A clear Old Testament statement of resurrection: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (10:27)
  • Daniel is told to “shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined…” (11:00)

• Closing Encouragement

  • Daniel receives the reassuring promise for his own future: “You shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” (11:55)

2. Psalm 134: A Song of Blessing

(12:06–12:21)

• Call to Worship and Blessing
  • Servants of the Lord are called to bless the Lord in His house, lifting hands in worship (12:12–12:18).
  • The Psalm closes with a word of blessing: “May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth.” (12:21)

3. James 1–2: Faith, Wisdom, and Works

(12:31–18:03)

• Steadfastness in Trial

  • An encouragement to “count it all joy...when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (12:39)
  • Those enduring testing receive “the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.” (13:31)

• Seeking Wisdom and the Need for Faith

  • “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…” (12:51–12:58)
  • A “double-minded man” is “unstable in all his ways.” (13:06)

• Wealth, Humility, and Temptation

  • The fleeting nature of riches is compared to grass withering in the sun (13:20–13:25).
  • “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God.’ For God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (13:47)
  • Sin’s progression is outlined: desire leads to sin, and sin, when full grown, leads to death. (13:49)

• Hearing and Doing the Word

  • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (14:27)
  • True religion is defined as caring for orphans and widows, and “to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (15:13–15:15)

• Warning Against Partiality

  • A vivid scenario of favoring the rich over the poor is condemned; all are called to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (16:10)
  • “If you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (16:13)
  • “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (16:38)

• Faith and Works

  • Powerful teaching on faith: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (17:05)
  • “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.” (17:16)
  • Old Testament examples: Abraham’s faith “was active along with his works,” showing true faith is evidenced by actions (17:32 onwards).
  • “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (18:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Daniel’s Prophetic Encouragement:

  • “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” (02:56)
  • “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (10:34)

• James’s Wisdom:

  • “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (12:39)
  • “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (14:03)
  • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (14:27)
  • “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (17:07)
  • “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (16:38)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Daniel 10: Vision and Angelic Message – 00:01–02:56
• Political Prophecy and Historical Future – 03:45–10:03
• End Times & Resurrection Hope – 10:06–11:55
• Psalm 134: Song of Ascents – 12:06–12:21
• James 1: Trials, Wisdom & Being Doers of the Word – 12:31–15:15
• James 2: Partiality, the Royal Law & Faith/Works – 15:15–18:03

Summary Takeaway

This episode weaves together grand apocalyptic vision, poetic devotion, and intensely practical Christian guidance. From Daniel’s visions of cosmic battles and ultimate resurrection, through Psalm 134’s simple calls to worship, to the down-to-earth demands of James about living out real faith, listeners are challenged to steadfastness, humility, and actionable belief. The recurring message: God reigns over history and hearts, and true faith shines in both trial and love for others.