Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: December 28 (Zechariah 1–5; Psalm 147; Revelation 16–17)
Date: December 28, 2025
Host: Crossway
Reader: Jackie Hill Perry; Respondent: Unnamed

Episode Overview

This episode continues the year-long journey through the ESV Bible. Today’s readings cover Zechariah 1–5, Psalm 147, and Revelation 16–17. The episode weaves together vivid visions of restoration and warning in Zechariah, heartfelt praise in Psalm 147, and the catastrophic imagery of the seven bowls of God’s wrath in Revelation. The focus is on the faithfulness, mercy, and righteous judgments of God—a consistent theme tying together the Old and New Testament passages.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Zechariah 1–5: Visions of Restoration and Warning

Call to Return & Themes of Repentance

• God’s anger at Israel’s ancestors, a call to repentance:

  • “Return to me, says the Lord of Hosts, and I will return to you.” (00:10)

• Reassurance of God’s faithfulness and the hope for restored relationship despite past disobedience.

Zechariah’s Night Visions

• The Vision of the Horses (1:7–17):
  Messengers patrol the earth, reporting peace; God responds with “gracious and comforting words” about Jerusalem’s restoration.

• The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (1:18–21):
  The horns represent oppressors of Israel; the craftsmen are those sent to ‘terrify’ and overthrow them.

• The Man with the Measuring Line (2:1–13):
  Visualizes the restoration of Jerusalem:

  • “Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls… And I will be to her a wall of fire all around.” (03:19)

• Vision of Joshua the High Priest (3:1–10):
  Satan accuses Joshua. God rebukes Satan and removes Joshua’s filthy garments, symbolizing the removal of iniquity—

  • “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” (04:20)

• Lampstand and Olive Trees (4:1–14):
  Zechariah sees a golden lampstand and two olive trees. The interpretation comes:

  • “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” (07:01)
    A clear assertion that God’s plans are accomplished through His spirit, not human strength.

• The Flying Scroll and the Woman in the Basket (5:1–11):
  The scroll represents a curse against thieves and liars.
  The woman (labeled “wickedness”) is confined to a basket and sent away—depicting removal of sin from the land.

2. Psalm 147: God’s Restorative Power and Intimate Care

• Emphasis on Israel’s praise, God’s rebuilding of Jerusalem, and His compassion—

  • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (09:19)
  • “He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names... Great is our Lord and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” (09:24)

• God delights not in strength or might, but in “those who fear him, those who hope in his steadfast love.” (09:51)

• God’s providence meets earthly and spiritual needs:

  • “He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat.” (10:03)

3. Revelation 16–17: The Outpouring of God’s Wrath and the Downfall of Babylon

The Seven Bowls of Wrath

• Seven angels pour out God’s wrath:
  1. Painful sores on those with the beast’s mark (10:50)
  2. The sea becomes blood (11:05)
  3. Rivers and springs turn to blood; divine justification is declared—
     • “Just are you, O Holy One… They have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve.” (11:25-11:35)
  4. The sun scorches people, but “they did not repent and give him glory.” (11:43)
  5. The beast’s kingdom plunged into darkness—still, people curse God (11:53)
  6. River Euphrates dries up to prepare for battle; demonic spirits gather kings for Armageddon (12:18)
     • “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake...” (12:36)
  7. “It is done.” Cataclysmic earthquake, Babylon forced to drain "the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath." (13:07–13:39)

Judgment of Babylon the Great

• Babylon portrayed as a corrupting prostitute enthroned on the beast, “drunk with the blood of the saints” (14:26)
• Babylon’s might is fleeting:
  • “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings…” (15:17)
• The beast and the ten kings will turn on the prostitute, destroying her—God’s judgment is inevitable and final.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Restoration:

  • “Return to me, says the Lord of Hosts, and I will return to you.” (00:10)

• On God’s Methods:

  • “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” (07:01)

• On God’s Compassion:

  • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (09:19)

• On God’s Justice:

  • “Just are you, O Holy One… It is what they deserve.” (11:25–11:35)

• On the Victory of the Lamb:

  • “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings…” (15:17)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Zechariah 1 (00:01): Call to repentance, visions begin
• Zechariah 3 (04:00): Joshua’s vision—removal of iniquity
• Zechariah 4 (06:52): Lampstand & olive trees, “Not by might...”
• Zechariah 5 (07:35): Flying scroll and the basket of wickedness
• Psalm 147 (09:10): Praise, restoration, God’s care
• Revelation 16 (10:43): Seven bowls—outpouring of wrath
• Revelation 17 (13:55): Babylon the Great, her downfall, the Lamb’s triumph

Conclusion

This episode offers a rich, interconnected look at God’s character: both His compassion in restoring the repentant and His unyielding justice against unrepentant wickedness. The resonance across Zechariah’s visions, the Psalmist’s praise, and the images in Revelation encourages listeners to trust in God’s plan, rely on His Spirit, and anticipate the ultimate victory of the Lamb—Jesus Christ—even when faced with daunting opposition or evil.