Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: December 29 (Zechariah 6–9; Psalm 148; Revelation 18–19)
Release Date: December 29, 2025
Host: Crossway

Overview

This episode features readings from Zechariah 6–9 (Old Testament), Psalm 148, and Revelation 18–19 (New Testament). The primary theme centers on God’s sovereignty: His ultimate plan for blessing and restoration (Zechariah), a universal call to praise (Psalm), and the dramatic judgment and final victory over evil (Revelation). Through prophetic oracles, poetic celebration, and apocalyptic vision, listeners are drawn into the hope and awe of God’s unfolding story.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Zechariah 6–9: Visions, Restoration, and Messianic Hope

• Vision of Four Chariots (00:01–01:16):
  • Zechariah describes four chariots representing divine patrol over the earth, symbolizing God’s watchful and active governance:
    • “These are going out to the four winds of heaven…to patrol the earth.” (00:09)
• The Crowning of Joshua (01:16–01:50):
  • The high priest Joshua is crowned, pointing to a coming priest-king:
    • “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch… He shall branch out…and shall build the temple of the Lord.” (01:20)
  • Prophetic connection to the Messiah—one who is both king and priest.
• Call to Genuine Worship and Justice (02:49–03:31):
  • God rebukes empty rituals and demands heartfelt justice, kindness, and compassion:
    • “Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor.” (02:51)
• Restoration for Jerusalem (03:41–06:18):
  • A vision of Jerusalem’s renewal: children playing safely, old men and women in peace, and exiles returning:
    • “Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem… And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing…” (04:01)
    • “They shall be my people, and I will be their God in faithfulness and in righteousness.” (04:25)
• Universal Blessing and Messianic Prophecy (06:41–09:04):
  • The humble arrival of the king:
    • “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humbled and mounted on a donkey…” (08:19)
  • God promises peace from “sea to sea,” liberation, and victory over enemies.

Psalm 148: Universal Praise

• All Creation Worships (09:37–10:31):
  • Refrain of worship from all spheres: heavens, angels, sun, moon, natural forces, animals, and all peoples:
    • “Praise him, sun and moon… Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created…” (09:44–09:51)
  • Ends by highlighting God’s presence and strength for His people:
    • “He has raised up a horn for his people… Praise the Lord.” (10:31)

Revelation 18–19: Judgment and Hallelujah

• Fall of Babylon (10:43–14:47):
  • Babylon personifies worldly corruption and idolatry; her sudden destruction is lamented by rulers and merchants:
    • “‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great… She has become a dwelling place for demons…’” (10:45)
    • “For in a single hour your judgment has come.” (12:10)
  • God’s justice is vindicated:
    • “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints… for God has given judgment for you against her.” (13:43)
• Heaven Rejoices – The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (14:47–16:10):
  • Heavenly worship and anticipation of ultimate union with Christ:
    • “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come…” (15:15)
  • The righteous deeds of believers are celebrated as “fine linen, bright and pure.” (15:26)
• The Rider on the White Horse & Final Victory (16:14–17:46):
  • The victorious Christ rides out to battle, recognized by divine titles:
    • “He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood… and his name… is called the Word of God…on his thigh he has a name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (16:14–16:42)
  • Final defeat and judgment of the beast and the false prophet:
    • “These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire…” (17:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On sincere religious life:
  • “Was it for me that you fasted?...When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?” (01:48)
• On God’s restorative promise:
  • “Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” (05:25)
  • “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true, and make for peace.” (05:40)
• On the coming Messiah:
  • “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion…your king is coming to you…humbled and mounted on a donkey.” (08:19)
• The universal call to worship:
  • “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.” (10:23)
• On Babylon’s fall and God’s justice:
  • “Alas, alas, you great city… For in a single hour your judgment has come.” (12:10)
• Vision of Christ’s return:
  • “He is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war… King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (16:16–16:42)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Vision of the Four Chariots & Crowning Joshua: 00:01–01:50
• Call for Genuine Faith & Justice: 02:49–03:31
• Jerusalem’s Restoration: 03:41–06:18
• Messiah’s Arrival & Universal Peace: 06:41–09:04
• Psalm 148: Universal Praise: 09:37–10:31
• Fall of Babylon – Judgment of Evil: 10:43–14:47
• Heaven Rejoices & Marriage Supper of the Lamb: 14:47–16:10
• The Victorious Christ and Final Judgment: 16:14–17:46

Tone and Delivery

The episode carries a reverent, solemn, and exultant tone, moving seamlessly from prophetic anticipation (Zechariah), through exuberant worship (Psalm), to triumphant apocalypse (Revelation). The readings emphasize God’s justice, compassion, and sovereignty—calling listeners to hope, worship, and faithfulness.