Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: December 4 (Ezekiel 38–39; Psalm 124; 2 Timothy 3–4)
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode journeys through three key scripture readings: Ezekiel 38–39, Psalm 124, and 2 Timothy 3–4. The themes center around God’s sovereignty and victory over evil (Ezekiel 38–39), a song of deliverance and gratitude (Psalm 124), and Paul’s urgent final counsel to Timothy on steadfast faith and preaching amid adversity (2 Timothy 3–4). The episode weaves prophetic visions, poetic praise, and practical exhortation, offering encouragement and a profound look at God’s faithfulness past, present, and future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ezekiel 38–39: God's Triumph Over Gog and Magog

• Prophecy Against Gog (00:00)
  • God announces judgment against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Gog will rally many nations to invade a restored and secure Israel, symbolizing a great end-times threat.
  • Notable quote:
    “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws...” (00:20)
• Ultimate Defeat and Divine Justice (03:30)
  • Despite Gog’s aggressive schemes, God Himself will bring about their defeat by sowing confusion, bringing natural disasters, and executing judgment through pestilence, sword, and fire.
  • Notable quote:
    “So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” (07:35)
• Restoration and Cleansing of the Land (09:00)
  • After Gog’s fall, Israel will spend seven months burying the invaders and seven years burning their weapons, cleansing the land as a testament to God’s overwhelming deliverance.
  • God promises restoration, the end of shame, and a final outpouring of His Spirit on Israel.
  • Notable quote:
    “I will not hide my face anymore from them when I pour out my spirit upon the house of Israel, declares the Lord God.” (15:00)

2. Psalm 124: Song of Deliverance

• Deliverance Attributed to God (16:30)
  • The psalm reflects on Israel’s survival thanks to God’s intervention, likening their rescue to a bird escaping from a snare.
  • Praises God as the ultimate source of help, emphasizing His power as the creator.
  • Notable quote:
    “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side... then they would have swallowed us up alive.” (16:40)
• Theme:
  • Acknowledgment of human vulnerability and complete dependence on God’s mercy.

3. 2 Timothy 3–4: Paul’s Final Instructions

• Perilous Times in the Last Days (18:00)
  • Paul warns Timothy of increasing godlessness, listing moral failings rampant in society.
  • Notable quote:
    “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive... having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (18:20)
• Encouragement for Perseverance (20:30)
  • Paul reminds Timothy of his own endurance under persecution and the importance of remaining steadfast, anchored in the scriptures.
  • Key Foundation:
    “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (22:00)
• The Charge to Preach the Word (23:30)
  • Emphatic exhortation to preach faithfully, even as audiences turn away to suit their own passions.
  • Notable quote:
    “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season... with complete patience and teaching.” (24:00)
• Paul’s Reflections on His Life (25:10)
  • As his execution nears, Paul expresses confidence and fulfillment in having “fought the good fight.”
  • Notable quote:
    “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” (25:40)
• Final Personal Remarks (27:00)
  • Paul requests Timothy to visit, outlines who has deserted him and who remains faithful, and recounts his suffering and the Lord’s unwavering support.
  • Theme of Grace and Community:
    The program ends with Paul’s blessing and greetings to various individuals, demonstrating the personal and relational side of ministry.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• God’s Sovereign Judgment:
  “I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord God. Every man's sword will be against his brother.” (05:45)
• Promise of Restoration:
  “Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for my holy name.” (13:50)
• Dependence on God:
  “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (17:20)
• Call to Scriptural Fidelity:
  “Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed… how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (21:15)
• Legacy of Perseverance:
  “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.” (28:00)
• Parting Benediction:
  “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” (29:30)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Ezekiel’s prophecy against Gog and the alliance of enemy nations
• 07:00 – Divine judgment, natural disasters, and God’s revealed holiness
• 13:00 – Restoration and blessing of Israel
• 16:30 – Psalm 124: Israel’s song of deliverance and praise
• 18:00 – 2 Timothy 3: Warning of godless times and call to avoid false forms of religion
• 21:00 – Centrality of scripture for spiritual growth and resilience
• 23:30 – Paul’s charge to Timothy: steadfast preaching despite opposition
• 25:10 – Paul’s reflections on ministry, faith, and the hope of eternal reward
• 27:00 – Final greetings and Paul’s testimony to God’s sustaining grace

Summary

This episode invites listeners into a journey from Ezekiel’s apocalyptic vision and God’s ultimate victory, to the honest, humble gratitude of the psalmist, to the very real challenges and encouragements for Christian endurance at the close of Paul’s ministry. The readings emphasize:

• The invincible power and faithfulness of God,
• The sure hope and deliverance found in Him,
• And the enduring necessity of scripture-fueled faithfulness amid trials.

Listeners are left with a call to trust in God’s redemptive power, remain vigilant and rooted in scripture, and finish their own race—faithful to the end.