Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: December 8 (Ezekiel 47–48; Psalm 128; Hebrews 4–6)
Date: December 8, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode continues the year-long journey through the Bible with readings from Ezekiel 47–48, Psalm 128, and Hebrews 4–6. The focus is on the prophetic vision of restoration and hope in Ezekiel, a Psalm of blessing for the faithful, and a New Testament exploration of Jesus as the ultimate high priest, offering rest and the promise of salvation. The tone is reverent and reflective, delivering scripture directly and allowing listeners to meditate on God’s promises, faithfulness, and the call to spiritual maturity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Ezekiel 47–48: The River of Life and Land of Inheritance
(00:01–08:54)
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The Temple’s Flowing River:
Ezekiel describes a visionary river flowing eastward from the temple, deepening as it goes, transforming salt water to fresh and bringing life wherever it flows (00:04–02:45).- Key Imagery:
- Water starts as a trickle, becomes ankle-deep, then knee-deep, and finally a river so deep it cannot be crossed except by swimming.
- The river rejuvenates the land, supports abundant fish, and yields trees with fruit for food and leaves for healing.
- Key Imagery:
-
Quote:
“So everything will live where the river goes.” (02:02, Ezekiel’s vision)
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Land Boundaries and Tribal Allotments:
Detailed borders for the tribes of Israel and the “holy portion” for priests, Levites, and the prince.- Inclusivity: Sojourners (foreigners) living among Israel are granted inheritance, underscoring God’s welcome and provision (03:10–03:38).
- The city’s gates are named for the tribes, and the city, from that time on, is called “The Lord Is There.” (08:51)
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Quote:
“The name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord is there.” (08:54)
2. Psalm 128: The Blessing of the Fear of the Lord
(08:54–09:30)
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A Song of Ascents:
Pronounces blessing on all who fear God and walk in His ways.- Prosperity, fruitful family life, and well-being are promised.
- Prays for Jerusalem’s prosperity and peace upon Israel.
-
Quote:
“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” (09:00)
3. Hebrews 4–6: Jesus the High Priest and the Promise of Rest
(09:34–End)
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Entering God’s Rest:
The call to strive for the true “rest” God promises—distinct from historical rest in the Promised Land, but realized in Christ (09:34–10:45).- The Sabbath Rest:
- Faith, not mere hearing, allows entrance to God’s rest.
- Cites God’s completed works and ongoing promise (“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts”).
- The Sabbath Rest:
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The Power of God’s Word:
- God’s word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,” discerning hearts and thoughts (10:46).
- All are accountable before God.
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Jesus, our Sympathetic High Priest:
- Jesus, although tempted, was without sin.
- We are to “draw near to the throne of grace” with confidence to receive mercy and help (11:16).
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Quote:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (11:01)
- Christ is appointed as high priest “after the order of Melchizedek,” not self-exalted, but chosen by God (11:26–12:30).
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Maturity in Faith:
- The author rebukes spiritual immaturity, calling believers to move beyond “milk” to “solid food” (12:45–13:30).
- The importance of discernment and spiritual growth is emphasized.
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Warnings and Assurance:
- Stern warning against falling away after having experienced the goodness of God (13:35–14:30).
- Still, the writer expresses hope and confidence (“better things...things that belong to salvation”) (14:45).
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The Certainty of God’s Promise:
- God’s unchangeable promise to Abraham is highlighted, and believers are encouraged to hold to hope as “an anchor of the soul” (15:52).
- Jesus has gone before us as high priest, securing our access.
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Quote:
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (16:20)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Everything will live where the river goes.” (02:02, Ezekiel’s vision about the power of God’s presence to bring life)
- “You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” (09:03, Psalm 128 on walking in God’s ways)
- “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword...” (10:46, the vitality and searching power of Scripture)
- “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace...” (11:16, invitation to seek God’s mercy)
- “You need milk, not solid food.” (12:50, challenge to press on to spiritual maturity)
- “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul...” (16:20, about unshakable hope in Christ)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:04–08:54 – Ezekiel 47–48: The river from the temple, boundaries, inheritances, the new city
- 08:54–09:30 – Psalm 128: Blessings for fearing the Lord
- 09:34–16:57 – Hebrews 4–6: Rest in Christ, God’s word, Jesus the high priest, encouragement toward maturity and hope
Summary Table
| Segment | Reference | Key Themes | |---------------------|--------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Ezekiel 47–48 | 00:04–08:54 | River of life, inheritance, inclusive boundaries | | Psalm 128 | 08:54–09:30 | Blessings for faithfulness, family, well-being | | Hebrews 4–6 | 09:34–16:57 | Sabbath rest, power of Scripture, Christ our priest, hope and maturity |
Takeaway
This episode emphasizes God’s faithfulness in restoring and blessing His people—symbolized by the life-giving river in Ezekiel, the familial blessings of the Psalms, and the assurance of hope and rest in Jesus. The call is clear: approach God with faith, strive for maturity, trust in the unchanging promise, and find hope anchored in Christ, our eternal high priest.