Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 1
Readings: Exodus 8–9; Psalm 29; Mark 8
Date: February 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey through the Bible in a year by presenting significant passages from Exodus 8–9 (the escalating plagues in Egypt), Psalm 29 (a song celebrating God’s power), and Mark 8 (miracles of Jesus, Peter’s confession, and the call to discipleship). The episode focuses on God’s sovereignty, power over nature, and the call to faithful, sacrificial following of Jesus.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Exodus 8–9: The Plagues Intensify

• God’s Increasing Judgments on Egypt (00:01–09:11)
  • Moses and Aaron are repeatedly sent to Pharaoh, commanding him to release the Israelites.
  • Plagues Described:
    • Frogs overrun Egypt, entering every home and space.
    • Pharaoh’s magicians replicate the plague, but cannot reverse it.
    • Pharaoh briefly relents, promising release if the frogs are taken away, but then hardens his heart once the land is clear (01:58).
    • Subsequent plagues include gnats (which the magicians cannot replicate and recognize as “the finger of God”), flies (with protection for Goshen), livestock disease, boils, and finally, devastating hail.
    • "This is the finger of God." — Egyptian magicians, acknowledging divine power over their arts (03:00).
  • A recurring cycle: Pharaoh promises obedience during crisis, but reneges when relief comes. God’s judgments become more severe, purposefully distinguishing between Egyptians and Israelites, highlighting God’s sovereignty.
  • Purpose Stated: “For this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” — God to Pharaoh via Moses (08:06).
  • Notable Interaction: Even after confessing, "This time I have sinned. The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong" (08:57), Pharaoh’s remorse proves temporary.

Psalm 29: The Majesty of God

• David’s Call to Worship and Recognize God’s Power (09:11–10:08)
  • A psalm urging all to “Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.”
  • Vivid, poetic descriptions highlight the might of God’s voice: breaking cedars, flashing fire, shaking wilderness, stripping forests.
    • "The voice of the Lord is powerful... The voice of the Lord is full of majesty." (09:30–09:32)
  • The psalm concludes with a prayer for God’s blessings: "May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace." (10:02)

Mark 8: Jesus’ Miracles, Revelation, and the Cost of Discipleship

• Feeding the 4,000 (10:12–10:52)

  • Jesus' compassion leads to miraculously feeding a large crowd with seven loaves and a few fish.
  • “They ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.” (10:50)

• Confrontation with Pharisees & the "Leaven" Warning (11:19–11:44)

  • Pharisees challenge Jesus, demanding a sign; Jesus refuses, expressing grief over faithlessness.
  • To his disciples: “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” (11:40)
  • Disciples misunderstand, focusing on literal bread; Jesus rebukes their spiritual dullness.
  • “Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?” (11:48)

• Healing the Blind Man in Stages (12:28–12:48)

  • Jesus heals a blind man in two steps, illustrating both physical and spiritual clarity.
  • "I see people, but they look like trees, walking." (12:34)
  • Jesus restores full sight—a picture of gradual revelation.

• Peter’s Confession of Christ and Jesus’ Prediction of Suffering (12:50–13:32)

  • Jesus asks, “Who do people say that I am?” (12:52)
    Peter confesses: "You are the Christ." (13:04)
  • Jesus openly teaches about his coming suffering, death, and resurrection.
  • Peter objects, and Jesus sharply rebukes him:
    “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (13:26)

• Call to Discipleship: The Cost and Reward (13:36–14:10)

  • Jesus teaches self-denial and the paradox of saving one’s life by losing it for Christ and the gospel.
    • "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." (13:43)
    • "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (13:54)
  • He warns about the consequences of being "ashamed" of him.

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On Divine Power:
  • "This is the finger of God." — Egyptian magicians, Exodus 8 (03:00)
  • "The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty." — Psalm 29 (09:30–09:32)
• On God’s Judgment and Grace:
  • “For this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” — God to Pharaoh, Exodus 9 (08:06)
  • Pharaoh’s reluctant confession: “This time I have sinned. The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong.” (08:57)
• On Following Jesus:
  • “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?” — Jesus, Mark 8 (11:48)
  • “You are the Christ.” — Peter, Mark 8 (13:04)
  • “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” — Jesus, Mark 8 (13:26)
  • “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” — Jesus, Mark 8 (13:43)
  • “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” — Jesus, Mark 8 (13:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Exodus 8–9: 00:01–09:11
• Psalm 29: 09:11–10:08
• Mark 8: 10:12–14:10

Structure and Tone

The episode maintains a reverent, contemplative tone. The readings are direct, allowing scripture to speak for itself while highlighting the escalating drama between God and Pharaoh, the grandeur of the Psalms, and the challenging calls of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel.