Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 17 (Exodus 39–40; Psalm 44; Luke 8)
Host: Crossway | Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode is part of a year-long daily reading through the ESV Bible, guided by Jackie Hill Perry and Crossway. The episode features Scripture readings from Exodus 39–40, Psalm 44, and Luke 8, weaving together the themes of devotion, faith, obedience, and God’s saving power through Old Testament law, poetic lament, and the ministry of Jesus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Exodus 39–40: Completion, Obedience, and Presence of God

• Priestly Garments and Tabernacle Construction

  • Detailed description of the high priest’s ephod, breastpiece, and other vestments, highlighting craftsmanship and obedience to God’s instructions (00:01–03:46).
  • Each element—from the onyx stones engraved for the tribes of Israel to meticulously woven linens—points to both the sanctity and the communal memory of God’s covenant.
  • "They made the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold filigree, and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel." (01:14)
  • The phrase “as the Lord had commanded Moses” is repeated, emphasizing total obedience.

• Tabernacle Assembly and God’s Glory

  • Tabernacle elements (ark, lampstand, altar, etc.) are brought together, marking a communal act of faithfulness (03:47–08:43).
  • Moses performs every step “as the Lord had commanded” (multiple instances), reflecting precision and trust.
  • The cloud settling on the tabernacle and God’s glory filling it signify divine approval (07:33):
    • “Then the cloud covered the tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the clouds settled on it.” (07:33)

2. Psalm 44: Communal Lament and Hope

• Remembrance of God’s Past Faithfulness

  • The psalmist recalls God’s miraculous deeds for Israel’s ancestors (08:43–09:31):
    • “For not by their own sword did they win the land…But your right hand and your arm and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.” (08:56)

• Present Suffering and Divine Silence

  • Disappointment at apparent abandonment:
    • “But you have rejected us and disgraced us, and have not gone out with our armies…You have made us like sheep for slaughter and have scattered us among the nations.” (09:33–09:56)
  • Refusal to renounce faith, combined with desperate appeal for help:
    • “All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you, and we have not been false to your covenant.” (10:08)
    • “Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?” (10:40)

• Hope for Redemption

  • The psalm closes with pleading for God’s intervention:
    • “Rise up; come to our help. Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.” (10:53)

3. Luke 8: Parables, Miracles, and the Power of Faith

• The Company of Jesus

  • Jesus is accompanied by the Twelve and key women supporters (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna), showing early inclusivity (11:03).

• Parable of the Sower

  • Jesus explains different responses to God’s word, distinguishing between ways hearts receive the gospel:
    • “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (11:55)
    • Explanation: “The seed is the word of God…the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life…” (12:15)

• Parable of the Lamp

  • Call to live truthfully and let faith shine:
    • “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a jar…but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” (12:51)
    • “Take care, then, how you hear. For to the one who has, more will be given…” (13:02)

• Jesus’ True Family

  • Connection is not by blood but obedience:
    • “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (13:24)

• Miracles Showcasing Authority and Compassion

  • Calming the Storm:

    • Disciples’ fear, Jesus’ power:
      • “He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’” (13:40)

  • Possessed Man Delivered:

    • The “legion” of demons is cast out; the man is restored (14:12–15:10).
    • Community’s fear and the man’s commission to testify:
      • "Return to your home and declare how much God has done for you." (15:44)

  • Two Miracles of Faith:

    • Woman with 12-Year Hemorrhage (16:03–16:23)

      • Private faith meets public acknowledgment:
        • “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (16:22)

    • Raising Jairus’ Daughter (16:25–end)

      • Jesus comforts the father:
        • “Do not fear, only believe, and she will be well.” (16:27)
      • Death is declared not the end:
        • “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” (16:37)
      • With a word, he reverses the impossible:
        • “Child, arise.” (16:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Exodus 39–40: Obedience Repeated

  • “As the Lord had commanded Moses.” — Emphasized throughout (multiple places)
  • “Then the cloud covered the tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (07:33)

• Psalm 44

  • “Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?” (10:40)
  • “Rise up; come to our help. Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.” (10:53)

• Luke 8

  • “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (11:55)
  • “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (13:24)
  • “He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.” (13:40)
  • “Do not fear, only believe, and she will be well.” (16:27)
  • “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (16:22)
  • “Child, arise.” (16:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01–03:46 – Exodus 39: Priestly garments and their significance
• 03:47–08:43 – Exodus 40: Assembly of the tabernacle & the glory-cloud
• 08:43–10:59 – Psalm 44: From remembrance to lament, ending in hope
• 11:03–11:55 – Luke 8: Parable of the Sower and Jesus’ explanation
• 12:51–13:24 – Parable of the Lamp; Jesus’ definition of family
• 13:40–14:10 – Calming of the storm: Jesus’ authority over nature
• 14:12–15:44 – Healing of the demon-possessed man
• 16:03–16:47 – Miracles for the suffering woman and Jairus’ daughter

Episode Tone and Language

Throughout the episode, the tone is reverent, reflective, and deeply scriptural, with a cadence focused on faithfulness, the power of God, and the call to respond in faith and obedience. The language mirrors the ESV's gravity and clarity, inviting listeners not only to hear but to be transformed by what is read.

Summary

This episode immerses listeners in the closing acts of Exodus—dedicated craftsmanship and unyielding obedience; the raw communal plea of Psalm 44 for God’s renewed favor; and the action-packed, faith-stretching miracles and teachings of Jesus in Luke 8. Each passage underscores the necessity and fruit of trust in God’s word—whether building, waiting, suffering, or risking everything for a miracle.