Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Summary: February 2 (Exodus 10–11; Psalm 30; Mark 9)
Host: Crossway | Date: February 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" features readings from Exodus 10–11 (the final plagues upon Egypt), Psalm 30 (David’s song of thanksgiving), and Mark 9 (the Transfiguration and lessons in faith and humility). The readings guide listeners through the dramatic moments leading up to the Exodus, offer a psalm of gratitude, and present Jesus’ power, compassion, and teachings about discipleship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Exodus 10–11: The Eighth and Ninth Plagues & Pronouncements of the Tenth

• God’s Purpose in the Plagues
  “I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may shew thee signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson … that you may know that I am the Lord.” (00:10)
  The Lord reveals the purpose behind the signs—to teach future generations about His might and sovereignty.

• The Plague of Locusts
  Moses warns Pharaoh, “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go that they may serve me.” (00:26)
  Despite the devastation caused by locusts, Pharaoh’s repentance is short-lived, and his heart remains hardened after Moses’ prayers remove the locusts (01:44–02:43).

• The Plague of Darkness
  Described as “a darkness to be felt,” it lasts for three days, with only Israel enduring light. Pharaoh offers partial release, but Moses insists: “Not a hoof shall be left behind, for we must take of them to serve the Lord our God.” (03:45)
  Tension escalates as Pharaoh warns, “Get away from me. Take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face, you shall die.” (04:10)

• Pronouncement of the Final Plague
  Moses, “in hot anger,” announces the coming death of Egypt’s firstborn and the distinction God will make between Egypt and Israel, preparing the way for Israel’s liberation. (04:22–05:00)

2. Psalm 30: David’s Song at the Dedication of the Temple

• Thanksgiving for Deliverance and Healing
  “O Lord, my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” (06:03)
  David’s psalm expresses personal gratitude for God’s intervention and preservation.

• Suffering and Joy
  “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (06:15–06:25)
  The fleeting nature of suffering is contrasted with the enduring joy and favor of God.

• Transformation
  “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing … O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” (06:26–07:06)

3. Mark 9: The Transfiguration, Faith, and the Character of Discipleship

• The Transfiguration (07:09–07:49)
  "He was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant … and there appeared to them Elijah with Moses."
  A heavenly affirmation is heard: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” (07:42)
  This moment underscores Jesus’ divine identity and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

• Questioning the Resurrection
  The disciples “kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean.” (07:58)
  Demonstrates the disciples’ confusion and wonder about Jesus’ prediction of his own resurrection.

• Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy (08:14–10:00)
  The desperate father pleads, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
  Jesus responds: “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.”
  The father famously replies: “I believe; help my unbelief!” (09:03–09:10)
  A raw, honest admission of faith mixed with doubt, met by Jesus with miraculous healing.

• Disciples’ Question About Failure
  After the failed exorcism, disciples ask, “Why could we not cast it out?”
  Jesus teaches: “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” (10:01)

• Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection (Second Time)
  “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men … after three days he will rise.” Yet, “they did not understand” and “were afraid to ask him.” (10:12–10:36)

• True Greatness: Service and Humility
  The disciples had argued about who was greatest. Jesus teaches:
  “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (10:53)
  He embraces a child: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me … but him who sent me.” (11:07)

• Inclusiveness in Ministry
  When John reports, “We saw someone casting out demons in your name … because he was not following us,”
  Jesus says, “Do not stop him. For no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us.” (11:30–11:45)
  A lesson in unity and openness among God’s people.

• Warnings Against Causing Others to Sin
  “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
  Jesus uses strong language to emphasize the seriousness of sin and spiritual responsibility. (11:53–12:07)

• Cutting off Sin
  “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. … It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell … Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” (12:07–End)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go that they may serve me.” — Moses to Pharaoh (Exodus 10:3, 00:26)
• “I believe; help my unbelief!” — Father of the boy to Jesus (Mark 9:24, 09:10)
• “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” — Jesus (Mark 9:35, 10:53)
• “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” — David (Psalm 30:5, 06:25)
• “The one who is not against us is for us.” — Jesus (Mark 9:40, 11:45)
• “Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” — Jesus (Mark 9:50, 12:08)

Key Timestamps

• 00:01–05:53 — Exodus 10–11: Final plagues and Moses’ proclamations to Pharaoh
• 05:58–07:06 — Psalm 30: David’s praise and thanksgiving
• 07:09–12:13 — Mark 9: The Transfiguration, exorcism, lessons in faith, humility, and warnings about sin

Tone & Style

The episode is scripture-rich, contemplative, and serious, with moments of dramatic intensity (the plagues, demonic possession, Jesus’ rebukes), honest emotion (“I believe; help my unbelief!”), and hope (“joy comes with the morning”). The readings are direct and solemn, inviting listeners to both awe and reflection.