Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 4 (Exodus 13–14; Psalm 32; Mark 11)
Date: February 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of “Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry” centers on God’s miraculous deliverance and faithfulness. The readings span Exodus 13–14 (the exodus from Egypt and crossing of the Red Sea), Psalm 32 (the blessedness of forgiveness), and Mark 11 (Jesus’ triumphal entry, the cleansing of the temple, the withered fig tree, and a profound teaching on prayer and forgiveness). The tone is reverent, focused on the text, and meant to encourage reflection and a deeper understanding of God’s work throughout scripture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Exodus 13–14: Deliverance and God’s Glory ([00:01–07:39])

• Consecration of the Firstborn

  • God commands Moses to consecrate every firstborn of Israel, both man and animal:
    “Consecrate to me all the firstborn… whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.” (00:01)
  • Significance: Remembrance of God’s deliverance from Egypt and a lasting ordinance for future generations.

• Unleavened Bread and Remembrance

  • Moses instructs the people to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a sign of God’s mighty deliverance:
    “You shall tell your son…it is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.” (02:49)
  • The Passover is meant to foster generational memory and faith.

• The Lord Guides & Protects

  • God leads Israel through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night ([03:55]).

• Crossing the Red Sea

  • Pharaoh pursues Israel after a change of heart; Israel faces fear and doubt:
    “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” (05:33)
  • Moses’ assurance:
    “Fear not. Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today…” (05:49)
  • God works a miracle: The sea divides, Israel crosses on dry land, and the pursuing Egyptians are destroyed ([06:44–07:28]).
  • Culmination:
    “Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians… the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.” (07:34)

2. Psalm 32: Blessedness of Forgiveness ([07:39–08:51])

• The Joy of Forgiveness

  • David reflects:
    “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (07:39)
  • The psalm acknowledges both the agony of hidden sin and the relief of confession.

• Confession and Instruction

  • Notable line:
    “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (07:58)
  • God as protector:
    “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” (08:12)

• Instruction for the Listener

  • God counsels His people to accept guidance and avoid stubbornness:
    “Be not like a horse or mule without understanding…” (08:27)
  • The psalm closes with a call to joyous trust:
    “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” (08:47)

3. Mark 11: The King Arrives ([08:51–End])

• The Triumphal Entry

  • Jesus’ deliberate fulfillment of prophecy by riding a colt into Jerusalem:
    “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (09:40)
  • The crowd recognizes Jesus as king and the promised Messiah.

• Cursing of the Fig Tree

  • Jesus seeks fruit on a fig tree, finds none, and curses it ([09:54–10:10]).
    • Symbolism: a warning about fruitless religiosity.

• Cleansing the Temple

  • Jesus drives out commerce from the temple:
    “Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.” (10:30)
  • The religious leaders are threatened by his authority:
    “The chief priests and scribes…were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.” (10:34)

• The Withered Fig Tree & Teaching on Faith

  • The disciples see the withered fig tree, and Jesus underscores the power of faith and prayer:
    “Have faith in God…whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart…but believes…it will be done for him.” (11:00)
  • Jesus highlights both the necessity of faith and the requirement of forgiveness:
    “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father…may forgive you…” (11:11)

• Questioned Authority

  • Religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority. He responds with a probing question about John the Baptist, exposing their motives ([11:58–12:01]).
  • His answer:
    “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (12:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Moses to Israel at the Red Sea:
  “Fear not. Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today… The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” — Moses, (05:49)

• Psalm 32’s Blessing:
  “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” — David, (07:39)

• Jesus on the Temple:
  “Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.” — Jesus, (10:30)

• Jesus on Prayer & Faith:
  “Have faith in God… whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” — Jesus, (11:00–11:11)

• Jesus Silencing His Accusers:
  “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” — Jesus, (12:01)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------| | 00:01 | Exodus 13–14: Consecration & Red Sea | | 05:49 | Moses: “Fear not… The Lord will fight…” | | 07:39 | Psalm 32: Blessing of forgiveness | | 08:51 | Mark 11: Triumphal entry | | 10:30 | Jesus Cleanses the Temple | | 11:00 | Withered fig tree; teaching on faith | | 11:58 | Jesus questioned by religious leaders | | 12:01 | Jesus: “Neither will I tell you…” |

Summary & Takeaways

This episode showcases the thread of God’s saving power, from the Old Testament rescue at the Red Sea, to the deep blessedness of forgiveness in the Psalms, to Jesus’ authority and call for true faith and repentance in the Gospels. The readings encourage listeners to:

• Remember God’s faithfulness in the past
• Rejoice in forgiveness
• Pursue authentic faith and prayer
• Courageously trust God’s promises, even when facing obstacles

It’s a compelling journey through the heart of scripture’s redemptive story, inviting the audience to reflect on God’s power, presence, and perfect plan.