Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 7 (Exodus 20–21; Psalm 35; Mark 14)

Date: February 7, 2026
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey through the ESV Bible, featuring passages from Exodus 20–21, Psalm 35, and Mark 14. The readings move from the giving of the Ten Commandments and detailed legal codes in the Old Testament, into the lament and plea for deliverance in Psalm 35, and culminate with the pivotal events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion in the Gospel of Mark. The episode emphasizes the gravity of God’s law, the hope for justice and deliverance, and the profound fulfillment of scripture in Jesus’s suffering, betrayal, and trial.

Key Discussion Points and Readings

1. Exodus 20–21: The Ten Commandments and Laws for Israel

• Ten Commandments Delivered – God proclaims his identity as the deliverer and establishes core laws, including:

  • No other gods or idols
  • Not taking the Lord’s name in vain
  • Sabbath observance
  • Honoring parents
  • Prohibitions against murder, adultery, stealing, false witness, and coveting
    (00:01–02:41)

  “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” (00:10, Exodus 20:3-4)

• God’s Manifest Presence – The people respond with awe and fear to God’s presence on Sinai, expressing terror at his nearness. Moses reassures and mediates.
  (02:41–03:09)

  “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” — Moses (02:59)

• Instructions for Worship and Altars – God commands pure worship and specific instructions for constructing altars without ornate or human-made embellishments. (03:09–03:56)

• Ethical and Justice Laws –

  • Hebrew servitude: Limits on years of service, the possibility of lifelong servitude out of love, and rights for women.
  • Capital crimes: Striking or cursing parents, murder, kidnapping, and violence.
  • Laws of restitution: Injury, accidental harm, property damage, and compensation are laid out.
  • Principle of proportionality: “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth…”
    (03:56–06:36)

  “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth…” (05:15, Exodus 21:24)

2. Psalm 35: A Cry for Deliverance and Vindication

• David’s Plea – David prays for God to contend with those who attack and plot evil against him, asking for their disgrace and for God’s vindication. (06:53–09:37)

  “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me.” (06:53)

• Personal Betrayal – David laments the malice of those whom he cared for in their time of need but who now rejoice at his downfall.

  “They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft.” (07:50)

• Vindication and Praise – The psalm concludes with hope: God will deliver and all will praise His righteousness.

  “Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy... Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant.” (09:15, 09:23)

3. Mark 14: The Passover, Betrayal, and Arrest of Jesus

• The Plot Against Jesus – The chief priests plot secretly to arrest and kill Jesus before Passover. (09:40–09:55)

• The Anointing at Bethany – A woman anoints Jesus with costly ointment. Others question the act, but Jesus defends her, connecting her act to his burial and memorializing her forever.
  (09:55–10:18)

  “She has done a beautiful thing to me… She has anointed my body beforehand for burial.” — Jesus (10:19)
  “Wherever the gospel is proclaimed… what she has done will be told in memory of her.” (10:34)

• The Betrayal by Judas – Judas arranges with the priests to betray Jesus for money.
  (10:40–11:01)

• The Last Supper (Institution of Communion) –

  • Jesus gathers with the disciples, predicts his betrayal, and institutes the bread and wine as his body and blood.
  • Foretells Peter’s denial.
    (11:25–13:00)

  “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” — Jesus (12:02)
  “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” — Jesus to Peter (12:59)

• Gethsemane –

  • Jesus is deeply distressed, asks Peter, James, and John to watch and pray, and pours his heart out to God, yielding to the Father’s will.
  • Disciples repeatedly fall asleep, highlighting weakness and foreshadowing their failure.
    (13:00–14:20)

  “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” — Jesus (13:38)
  “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Jesus (14:01)

• The Arrest –

  • Judas arrives with a mob, betrays Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus is seized while his followers flee. A young man escapes, leaving his linen cloth. (14:21–15:06)

  “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?” — Jesus (15:01)

• Jesus Before the High Priest –

  • False witnesses conflict in testimony; Jesus remains largely silent.
  • When directly asked, he confirms his identity as the Christ.
  • He predicts his coming glory, prompting the high priest to accuse him of blasphemy.
  • Jesus is condemned and abused.
    (15:06–16:35)

  “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
  “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” — Jesus (16:00–16:07)

• Peter’s Denial –

  • Peter denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows, then weeps in bitter realization. (16:36–end)

  “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” — Peter (16:34)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” (00:10, Exodus 20:4)
• “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” — Moses (02:59)
• “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth…” (05:15, Exodus 21:24)
• “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me.” (06:53, Psalm 35:1)
• “She has done a beautiful thing to me… wherever the gospel is proclaimed… what she has done will be told in memory of her.” — Jesus (10:19–10:34)
• “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Jesus (14:01)
• “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?... I am.” — Jesus (16:00–16:07)
• Peter’s bitter breakdown: “And he broke down and wept.” (end)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–06:36 – Exodus 20–21: Ten Commandments & Laws
• 06:53–09:37 – Psalm 35: David’s Lament and Plea
• 09:40–16:36 – Mark 14: Plot, Anointing, Last Supper, Gethsemane, Betrayal, Trial, Peter’s Denial

Summary

This episode roots listeners in the moral and spiritual framework of the Ten Commandments, draws them into the emotional turbulence and hope-filled faith of David’s prayers, and then places them alongside Jesus in the unfolding sorrow, betrayal, and steadfast resolution leading up to the cross. Through the readings, listeners are invited to contemplate God’s holiness and justice, the reality of suffering and the longing for salvation, and the cost and fulfillment of redemption in Christ—all told in the solemn, measured cadence of scripture.