Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: February 8 (Exodus 22–23; Psalm 36; Mark 15)
Original Air Date: February 8, 2026
Host: Crossway
Featured Reader: Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey through the ESV Bible, presenting powerful passages from Exodus, Psalms, and Mark. Today’s readings focus on God’s laws for communal justice in Exodus, a poetic meditation on God's steadfast love in Psalm 36, and a moving account of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Mark 15. The episode intertwines both the seriousness of God’s justice and the depths of divine compassion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Exodus 22–23: Laws of Justice and Mercy

(00:01–07:35)

• Restitution and Justice:
  The laws cover a range of situations—property theft, grazing animals on others' land, and fire damage—requiring fair restitution.

  • "If a man steals an ox or sheep and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." (00:01)

• Social Justice:
  Israel is called to care for sojourners, widows, orphans, and the poor.

  • "You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt." (00:49)
  • "If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a money lender to him, you shall not exact interest from him." (01:16)

• Honesty and Integrity:
  Commands against false testimony, following the crowd to do evil, or perverting justice either for or against the poor.

  • "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness." (02:08)

• Sabbath and Festivals:
  The laws prescribe seasons of rest for the land and its people, as well as annual festivals to remember God’s deliverance.

  • "Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest." (04:34)
  • "Three times in the year you shall keep a feast to me." (04:55)

• Promise of Divine Presence:
  God promises an angelic guide and a gradual, purposeful conquest of the Promised Land.

  • "Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you... Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice." (05:51)
  • "Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possessed the land." (06:53)

2. Psalm 36: Meditation on God’s Steadfast Love

(07:35–08:36)

• Contrast Between Wickedness and God’s Faithfulness:
  The psalm describes the deep corruption in the heart of the wicked but then exalts the overwhelming steadfast love, faithfulness, and righteousness of God.

  • "Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart... There is no fear of God before his eyes." (07:35)
  • "Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds." (07:57)

• Dependence on God:
  Highlights mankind’s refuge and sustenance in God’s care.

  • "How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings." (08:10)
  • "With you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light." (08:21)

3. Mark 15: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

(08:44–End)

• Jesus Before Pilate:
  Jesus faces trial, remains mostly silent, and astounds Pilate with his composure amid many accusations.

  • "Are you the King of the Jews? And he answered him, 'You have said so.'" (08:50)
  • "But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed." (08:58)

• The Crowd Chooses Barabbas:
  The crowd is incited by the leaders to demand Barabbas' release and Jesus’ crucifixion.

  • "Crucify him...Why, what evil has he done? But they shouted all the more, 'Crucify him!'" (09:24)

• Mockery and Crucifixion:
  Soldiers mock Jesus as "King of the Jews," place a crown of thorns on his head, and lead him out to be crucified at Golgotha.

  • "They clothed him in a purple cloak and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him...Hail, King of the Jews!" (09:46)

• The Death of Jesus:
  At the ninth hour, Jesus utters his forsaken cry, fulfills the Scriptures, and breathes his last.

  • "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (10:25)
  • "Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." (10:31)

• The Centurion’s Recognition and Burial:
  The Roman centurion declares Jesus to be God's Son; Joseph of Arimathea arranges a proper burial.

  • "Truly, this man was the Son of God." (10:36)
  • "Joseph of Arimathea...took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus." (11:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Divine Compassion and Justice:
  "If you lend money to any of my people...you shall not be like a money lender to him...If he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate." (01:16)

• On the Sabbath Principle:
  "Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman and the alien may be refreshed." (04:34)

• On God’s Steadfast Love:
  "How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings." (08:10)

• On the Profound Moment of the Cross:
  "And the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." (10:31) "Truly, this man was the Son of God." (10:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Exodus 22–23: Laws and Justice — 00:01–07:35
• Psalm 36: Steadfast Love of God — 07:35–08:36
• Mark 15: Crucifixion and Burial — 08:44–End

Episode Tone

The episode is characterized by a reverent, contemplative tone, letting Scripture speak for itself with clarity and solemnity. The readings offer a balance between the gravity of God's justice and the magnitude of his mercy, culminating in the awe-inspiring narrative of the crucifixion.

For Listeners

This episode is suitable for daily devotion, a reflective listen for both new readers and those familiar with Scripture, offering powerful reminders of the practical, moral, and spiritual dimensions of the biblical story. The selected passages together underscore the seriousness of sin, the call to justice and compassion, and the depth of God's redeeming love through Christ's sacrifice.