Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 19 (Genesis 34–35; Psalm 18:25–50; Matthew 22) Date: January 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, passages are read from Genesis 34–35 (the story of Dinah, the violence at Shechem, Jacob’s return to Bethel, and the deaths of Rachel and Isaac), Psalm 18:25–50 (David’s song of praise for deliverance), and Matthew 22 (Jesus’ parables, confrontations with religious leaders, and teaching on the great commandments). The readings move through moments of vengeance and reconciliation, deep praise in hardship, and Jesus’ wisdom confronting the norms and expectations of his day.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis 34–35: Dinah, Shechem, and Jacob’s Blessing

• Dinah and Shechem’s Tragedy [00:01-03:29]

  • Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, is violated by Shechem, the local prince.
  • Shechem seeks to marry Dinah, pushing his father Hamor to negotiate with Jacob’s family.
  • Jacob’s sons, angry over Dinah’s humiliation, deceive Shechem and Hamor by demanding all their men be circumcised. While the men recover, Simeon and Levi attack the city, killing the men and plundering.
  • Jacob fears the consequences and possible retribution from neighboring tribes:

    "You have brought trouble on me by making me stink to the inhabitants of the land..." (Jacob, 03:29)

• God’s Command and Protection [03:31-04:30]

  • God prompts Jacob to move to Bethel and build an altar.
  • Jacob commands his household to reject foreign gods and purify themselves.
  • God protects Jacob’s family as they travel, striking terror in the surrounding cities so they aren’t pursued.

• God’s Covenant Reaffirmed and Family Losses [04:31-06:54]

  • At Bethel, God reaffirms Jacob’s new identity (“Israel”) and repeats his promise of descendants and land.
  • Rachel dies in childbirth, naming her son Ben-Oni, but Jacob names him Benjamin.
  • Reuben lies with Bilhah, introducing familial tension.
  • Isaac dies and is buried by Jacob and Esau.

2. Psalm 18:25–50: Praise for Deliverance and Divine Strength

• Themes of Mercy, Strength, and Vindication [07:02-09:12]
  • David sings of God’s justice and faithful dealings with the humble and pure.

    "With the merciful you show yourself merciful... With the crooked you make yourself seem torturous." (Psalm Reader, 07:02)

  • Amidst battle language, God is depicted as a deliverer, source of strength, and foundation.

    "It is you who light my lamp. The Lord my God lightens my darkness." (Psalm Reader, 07:15)

  • David credits his victories and security to God’s active support and gentleness.

    "Your gentleness made me great." (Psalm Reader, 07:49)

  • The psalm ends exalting God’s kingship and faithfulness to David and his descendants.

3. Matthew 22: Parables, Challenges, and the Greatest Commandments

• Parable of the Wedding Feast [09:21-10:02]

  • Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king’s wedding feast.
  • Invited guests reject the call; others harm the king’s servants. The king invites everyone, good and bad, but expels a guest not properly attired, underscoring the seriousness of responding to God’s invitation.

    "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Jesus, 10:01)

• Paying Taxes to Caesar [10:02-10:44]

  • Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus over taxes.
  • Jesus responds with memorable wisdom:

    "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." (Jesus, 10:43)

• Resurrection and Marriage [10:44-11:52]

  • Sadducees challenge Jesus on resurrection doctrine through the story of the seven brothers.
  • Jesus corrects them:

    "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." (Jesus, 11:17)

  • Emphasizes God as "not God of the dead, but of the living." (Jesus, 11:27)

• The Greatest Commandments [12:14-12:40]

  • Asked about the greatest law, Jesus prioritizes love for God and neighbor:

    "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. … You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Jesus, 12:16–12:40)

• Jesus’ Question on the Christ [12:41-End]

  • Jesus challenges the Pharisees about the Messiah’s identity (descendant of David yet called “Lord” by David), leaving them speechless.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jacob’s Despair Over His Sons’ Violence:

  "You have brought trouble on me by making me stink to the inhabitants of the land..." (Jacob, 03:29)

• David’s Exaltation of God:

  "It is you who light my lamp. The Lord my God lightens my darkness." (Psalm Reader, 07:15)
  "Your gentleness made me great." (Psalm Reader, 07:49)

• Jesus’ Masterful Teaching:

  "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." (Jesus, 10:43) "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. … You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Jesus, 12:16-12:40)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Dinah/Shechem narrative and aftermath — [00:01-03:29]
• God's call to Bethel, blessing and family events — [03:31-06:54]
• David’s Psalm of Praise — [07:02-09:12]
• Parable of the Wedding Feast — [09:21-10:02]
• Debate about taxes — [10:02-10:44]
• Question on resurrection and marriage — [10:44-11:52]
• The Greatest (and Second Greatest) Commandment — [12:14-12:40]
• Jesus’ question on Christ/Messiah and the silence of his opponents — [12:41-End]

Episode Takeaway

This episode journeys through tragedy and violence, divine protection, and reconciling promises in the Old Testament; celebrates God as defender and redeemer in the Psalms; and in the Gospel reading, reveals Jesus’ wisdom, authority, and focus on the heart at the center of true faith: love for God and neighbor.