Episode Overview

Main Theme:
This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry (January 20) brings three distinct biblical readings: the genealogy and legacy of Esau (Genesis 36), the poetic celebration of God’s glory through creation (Psalm 19:1–6), and Jesus’ stark denunciation of the hypocrisy of religious leaders (Matthew 23). Each segment provides insight into God’s faithfulness across generations, the ever-present testimony of creation, and the central call to sincere, humble faith.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis 36: The Generations of Esau

[00:01–04:49]

• Genealogy and Legacy:
  The passage meticulously traces the descendants of Esau (also known as Edom), his spouses, and the development of Edomite leadership.

  • Esau’s wives include Idah (a Hittite), Oholibamah (a Hivite), and Basemath (Ishmael’s daughter) – illustrating intermingling of nations.
  • His immediate children and eventual tribal chiefs set the stage for the formation of the Edomite nation.

• Separation from Jacob:
  “Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, his livestock…He went into a land away from his brother Jacob. For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together,” (02:07).

  • This echoes earlier separations in Genesis (e.g., Abraham and Lot), signaling the fulfillment of God’s promises and the population challenges in the land of Canaan.

• Rise of Edomite Chiefs and Kings:
  The narrative lists chiefs and early kings of Edom, highlighting political structures that predate Israel’s own monarchy.

  • Notable is the reference: “These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites…” (03:54).

2. Psalm 19:1–6: Creation Testifies of God

[04:49–05:22]

• Creation as Continuous Witness:
  “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” (04:49–04:57)

  • The psalmist poetically affirms that every moment of creation reflects God’s majesty, without the need for human speech.

• Universal Reach:
  “Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” (04:59)

  • The message of God’s glory is accessible everywhere, not restricted by language or location.

• Imagery of the Sun:
  The sun’s daily routine is compared to a “bridegroom leaving his chamber” and a “strong man [who] runs its course with joy.” (05:07)

  • “There is nothing hidden from its heat.” (05:21), suggesting the pervasiveness of God’s presence.

3. Matthew 23: Jesus Condemns Religious Hypocrisy

[05:22–end]

• Warning Against Hypocrisy:
  Jesus openly criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for failing to practice what they preach:

  • “For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” (05:30)

• Show vs. Substance:
  “They do all their deeds to be seen by others…” (05:36).

  • Jesus denounces religious leaders for seeking honor and recognition instead of genuine service.

• Call to Humility:
  “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (05:49)

• Seven Woes:
  Jesus pronounces a series of woes on the scribes and Pharisees, repeatedly calling them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” and “whitewashed tombs.”

  • “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites. For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” (06:37)
  • “You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!” (06:40)
  • “For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones…” (06:55)
  • “You serpents, you brood of vipers! How are you to escape being sentenced to hell?” (07:20)

• Lament Over Jerusalem:
  Jesus expresses profound sorrow over Jerusalem’s history of rejecting prophets:

  • “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (07:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “For they preach, but do not practice.” (05:30, Jesus in Matthew 23)
• “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (04:49, Psalm 19:1)
• “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (05:49, Jesus in Matthew 23)
• “You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!” (06:40, Jesus in Matthew 23)
• “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets… How often would I have gathered your children… and you were not willing!” (07:47, Jesus in Matthew 23)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Genesis 36 (The Generations of Esau): 00:01–04:49
• Psalm 19:1–6 (Creation Testifies of God): 04:49–05:22
• Matthew 23 (Jesus Denounces Hypocritical Leaders): 05:22–end

Tone & Style

The episode stays closely aligned to the ESV translation, offering straightforward narrative, lyrical psalmody, and the piercing directness of Christ’s teaching. The solemn recounting of genealogies contrasts with the soaring language of the psalm and the urgent prophetic warning and compassion voiced by Jesus.

Summary Takeaway

Through this day’s readings, listeners witness God’s faithfulness across generations (even amid complicated family legacies), the unstoppable testimony of the created world, and the uncompromising standard of heartfelt, authentic faith—summed up in Jesus’ warnings and pleas for humility, justice, and true devotion.