Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: January 5 (Genesis 9–10; Psalm 5; Matthew 7)
Date: January 5, 2026
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey through the Bible in a year, featuring sequential readings from the Old Testament (Genesis 9–10), a Psalm (Psalm 5), and the New Testament (Matthew 7). The text follows the ESV (English Standard Version). Today’s selections cover God’s covenant with Noah after the flood, the spread of nations from Noah’s sons, David’s prayer for guidance and protection, and Jesus’ powerful teaching on judgment, prayer, and living wisely from the Sermon on the Mount.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Genesis 9–10: God’s Covenant with Noah & The Table of Nations

• The Covenant and Its Sign:

  • God blesses Noah and his sons, instructing them to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (00:01).
  • God institutes a new relationship between humanity and animals, giving all creatures into human hands for food, with the exception of consuming blood.
  • Quote:
    • “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.” (00:23)
  • God establishes a solemn covenant: Never again will a flood destroy all life.
  • The rainbow is introduced as the covenant sign:
    • Quote:
      • “I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” (02:06)

• Noah’s Later Life and Family Dynamics:

  • Noah plants a vineyard, becomes drunk, and lies uncovered in his tent.
  • Ham, father of Canaan, sees Noah’s nakedness and tells his brothers. Shem and Japheth respectfully cover their father.
  • Noah curses Canaan and blesses Shem and Japheth.
    • Quote:
      • “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers ... Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant.” (04:04)

• Nations after the Flood:

  • The “Table of Nations” details the descendants of Noah’s sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
  • Nations, languages, and lands are detailed for each, emphasizing the spread and diversity of humanity.
    • Nimrod, “a mighty hunter before the Lord,” becomes a notable figure and founder of several cities, including Babel. (07:05)
    • The descendants of each son are listed, highlighting areas later prominent in biblical history.

2. Psalm 5: David’s Prayer for Guidance and Justice

• David’s Morning Plea:

  • David pours out his distress, seeking God’s attention and favor at the start of the day.
    • Quote:
      • “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.” (14:31)
  • God’s holiness is highlighted: He does not tolerate evil or arrogance.
    • Quote:
      • “You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.” (15:00)

• Hope for the Righteous:

  • David contrasts the fate of the wicked—who will not stand in God’s presence—with the blessing and protection given to the righteous.
  • God’s steadfast love offers the faithful access and security.
    • Quote:
      • “Let all who take refuge in you rejoice ... spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.” (16:10)
  • The Psalm closes with David’s affirmation of God’s favor as a shield for the righteous. (16:51)

3. Matthew 7: Concluding the Sermon on the Mount

• Judging Others:

  • Jesus warns against hypocritical or harsh judgment.
    • Quote:
      • “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged.” (17:05)
  • The familiar imagery of the speck and the log in the eye is introduced, emphasizing self-examination before critiquing others. (17:24)

• Discernment and Prayer:

  • Advice to be discerning with sharing what is holy (“Do not give dogs what is holy...”). (18:04)
  • Jesus encourages persistent prayer, trusting in God’s goodness.
    • Quote:
      • “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (18:42)
    • God gives good gifts far beyond human generosity.

• The Golden Rule and Paths of Life:

  • Jesus lays out the “Golden Rule”:
    • “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (19:22)
  • Contrasts between the wide gate to destruction and the narrow way to life, urging listeners to choose carefully. (19:34)

• Warnings Against False Prophets:

  • Disciples are warned that false prophets may appear righteous but are inwardly dangerous. Fruitfulness is the true test.
    • “You will recognize them by their fruits.” (20:14)

• Genuine Discipleship:

  • Not everyone who professes Jesus as Lord will enter God’s kingdom; only those who do the Father’s will.
    • Quote:
      • “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name...?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (21:15)

• The Wise and Foolish Builders:

  • Jesus closes with the parable of the two foundations:
    • The one who hears and does Jesus’ words is like one who builds on rock—secure in every storm. (22:05)
    • The one who neglects them is like one who builds on sand—his house collapses.
    • Quote:
      • “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (22:18)

• Conclusion:

  • The crowd is “astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” (23:11)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• “I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:13, 02:06)
• “You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.” (Psalm 5:4, 15:00)
• “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, 18:42)
• “You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20:14)
• “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24, 22:18)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Genesis 9: Noah’s Covenant and Descendants: 00:01–13:58
• Psalm 5: Morning Prayer for Guidance and Justice: 13:59–17:04
• Matthew 7: Sermon on the Mount – Final Teachings: 17:05–23:33

Structure & Flow

This episode weaves together pivotal moments in biblical history and instruction:

• God’s unbreakable covenant after the flood and humanity’s new beginning (Genesis).
• A heartfelt plea for divine guidance and steadfastness (Psalm).
• Jesus’ call to humility, discernment, sincere obedience, and practical wisdom in everyday life (Matthew).

Each section is read with clarity and reverence, capturing both the narrative drama and the spiritual gravity of the texts.

For listeners and readers alike, this episode offers foundational moments of covenant, prayerful trust, and practical discipleship—reminding us that God’s promises, justice, and the call to authentic faithfulness remain central to the biblical story.