January 7 (Genesis 13–15; Psalm 7; Matthew 9)

Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: January 7 (Genesis 13–15; Psalm 7; Matthew 9)
Date: January 7, 2026

This episode features daily Bible readings from the Old Testament (Genesis 13–15), Psalms (Psalm 7), and the New Testament (Matthew 9). The podcast’s central theme is the unfolding of God's promises to Abram (later Abraham), David’s plea for justice and refuge in the Psalms, and the revelation of Christ’s authority and compassion through miraculous healings and teachings in the Gospel of Matthew.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis 13–15: God’s Promises to Abram and His Faithfulness

• Abram and Lot Separate (00:01–01:24)

  • Abram and Lot’s growing wealth causes strife; Abram nobly suggests separating to maintain peace:
    • Quote: “Let there be no strife between you and me... Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me.” (00:47, Abram)
  • Lot chooses the fertile Jordan Valley, settling near Sodom—foreshadowed as a place of wickedness.

• God’s Promise to Abram (01:24–01:45)

  • After their separation, God reaffirms His promise of land and countless descendants:
    • Quote: “For all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever... I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth...” (01:13–01:23)

• Abram Rescues Lot (01:45–04:40)

  • War breaks out among local kings; Lot is taken captive.
  • Abram acts with courage, leading 318 men to rescue Lot and possessions, demonstrating faith and leadership.

• Encounter with Melchizedek (King of Salem) (04:40–05:53)

  • Melchizedek blesses Abram:
    • Quote: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” (05:06)
  • Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything, showing gratitude and recognizing God’s hand in victory.
  • Abram refuses Sodom's king’s reward, highlighting his devotion to God's provision alone.

• God’s Covenant with Abram (05:53–07:37)

  • God reassures Abram of both protection and a promised heir; despite doubts, Abram’s faith is credited as righteousness:
    • Quote: “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” (06:29)
  • God instructs a covenant ritual, prophesying Israel’s future in Egypt and ultimate possession of the land.

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2. Psalm 7: David’s Prayer for Justice and Refuge

• Earnest Appeal to God’s Righteousness (07:43–09:19)
  • Facing slander, David seeks refuge, examination, and vindication from God.
  • Quote: “O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge... if I have repaid my friend with evil... let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it...” (07:43–08:05)
  • David proclaims God as the ultimate judge, expressing trust in divine justice and integrity.
  • Concludes with praise and thanksgiving for God’s righteousness—resting in his faith-filled expectation of deliverance.

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3. Matthew 9: Jesus's Authority, Grace, and Compassion

• Forgiving and Healing the Paralytic (09:22–10:04)

  • Jesus demonstrates his divine authority by both forgiving sins and healing physical ailments:
    • Quote: “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” (09:33, Jesus)
    • Scribes object, but Jesus heals as proof of his authority.

• Calling of Matthew and Fellowship with Sinners (10:04–10:43)

  • Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector to follow him.
  • Criticized for associating with “tax collectors and sinners,” Jesus responds:
    • Quote: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick... I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (10:19–10:34, Jesus)

• On Fasting and Newness (10:43–11:18)

  • Jesus teaches about the appropriateness of fasting, new wine in new wineskins, emphasizing the newness of his ministry.

• Miracles of Restoration (11:18–12:37)

  • Jesus raises a ruler’s daughter and heals a woman with a twelve-year illness:
    • Quote: “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” (11:41, Jesus)
  • Jesus heals two blind men, affirming faith as the key to their healing.
  • Casts out a demon, enabling a mute man to speak; the crowds marvel while Pharisees accuse him of demonic power.

• Jesus’s Compassion and the Call for Workers (12:37–13:22)

  • Jesus is moved by the crowds’ spiritual need:
    • Quote: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (13:17–13:22, Jesus)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Abram defers to Lot for the sake of peace (00:47): “Let there be no strife between you and me...” – Abram
• God’s promise is abundantly generous (01:13): “I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth...”
• Melchizedek’s blessing invokes faith’s reward (05:06): “Blessed be Abram by God Most High...”
• The Gospel’s central call to mercy (10:19): “Those who are well have no need of a physician... I desire mercy, and not sacrifice...” – Jesus
• Faith at the heart of healing (11:41): “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” – Jesus
• Jesus’s vision for God’s harvest (13:17): “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few...”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Genesis 13: Abram and Lot Separate – 00:01–01:24
• Genesis 14–15: War, Rescue, and Covenant – 01:24–07:37
• Psalm 7: David’s Prayer and Praise – 07:43–09:19
• Matthew 9: Forgiveness, Healing, and Calling – 09:22–13:22

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This episode weaves together foundational narratives—highlighting themes of faith, obedience, God's gracious promise, and the surprising depth of Christ’s authority and compassion. Whether you’re reading for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, these readings provide deep encouragement and powerful reminders of God’s continual work in the world and in individual lives.

Transcript

[A]

A reading from the Book of Genesis. So Abram went up from Egypt, he.

[B]

And his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him into the Negeb. Now, Abram was very rich in livestock.

[A]

In silver and in gold.

[B]

And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and AI, to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the Lord and. And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together. For their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time, the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.

[A]

Then Abram said to Lot, let there be no strife between you and me and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen.

[B]

For we are kinsmen.

[A]

Is not the whole land before you separate yourself from me?

[B]

If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right.

[A]

Or if you take the right hand.

[B]

Then I will go to the left.

[A]

And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt in the direction of Zoar. This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley and and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord. The Lord said to Abram after Lot had separated from him, lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are northward and southward and eastward and westward. For all the land that you see, I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise. Walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you. So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron. And there he built an altar to the Lord. In the days of Amraphel, king of Shinar, Arioch, king of Eleazar, Keler Lamer, king of Elam and Tital, King of Goyim. These kings made war with Bera, king of Sodom. Birsha, king of Gomorrah. Shinab, king of Admah. Shemeber, king of Zeboyim. And the king of Bela. And all these joined forces in the valley of Siddim. That is, the Salt Sea. 12 years they had served chedolomer. But in the 13th year they rebelled. In the 14th year, kedolaomer and the kings who were with him. Came and defeated. The Rephaim and Ashtaroth. Carnaim.

[B]

The Zuzim and Ham.

[A]

The Emim and Sheba. Kiriathaim and the Horites. In their hill country of Seir. As far as El Paran, on the border of the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to Enmishpat. And defeated all the country of the Amalekites. And also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazan. Tamar. Then the king of Sodom. The king of Gomorrah. The king of Admah. The king of Zeboam. And the king of Bela. That is Zoar. Went out and they joined battle in the valley of Siddim. With Ketolaomer, king of Elam, title king of Goyim. Amraphel, king of Shinar. And Arioch, king of Eleazar. Four kings against five. Now the valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits. And as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled. Some fell into them. And the rest fled to the hill country. So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah. And all their provisions. And went their way. And they also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother. Who was dwelling in Sodom. And his possessions. And went their way. Then one who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. Who was living by the oaks of Mamre. The Amorite brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his kinsmen had been taken captive. He led forth his trained men born in his house, 318 of them. And went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night. And he and his servants. And defeated them. And pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions. And also brought back his kinsman Lot. With his possessions and the women and the people. After his return from the defeat of Ketolaomer and the kings who were with him. The king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh. That is, the King's Valley. And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, blessed be Abram, by God most High possessor of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High who has delivered your enemies into your hand. And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself. But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted my hand to the Lord God Most High possessor of heaven and earth that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours. Lest you should say I have made Abram rich. I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eskol and Mamre take their share. After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. Fear not, Abram. I am your shield. Your reward shall be very great. But Abram said, O Lord God, what will you give me? For I continue childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus. And Abram said, behold, you have given me no offspring. And a member of my household will be my heir. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him. This man shall not be your heir. Your very own son shall be your heir. And he brought him outside and said, look toward heaven and number the stars if you are able to number them. Then he said to him, so shall your offspring be. And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. And he said to him, I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you.

[B]

This land to possess.

[A]

But he said, o Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it? He said to him, bring me A heifer 3 years old. A female goat 3 years old. A ram 3 years old. A turtledove and a young pigeon. And he brought him all these, cut them in half and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. Then the Lord said to Abram, know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in the land that is not theirs and will be servants there. And they will be afflicted for 400 years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace. You shall be buried in a good.

[B]

Old age, and they shall come back.

[A]

Here in the fourth generation. For the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying to your offspring, I will give this land from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Chizonites, the Cabinites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. A reading from the Book of Psalms. A shigeon of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of cushion, a Benjaminite. O Lord, my God, in you do I take refuge.

[B]

Save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest, like a lion, they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.

[A]

O Lord, my God, if I have.

[B]

Done this, if there is wrong in my hands, if I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause, let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it. And let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah. Arise, O Lord, in your anger lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies. Awake from me. You have appointed a judgment. Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you over it.

[A]

Return on high. The Lord judges the peoples. Judge me, O Lord, according to my.

[B]

Righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.

[A]

O let the evil of the wicked.

[B]

Come to an end.

[A]

And.

[B]

And may you establish the righteous, you who test the minds and hearts. O righteous God. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation every day. If a man does not repent, God.

[A]

Will whet his sword.

[B]

He has bent and readied his bow.

[A]

He has prepared for him his deadly.

[B]

Weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts. Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies. He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made.

[A]

His mischief returns upon his own head.

[B]

And on his own skull his violence descends. I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the most High.

[A]

A reading of the Gospel according to Matthew.

[B]

In getting into a boat, he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, take heart, my son. Your sins are forgiven. And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, this man is blaspheming. But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, why.

[A]

Do you think evil in your hearts?

[B]

For which is easier to say your sins are forgiven? Or to say, rise and walk. But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. He then said to the paralytic, rise, pick up your bed and go home. And he rose and went home. When the crowd saw it, they were afraid and they glorified God who had given such authority to men. As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, follow me. And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? But when he heard it, he said, those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick, go and learn what this means. I desire mercy and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, why do we and the Pharisees fast? But your disciples do not fast? And Jesus said to them, can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. For the patch tears away from the garment and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved. While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, my daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and she will live. And Jesus rose and followed him with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for 12 years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment. For she said to herself, if I only touch his garment, I will be made well. Jesus turned. And seeing her, he said, take heart, daughter. Your faith has made you well. And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, go away, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping. And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand. And the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district. And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, have mercy on us, Son of David. When he entered the house, the blind men came to him. And Jesus said to them, do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to him, yes, Lord. Then he touched their eyes, saying, according to your faith, let it be done to you. And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, see that no one knows about it. But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. As they were going away, behold a demon. Oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, never was anything like this seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said he cast out demons by the prince of demons. And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues. And proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. And healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them. Because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

[A]

Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of.

[B]

The harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.