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.

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.

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.

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)

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...”

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

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.