July 14 (1 Chronicles 21–23; Psalm 13; Matthew 15)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: July 14 (1 Chronicles 21–23; Psalm 13; Matthew 15) Release Date: July 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year," hosted by Crossway and featuring bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a spiritual journey through selected passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. The readings for this day encompass deeply moving narratives and teachings that explore themes of leadership, faith, repentance, and compassion.

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Old Testament Reading: 1 Chronicles 21–23

1 Chronicles 21–23 recounts pivotal moments in King David's reign, focusing on his decisions, repentance, and preparations for the future Temple.

• David’s Census and Its Consequences (1 Chronicles 21):

  The episode begins with a solemn account of King David's decision to conduct a census of Israel—a move instigated by Satan. Despite Joab’s objection, David's command is executed, resulting in a significant loss when God sends a pestilence upon Israel.

  “May the Lord add to his people a hundred times as many as they are. … Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” (00:04)

  David's heartfelt repentance is evident as he pleads, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing” (05:15). This act of humility leads to God's mercy, halting the calamity through the intervention of an angel and instructing David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

• Preparation for the Temple (1 Chronicles 22):

  Transitioning to 1 Chronicles 22, David lays the groundwork for the construction of the Temple, amassing vast resources and materials to ensure its grandeur and permanence. However, God communicates that Solomon, David’s son, will inherit the throne and undertake the building of the Temple. David conveys this divine directive with profound clarity:

  “You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name…” (05:45)

  He emphasizes the importance of Solomon’s role, urging him to observe God’s laws to ensure prosperity and divine favor.

• Organization of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23):

  The narrative progresses with 1 Chronicles 23, detailing David’s meticulous organization of the Levites for temple service. The Levites are categorized into divisions, each assigned specific duties to maintain the sanctuary. David outlines their responsibilities with precision, ensuring that the house of God is well-cared for and functions smoothly.

  “Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread…” (09:10)

  This structured approach underscores the significance of worship and the orderly administration of religious duties within Israel.

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Psalm Reading: Psalm 13

Psalm 13, attributed to David, is a poignant expression of despair followed by unwavering faith. It captures the human experience of feeling forsaken by God, yet ultimately finding hope and trust in divine salvation.

• Lament and Plea for Divine Attention:

  The Psalm begins with a raw cry from David:

  “How long, O Lord, will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (10:30)

  David grapples with sorrow and the apparent triumph of his adversaries, questioning God's presence and mercy.

• Confession and Trust:

  Despite his anguish, David turns inward, confessing his sins and seeking God’s forgiveness:

  “I have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done?” (05:15)

  His plea is not just for personal relief but for the well-being of his people, demonstrating selflessness in his repentance.

• Resolution and Praise:

  The Psalm crescendos with a reaffirmation of faith:

  “But I have trusted in your steadfast love, my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” (10:48)

  David moves from despair to declaration, choosing to sing praises to the Lord for His abundant grace and deliverance.

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New Testament Reading: Matthew 15

Matthew 15 presents profound teachings of Jesus, highlighting the contrast between external rituals and internal purity, and culminating in acts of compassion and miracle.

• Confrontation with the Pharisees (Matthew 15:1-9):

  The episode delves into Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees and scribes, who challenge His disciples on the tradition of handwashing. Jesus responds by critiquing their emphasis on human traditions over God’s commandments:

  “You hypocrites. Well did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.’” (11:11)

  He emphasizes that true defilement comes from the heart, not dietary practices.

• Teaching on Inner Purity (Matthew 15:10-20):

  Jesus expands on the concept of purity, teaching that it is what originates from within—the heart—that truly defiles a person:

  “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” (12:34)

  This teaching challenges listeners to examine their inner lives and motivations rather than merely adhering to external rituals.

• Healing of the Canaanite Woman’s Daughter (Matthew 15:21-28):

  Demonstrating compassion beyond cultural boundaries, Jesus heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman. Her unwavering faith prompts Jesus to honor her request, illustrating the expansive reach of His mercy:

  “O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you desire.” (13:21)

• Feeding the Four Thousand (Matthew 15:29-39):

  The episode concludes with the miracle of feeding four thousand men, besides women and children, highlighting Jesus’ compassion and divine provision:

  “They all ate and were satisfied, and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.” (13:16)

  This act not only meets the immediate needs of the crowd but also signifies the abundance of God’s blessings.

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Conclusion

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year" masterfully intertwines the historical and spiritual narratives of the Old and New Testaments. From King David’s moments of sin and redemption to Jesus’ profound teachings on purity and compassion, listeners are offered rich insights into faith, leadership, and the enduring grace of God. Notable quotes throughout the readings underscore the timeless relevance of these scriptures, providing both reflection and inspiration for believers seeking to deepen their understanding of the Bible.

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Notable Quotes:

• “May the Lord add to his people a hundred times as many as they are... Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” – David (00:04)

• “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing.” – David (05:15)

• “He handed me over to his mercy; I have not repaid him.” – Psalm 13 (10:30)

• “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” – Jesus (12:34)

• “O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you desire.” – Jesus (13:21)

• “They all ate and were satisfied, and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.” – Narrative on Feeding the Four Thousand (13:16)

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with a cohesive understanding of the day's readings and their spiritual significance.

Transcript

[Narrator]

A reading from the book of 1 Chronicles.

[David]

Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, go number Israel from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report that I may know their number. But Joab said, may the Lord add to his people a hundred times as many as they are. Are they not my lord the king? All of them, my lord's servants? Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel? But the king's word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came back to Jerusalem. And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the sword. But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king's command was abhorrent to Joab. But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. And David said to God, I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly. And the Lord spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, go and say to David, thus says the lord, three things I offer you. Choose one of them that I may do it to you. So Gad came to David and said to him, thus says the Lord, choose what you will. Either three years of famine or three months of devastation by your foes while the sword of your enemies overtakes you. Or else three days of the sword of the Lord pestilence on the land, with the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel. Now decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me. Then David said to Gad, I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man. So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell. And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it. But as he was about to destroy it, the Lord saw, and he relented from the calamity. And he said to the angel who was working destruction, it is enough now stay your hand. And the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven. And and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders clothed in sackcloth fell upon their faces. And David said to God, was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O Lord, my God, be against me and against my father's house, but do not let the plague be on your people. Now the angel of the Lord had commanded Gad to say to David, said that David should go up and raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. So David went up at Gad's word, which he had spoken in the name of the Lord. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. He turned and saw the angel and his four sons, who were with him hid themselves as David came to Ornan. Ornan looked and saw David and went out from the threshing floor and paid homage to David with his face to the ground. And David said to Ornan, give me the side of the threshing floor the that I may build on it an altar to the Lord. Give it to me at its full price that the plague may be averted from the people. Then Ornan said to David, take it, and let my lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering. I give it all. But King David said to Ornan, no, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing. So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the sight. And David built there an altar to the Lord and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the Lord, and the Lord answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. Then the Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath. At that time, when David saw that the Lord had answered him at the threshing floor of Oranan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there for the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had made in the wilderness. And the altar of burnt offering were at that time in the high place at Gibeon. But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord. Then David said, here shall be the house of the Lord God, and here the altar of burnt offering for Israel. David commanded to gather together the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel. And he set stone cutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing. And cedar timbers without number for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought great quantities of cedar to David. For David said, solomon, my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it. So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. Then he called for Solomon, his son, and charged him to build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel. David said to Solomon, my son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the Lord my God. But the word of the Lord came to me saying, you have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth. Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies, for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever. Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding that when he gives you charge over Israel, you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded. Moses, for Israel, be strong and courageous. Fear not, do not be dismayed. With great pains I have provided for the house of the Lord 100,000 talents of gold, a million talents of silver and bronze, and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it, timber and stone too, I have provided. To these you must add, you have an abundance of workmen, stone cutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work.

[Narrator]

The Lord be with you.

[David]

David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not given you peace on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and and the land is subdued before the Lord and his People, now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the Lord. When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. David assembled all the leaders of Israel and the priests and the Levites. The Levites, 30 years old and upward, were numbered and the total was 38,000 men. 24,000 of these, David said, shall have charge of the work in the house of the Lord. Six thousand shall be officers and judges, four thousand gatekeepers, and four thousand shall offer praises to the Lord with the instruments that I have made for praise. And David organized them in divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The sons of Gershon were Laden and Shimei, the sons of Ladan, Jehel the chief, and Zetham and Joel. 3 the sons of Shimei, Shelomoth, Hazael, and Haran. 3 these were the heads of the fathers houses of Ladan and the sons of Shimei, Jahath, Zinah, and Jehush and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei, Jahath was the chief and Zizah ii, but Jehush and Beriah did not have many sons. Therefore they became counted as a single father's house. The sons of Amram, izar, Hebron, and Uzziel 4 the sons of Amram, Aaron, and Moses. Aaron was set apart to dedicate the most holy things that he and his sons forever should make offerings before the Lord and minister to him, and pronounce blessings in his name forever. But the sons of Moses, the man of God were named among the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses, Gershom and Eleazar the sons of Gershom, Shebuel the chief, the sons of Eleazar, Rehabiah the chief. Eliezer had no other sons. But the sons of Rehabiah were very many. The sons of Izar, Shelomith the chief, the sons of Hebron, Jeriah the chief, Amariah ii, Jahaziel III, and Jecamim the fourth, the sons of Uzziel, Micah the chief, Enishia II, the sons of Merari, Mahli and Mushi, the sons of Mahli, Eleazar and Kish. Eliezer died having no sons but only daughters. Their kinsmen, the sons of Kish married them. The sons of Mushi, Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth. Three these were the sons of Levi by their fathers houses, the heads of fathers houses, as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from 20 years old and upward, who were to do the work for the service of the house of the Lord. For David said the Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service. For by the last words of David, the sons of Levi were numbered from 20 years old and upward. For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God. Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. And they were to stand every morning thanking and praising the Lord, and likewise at evening and whenever burnt offerings were offered to the Lord on sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, according to the number required of them regularly before the Lord. Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the Lord.

[Narrator]

A reading from the Book of Psalms to the choirmaster.

[David]

A Psalm of David.

[Narrator]

How long, O Lord, will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

[David]

How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my.

[Narrator]

Heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

[David]

Consider and answer me, O Lord my.

[Narrator]

God, light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemies say I have prevailed over him. Lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken, but I have trusted in your steadfast love, my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

[David]

I will sing to the Lord, because.

[Narrator]

He has dealt bountifully with me.

[David]

A reading of the Gospel according to Matthew.

[Narrator]

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat. He answered them, and why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded honor your father and your mother, and whoever reviles father or mother must surely die. But you say, if anyone tells his father or his mother, what you would have gained from me is given to God. He need not honor his Father. So for the sake of your tradition, you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites. Well did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said, this people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the people to him and said to them, hear and understand. It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth this defiles a person. Then the disciples came and said to him, do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying? He answered, every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone. They are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit. But Peter said to him, explain the parable to us. And he said, are you also still without understanding?

[David]

Do you not see that whatever goes.

[Narrator]

Into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone. And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, have mercy on me, O Lord, son of David. My daughter is severely oppressed by a demon. But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, send her away, for she is.

[David]

Crying out after us.

[Narrator]

He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

[David]

But she came and knelt before him.

[Narrator]

Saying, lord, help me. And he answered, it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs. She said, yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their Master's table. Then Jesus answered her. O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you desire. And her daughter was healed instantly. Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain.

[David]

And sat down there.

[Narrator]

And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others. And they put them at his feet. And he healed them so that the crowd wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat and I am unwilling to send them away hungry lest they faint on the way. And the disciples said to him, where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd? And Jesus said to them, how many loaves do you have? They said, Seven and a few small fish, and directing the crowd to sit down on the ground he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds and they all ate and were satisfied and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were 4,000 men besides women and children. And after sending away the crowds he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.