July 16 (1 Chronicles 26–27; Psalm 15; Matthew 18)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: July 16, 2025
Scripture Readings: 1 Chronicles 26–27; Psalm 15; Matthew 18
Host/Author: Crossway

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1. Old Testament Reading: 1 Chronicles 26–27

Duration: 00:01 – 07:48

In this segment, the readers delve into 1 Chronicles chapters 26 and 27, which detail the organization and administration of King David's kingdom. The passages focus on the divisions of gatekeepers, treasurers, and military commanders, highlighting the meticulous structure David implemented to govern effectively.

• Gatekeepers of the Korahites: The readings outline the lineage and responsibilities of the gatekeepers, emphasizing their roles in maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple. Notably, Reader 2 introduces the sons and their positions, highlighting their "great ability" (00:04).

• Treasurers and Officials: The text progresses to describe the treasuries managed by individuals like Shebueel and his descendants, entrusted with the dedicated gifts for the maintenance of the house of the Lord. Reader 2 meticulously enumerates these roles, showcasing the complex administrative system (00:48).

• Military Commanders: The latter part of the reading introduces the military divisions, each commanded by leaders such as Jashobeam and Dodai, responsible for overseeing thousands of soldiers. Reader 2 explains the allocation of 24,000 soldiers per division, reflecting the kingdom's military prowess (06:30).

Notable Quote:

"These divisions of the gatekeepers corresponding to their chief men, had had duties just as their brothers did, ministering in the house of the Lord."
— Reader 2 (00:48)

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2. Psalm Reading: Psalm 15

Duration: 07:48 – 08:25

The reading transitions to Psalm 15, a brief yet profound declaration of the qualities required to dwell in God's sanctuary. The psalm articulates the moral and ethical standards expected of believers, emphasizing integrity, righteousness, and humility.

• Key Attributes: The psalmist enumerates traits such as walking blamelessly, speaking truth, avoiding slander, and honoring those who fear the Lord (07:58 – 08:08).

• Moral Conduct: It underscores the importance of inner purity and the avoidance of deceit and corruption, stating, Reader 3: "He who honors those who fear the Lord, who swears to his own hurt and does not change." (08:08).

• Divine Assurance: The concluding verse assures that those who embody these virtues will remain steadfast, never being moved (08:25).

Notable Quote:

"He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart, who does not slander with his tongue..."
— Reader 3 (07:58)

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3. New Testament Reading: Matthew 18

Duration: 08:25 – 12:01

The final segment presents Matthew 18, where Jesus addresses His disciples regarding humility, forgiveness, and community discipline within the church.

• Humility Like a Child: Jesus emphasizes the necessity of humility, comparing greatness in the kingdom of heaven to becoming like children (08:37 – 09:04).

  "Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
  — Reader 1 (08:37)

• Overcoming Temptation: He warns about the seriousness of temptation, advising drastic measures to avoid sin (09:00 – 09:23).

  "If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off... It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire."
  — Reader 1 (09:13)

• Parable of the Lost Sheep and Forgiveness: The chapter includes the parable illustrating God's joy over the repentance of a sinner and the importance of forgiving others, even beyond the traditional "seven times" (09:34 – 11:12).

  "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants... So from that day on, that servant owes him nothing."
  — Reader 1 (11:14)

• Church Discipline: Jesus outlines a step-by-step process for addressing sin within the church community, emphasizing accountability and restoration (10:00 – 12:01).

  "If he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
  — Reader 1 (10:01)

Notable Quotes:

"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
— Reader 1 (08:37)

"I do not say to you seven times, but 77 times."
— Reader 1 (10:32)

"Do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
— Reader 1 (12:01)

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Conclusion

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" offers a comprehensive journey through selected scriptures, providing listeners with a structured exploration of leadership, moral integrity, and communal responsibility. By reading passages from 1 Chronicles, Psalm 15, and Matthew 18, the episode encourages believers to reflect on effective governance, personal righteousness, and the transformative power of forgiveness within the Christian community.

Listeners who engage with this episode will gain a deeper understanding of biblical principles governing both personal conduct and communal interactions, fostering a more profound relationship with God and fellow believers.

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Quotes Attribution: All notable quotes are attributed to the respective readers at their corresponding timestamps as indicated in the transcript.

Transcript

[Reader 1]

A reading from the book of 1 Chronicles.

[Reader 2]

As for the divisions of the gatekeepers of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kori, of the sons of Asaph and Meshelemiah had sons, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediel ii, Zebadiah iii, Jathniel iv, Elam V Jehonan the sixth, Elihoni the seventh and Obed Edom had sons, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad ii, Joah iii, Sakar iv, Nathanael V Ammiel vi, Issachar the seventh, Pulithi the eighth for God blessed him also to his son Shimeah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers houses, for they were men of great ability. The sons of Shimeah, Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose brothers were able men, Elihu and Semachiah. All these were of the sons of Obed Edom, which their sons and brothers able men, qualified for the service. 62 of Obed, Edom and Meshelemiah had sons and brothers Able men, 18 and Hozah of the sons of Merari had sons, Shimri the chief, for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief. Hilkiah II, Tebaliah III, Zechariah IV. All the sons and brothers of Hosah were 13. These divisions of the gatekeepers corresponding to their chief men, had had duties just as their brothers did, ministering in the house of the Lord. And they cast lots by fathers, houses small and great alike, for their gates. The lot for the east fell to Shelemiah they cast lots also for his son Zechariah, a shrewd counselor. And as Lot came out for the north, Obed Edoms came out for the south, and to his sons was a lot at the gate house for Shupim and Hosah it came out for the west at the gate of Shalekith. On the road that goes up watch corresponded to watch on the east there were six each day on the north, four each day on the south, four each day, as well as two and two at the gatehouse and for the colonnade on the west there were four at the road and two at the colonnade. These were the divisions of the gatekeepers among the Korathites and the sons of Morari and of the Levites. Ahijah had charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated gifts. The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers houses belonging to Ladan, the Gershonite, Jehilai, the sons of Jehieli, Zetham and Joel his brother were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord of the Amramites, the Israelites, the Hebronites and the Uzialites. And Shebueel the son of Gershom son of Moses, was chief officer in charge of the treasuries. His brothers from Eleazar were his son and his son Jeshaia and his son Joram and his son Zikri and his son Shilimoth. This Shillamoth and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries of the dedicated gifts that David the king and the heads of the fathers houses and the officers of the thousands and the hundreds and the commanders of the army had dedicated from spoil won in battles. They dedicated gifts for the maintenance of the house of the Lord. Also all that Samuel the Seer and Saul the son of Kish and Abner the son of Ner and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated all dedicated gifts were in the care of Shelomoth and his brothers of the Isharites. Kenaneah and his sons were appointed to external duties for Israel as officers and judges of the Hebronites. Ashabiah and his brothers 1,700 men of ability had the oversight of Israel westward of the Jordan for all the work of the Lord and for the service of the king of the Hebronites. Jeriah was chief of the Hebronites of whatever genealogy or father's houses. And in the 40th year of David's reign search was made and men of great ability among them were found at Jazer in Gilead. King David appointed him and his brothers 2700 men of ability, heads of fathers houses, to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king. This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000. Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel, was in charge of the first division in the first month in his division were 24,000. He was a descendant of Perez and was chief of all the commanders he served for the first month. Dodai the Ahohite, was in charge of the division of the second month in his division were 24,000. The third commander for the third month was B' Naia, the son of Jehoiada, the chief priest, and his division were 24,000. This is the Benaiah who was a mighty man of the 30 and in command of the 30. Ammizabad, his son, was in charge of his division. Asahel the brother of Joab was fourth for the fourth month, and his son Zebadiah after him in his division were 24,000. The fifth commander for the fifth month was Shamath the Israhite in his division were 24,000. Sixth for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikesh the Tekoite, and his division were 24,000. 7th for the 7th month was heles the Pelanite of the sons of Ephraim, and his division were 24,000. Eighth for the eighth month was Sibaka the Hushathite of the Zerahites and his division were 24,000. Ninth for the ninth month was Ebiezer of Anathoth, a Benjaminite, and his division were 24,000. 10th for the 10th month was Mahari of Netofa of the Zerahites, and his division were 24,000. 11th for the 11th month was Benaiah of Pirathon of the sons of Ephraim, and his division were 24,000. 12th for the 12th month was heldai, the Netophathite of Ophniel and his division were 24,000 over the tribes of Israel for the Reubenites. Eleazar the son of Zikri was chief officer for the Simeonites. Shephatiah the sons of Maacah for Levi Ashabiah the son of Kemuel for Aaron Zadok for Judah Elihu, one of David's brothers for Issachar Omri the son of Micael for Zebulun Ishmael the son of Obadiah for Naphtali Jeremoth the son of Azrael for the Ephraimites Hoshea the son of Azaziah for the half tribe of Manasseh Joel the son of Padea for the half tribe of Manasseh and Gilead. Iddo the son of Zechariah for Benjamin Jael the son of Abner for Dan Azarel the son of Jeroam. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel. David did not count those below 20 years of age, for the Lord had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count but did not Finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David. Over the king's treasuries was Asmopheth the son of Adiel. And over the treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers was Jonathan the son of Uzziah. And over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite. And over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the shifmite. Over the olive and sycamore trees and the Shephelah was Belhanan, the Gidorite. And over the stores of oil was Joash. Over the herds that pastured in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite. Over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of ATLI, over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite. And over the donkeys was Jedeah the Meronathite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. All these were stewards of King David's property. Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hacmoni, attended the king's sons. And Ahithophel was the king's counselor, and Hushai, the archite, was the king's friend. Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada the son of Benaiah and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king's army.

[Reader 1]

A reading from the Book of Psalms. A Psalm of David.

[Reader 2]

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

[Reader 3]

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his.

[Reader 2]

Heart, who does not slander with his.

[Reader 3]

Tongue, and does no evil to his.

[Reader 1]

Neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against.

[Reader 3]

His friend, in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord, who swears to his own hurt and does not change who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

[Reader 2]

A reading of the Gospel according to Matthew.

[Reader 1]

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And calling to him a child.

[Reader 2]

He put him in the midst of.

[Reader 1]

Them and said, truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. But whoever calls is one of these little ones who believe in me to sin. It would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the.

[Reader 2]

Depth of the sea.

[Reader 1]

Woe to the world for temptations to sin, for it is necessary that temptations come. But woe to the one by whom the temptation comes. And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.

[Reader 2]

And throw it away.

[Reader 1]

It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to.

[Reader 2]

Sin, tear it out and throw it away.

[Reader 1]

It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven.

[Reader 2]

Their angels always see the face of.

[Reader 1]

My Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the 99 on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the 99 that never went astray.

[Reader 2]

So it is not the will of.

[Reader 1]

My Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault.

[Reader 2]

Between you and him alone.

[Reader 1]

If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for.

[Reader 2]

Them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered.

[Reader 1]

In my name, there am I among them. Then Peter came up and said to him, lord, how often will my brother sin against me? And I forgive him as many as seven times. Jesus said to him, I do not say to you seven times, but 77 times. Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold with.

[Reader 2]

His wife and children and all that.

[Reader 1]

He had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, have patience with me, and.

[Reader 2]

I will pay you everything.

[Reader 1]

And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. And seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, pay what you owe. So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, have patience with me.

[Reader 2]

And I will pay you.

[Reader 1]

He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and.

[Reader 2]

They went and reported to their master.

[Reader 1]

All that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant as I had mercy on you? And in anger, his master delivered him to the jailers. And until he should pay all his.

[Reader 2]

Debt, so also my heavenly Father will.

[Reader 1]

Do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.