
Loading summary
Narrator
A reading from the book of 2 Chronicles.
Solomon
Solomon, the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges and to all the leaders in all Israel. The heads of fathers houses and Solomon and all the assembly with him went to the high place that was at Gibeon, for the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness was there. But David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim to the place that David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem. Moreover, the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri son of Hur had made was there before the tabernacle of the Lord and Solomon and the assembly sought it out. And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, ask what I shall give you? And Solomon said to God, you have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled. For you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and and come in before this people. For who can govern this people of yours which is so great? God, answered Solomon, because this was in your heart. And you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you. And have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king. Wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions and honor. So such as none of the kings had who were before you and none after you shall have the like. So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting to Jerusalem, and he reigned over Israel. Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. And the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stone, and and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the shephilah. And Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt, and kiwi. And the king's traders would buy them from kiwi for a price. They Imported a chariot from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver and a horse for 150. Likewise through them, these were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.
Narrator
A reading from the Book of Psalms. A prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry. Give ear to my prayer. From lips free of deceit. From your presence let my vindication come. Let your eyes behold the right. You have tried my heart. You have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing. I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress with regard to the works of man. By the word of your lips, I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths. My feet have not slipped. I call upon you, for you will answer me. O God, incline your ear to me. Hear my words wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries. At your right hand keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. From the wicked who do me violence. My deadly enemies who surround me, they close their hearts to pity. With their mouths they speak arrogantly. They have now surrounded our steps. They set their eyes to cast us to the ground. He is like a lion, eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush. Arise, O Lord, confront him, subdue him. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, from men, by your hand, O Lord. From men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure. They are satisfied with children, and they.
Solomon
Leave their abundance to their infants.
Narrator
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness. When I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. A reading of the Gospel according to Matthew. For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace. And to them he said, you go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right, I will give you. So they went, going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour he did the same. And about the 11th hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, why do you stand here idle all day? They said to him, because no one has hired us. He said to them, you go into the vineyard too. And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, call the laborers and pay them their wages beginning with the last up to the first. And when those hired about the 11th hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now, when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more. But each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it, they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, these last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. But he replied to one of them, friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me? For denarius, take what belongs to you and go. I chose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? So the last will be first, and the first last. And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, see, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day. Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked him for something. And he said to her, what do you want? She said to him, say that these two sons of mine are to sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your kingdom. Jesus answered, you do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink? They said to him, we are able. He said to them, you will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you, but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave. Even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside. And when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out lord, have mercy on us, son of David. The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent. But they cried out all the more, lord have mercy on us, son of David. And stopping Jesus called them and said, what do you want me to do for you? They said to him, lord, let our eyes be opened. And Jesus in pity, touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.
Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: July 18, 2025
Scripture Readings:
In this episode, hosted by Crossway and featuring bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a day-long journey through the ESV Bible. The readings for July 18 include 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 17, and Matthew 20. This summary delves into the key themes, discussions, and insights presented, providing an engaging overview for those who haven't tuned in.
Summary: The episode opens with a narration from 2 Chronicles 1, focusing on King Solomon's establishment of his kingdom. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, seeks God's guidance to effectively govern a vast and diverse nation.
Key Points:
Solomon's Ascension and Prayer for Wisdom:
Solomon ascends to power with divine support, addressing leaders across Israel. In a pivotal moment, he offers a thousand burnt offerings, prompting God to appear to him (00:01-02:33). Solomon's humble request for wisdom rather than personal gain exemplifies his dedication to righteous leadership.
God's Response:
God commends Solomon for his selfless request (02:10). He grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom, wealth, possessions, and honor, ensuring his reign surpasses that of previous and future kings.
Solomon's Actions as King:
The narrative details Solomon's consolidation of power through military organization and economic prosperity (02:33-04:01). He amasses chariots and horsemen, enhances Jerusalem's wealth, and establishes extensive trade networks, highlighting his effective governance and the kingdom's flourishing under his rule.
Notable Quote:
"Wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions and honor. So such as none of the kings had who were before you and none after you shall have the like." – God to Solomon (02:10)
Summary: Psalm 17 is presented as a heartfelt prayer of David, emphasizing themes of justice, protection, and unwavering faith in God's righteousness.
Key Points:
Prayer for Vindication:
David implores God to hear his plea and vindicate him against unjust accusations (02:33-03:59).
Integrity and Righteous Living:
He reflects on his commitment to God's word, avoiding deceit and violence, showcasing his moral integrity (03:00-03:59).
Protection from Enemies:
David seeks divine protection from adversaries, describing his enemies as violent and deceitful (03:59-04:01). He portrays God as a refuge and a shield against those who seek his downfall.
Confidence in Divine Justice:
The Psalm concludes with David's assurance that he will witness God's righteousness and be satisfied with His presence (04:01).
Notable Quote:
"With their mouths they speak arrogantly. They have now surrounded our steps. They set their eyes to cast us to the ground. He is like a lion, eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush. Arise, O Lord, confront him, subdue him." – David (03:59)
Summary: The sermon delves into Matthew 20, where Jesus teaches profound lessons on servanthood, generosity, and the reversal of worldly hierarchies through parables and direct teachings to His disciples.
Key Points:
Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16):
Notable Quote:
"So the last will be first, and the first last." – Jesus (00:04:33)
Jesus Foretells His Death (Matthew 20:17-19):
Notable Quote:
"The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes...and he will be raised on the third day." – Jesus (00:04:59)
Request for Honor from the Mother of Zebedee's Sons (Matthew 20:20-28):
Notable Quote:
"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant." – Jesus (00:05:50)
Healing of Two Blind Men (Matthew 20:29-34):
Notable Quote:
"Lord, let our eyes be opened." – Blind Men (00:06:21)
Jackie Hill Perry's Commentary: Perry expounds on the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testament passages, emphasizing themes of leadership, integrity, servanthood, and divine generosity. She draws parallels between Solomon's request for wisdom and Jesus' teachings on humility and service, encouraging listeners to seek God's guidance in their personal and spiritual lives.
Key Reflections:
Leadership and Wisdom:
Just as Solomon sought wisdom to lead effectively, believers are encouraged to seek divine guidance to navigate life's complexities with integrity and compassion.
Servanthood as Greatness:
Jesus' teachings redefine greatness, urging a move away from self-centered ambition towards a life of humble service and sacrificial love.
Divine Generosity vs. Human Expectations:
The parable of the vineyard workers challenges listeners to embrace God's generosity, which often surpasses human notions of fairness and merit.
Faith and Perseverance in Trials:
The healing of the blind men exemplifies steadfast faith and the assurance that persistent seeking of God's mercy will lead to divine intervention and transformation.
This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year" offers a rich tapestry of biblical narratives and teachings that speak to leadership, righteousness, humility, and the boundless grace of God. By weaving together the stories of Solomon, David, and Jesus, Jackie Hill Perry provides listeners with profound insights into living a life grounded in faith, integrity, and service. Whether you're journeying through the Bible or seeking deeper understanding, this episode serves as a compelling guide to embodying God's wisdom and love in everyday life.
End of Summary