Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Summary: July 19, 2025

Readings: 2 Chronicles 2–4; Psalm 18:1–24; Matthew 21

Podcast Information

• Title: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
• Host/Author: Crossway
• Description: Starting January 1st, listen to the ESV Bible in 365 days with bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry. Each daily podcast includes one Old Testament reading, one New Testament reading, and one reading from the Psalms. Over the course of a year, you’ll hear the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice.
• Episode: July 19
• Release Date: July 19, 2025

1. Old Testament Reading: 2 Chronicles 2–4

Speaker: Solomon
Timestamp: [00:00] – [07:33]

Solomon embarks on the monumental task of building the temple dedicated to the Lord in Jerusalem. He meticulously plans the construction, allocating resources and labor with precision:

• Resource Allocation:

  • Labor Force: 70,000 men for bearing burdens, 80,000 for quarrying in the hill country, and 3,600 overseers ([00:04]).
  • Materials: Requests cedar, cypress, and algum timber from Lebanon, understanding the expertise of Tyrian craftsmen in timber cutting ([00:04]).

• Collaboration with Hiram of Tyre: Solomon reaches out to Hiram, recalling their past cooperation during King David's reign, and outlines the need for skilled artisans in various trades including gold, silver, bronze, and fabric manufacturing ([00:04]).

• Temple Specifications:

  • Detailed measurements and adornments are provided, emphasizing the temple's grandeur and sanctity.
  • Notable Quote: "The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods" ([00:04]).

• Construction Details:

  • Overlays with pure gold, intricate carvings of cherubim, and the creation of the Most Holy Place with 600 talents of fine gold ([07:33]).
  • Notable Quote: "He made the Most Holy place... overlaid it with 600 talents of fine gold" ([07:33]).

Insights:

• Dedication and Grandeur: Solomon's dedication to building a magnificent temple reflects the reverence and honor bestowed upon God.
• Collaboration and Expertise: The partnership with Tyrian craftsmen highlights the importance of skilled labor and international cooperation in monumental projects.

2. Psalms Reading: Psalm 18:1–24

Speaker: David
Timestamp: [07:36] – [13:14]

David's Psalm is a heartfelt declaration of his love and reliance on God as his protector and savior. He vividly describes God's power and his personal deliverance from adversities:

• Expressions of Trust:

  • "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer" ([07:47]).
  • Highlights God's role as a refuge in times of trouble.

• Personal Deliverance:

  • David recounts being surrounded by enemies and finds solace in calling upon God ([07:47]).
  • Notable Quote: "In my distress I called upon the Lord to my God" ([08:21]).

• Depiction of God’s Power:

  • Describes dramatic natural phenomena symbolizing God's might, such as the earth reeling and mountains trembling ([08:20]).
  • Notable Quote: "He rode on a cherub and flew" ([09:54]).

• Faithfulness Rewarded:

  • David emphasizes his righteousness and adherence to God's commands, leading to divine reward ([09:56]).

Insights:

• Faith Amidst Trials: David's unwavering faith serves as a model for believers facing personal struggles.
• Divine Intervention: The Psalm underscores the belief in God's active role in protecting and guiding His followers.

3. New Testament Reading: Matthew 21

Speaker: Narrator & David
Timestamp: [10:03] – [13:14]

This chapter details significant events in Jesus' ministry, highlighting themes of kingship, authority, and righteousness:

• Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem:

  • Jesus rides a donkey, fulfilling prophetic scripture and symbolizing peaceful kingship ([10:03]).
  • Notable Quote: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" ([10:56]).

• Cleansing of the Temple:

  • Jesus expels merchants and money changers, declaring, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers" ([11:22]).

• Cursing of the Fig Tree:

  • Demonstrates Jesus' authority and the importance of bearing fruit in faith ([12:14]).

• Teachings and Parables:

  • Two Sons Parable: Emphasizes obedience over mere promises ([13:13]).
  • Tenants Parable: Critiques religious leaders' failure to produce righteous fruit and foretells the transfer of God's kingdom ([13:14]).

• Confrontation with Religious Leaders:

  • Jesus challenges the authority of the chief priests and scribes, highlighting their fear and hypocrisy ([13:14]).

Insights:

• Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy: His actions and teachings align with Old Testament expectations of the Messiah.
• Authority and Hypocrisy: The confrontations reveal tensions between Jesus and established religious authorities, underscoring the need for genuine faith over outward appearances.
• Faith’s Fruitfulness: Through the parables, the importance of active, living faith that produces tangible good is emphasized.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Solomon on Building the Temple:
  "The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods." ([00:04])

• David’s Declaration of Trust:
  "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge." ([07:47])

• Jesus on His Kingship:
  "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." ([10:56])

• Jesus Cleansing the Temple:
  "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers." ([11:22])

• Parable of the Two Sons:
  "Which of the two did the will of his father?" ([13:13])

Conclusion

The July 19 episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" offers a profound exploration of dedication, faith, and righteous leadership through its selected readings. Solomon's ambitious temple project symbolizes a commitment to honor God, David's Psalm reflects deep personal trust in divine protection, and the Gospel passage highlights Jesus' authority and the essential nature of genuine faith. Together, these scriptures provide listeners with rich insights into living a life aligned with God's will, the importance of faithful stewardship, and the transformative power of unwavering belief.