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Narrator
A reading from the book of 2 Chronicles.
King Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. But Jehu the son of Hanani the seer, went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord, because of this wrath has gone out against you from the Lord, nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land and have set your heart to seek God. Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. He appointed judges in the land, in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, consider what you do. For you judge not from man, but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you.
Jahaziel
Be careful what you do, for there.
King Jehoshaphat
Is no injustice with the Lord our God. For or partiality are taking bribes. Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel to give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem, and he charged them.
Levite
Thus you shall do in the fear.
King Jehoshaphat
Of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart. Whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them that.
Levite
They may not incur guilt before the.
King Jehoshaphat
Lord and wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt. And behold, Amariah, the chief priest, is over you in all matters of the Lord. And Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, and all the king's matters. And the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the Lord be with the upright. After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and.
Jahaziel
With them some of the Menunites came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, a.
King Jehoshaphat
Great multitude is coming against you from.
Jahaziel
Edom from beyond the sea. And behold, they are in Hazazin Tamar.
Narrator
That is, in Gedai.
Jahaziel
Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah and Judah.
Narrator
Assembled to seek help from the Lord. From all the cities of Judah they.
Jahaziel
Came to seek the Lord And Jehoshaphat.
Narrator
Stood in the assembly of Judah in Jerusalem. In the house of the Lord before.
Jahaziel
The new court, and said, o Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might.
Narrator
So that none is able to withstand you.
Jahaziel
Did you not our God, drive out.
Narrator
The inhabitants of this land before your.
Jahaziel
People Israel and give it forever to.
Narrator
The descendants of Abraham, your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a.
Jahaziel
Sanctuary for your name, saying, if disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence or famine, we will stand before this house and before you, for your name is in this house, and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.
Narrator
And now behold the men of Ammon.
Jahaziel
And Moab and Mount Seir, whom you.
Narrator
Would not let Israel invade when they.
Jahaziel
Came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy. Behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit, O our God. Will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do.
King Jehoshaphat
But our eyes are on you.
Narrator
Meanwhile, all Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, their wives and their children. And the Spirit of the Lord came.
Jahaziel
Upon Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah and son of Benaiah, son of Jehiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons.
Narrator
Of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
Jahaziel
And he said, listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat.
Narrator
Thus says the Lord to you.
Jahaziel
Do not be afraid and do not.
Narrator
Be dismayed at this great horde, for.
Jahaziel
The battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow, go down against them.
Narrator
Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz.
Jahaziel
You will find them at the end of the valley and east of the wilderness of Jeruel.
Narrator
You will not need to fight in this battle.
Jahaziel
Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.
Narrator
Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his.
Jahaziel
Face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord and.
Narrator
The Levites of the Kohathites and the Korahites and stood up to praise the.
Jahaziel
Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, hear me, Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Narrator
Believe in the Lord your God, and.
Jahaziel
You will be established. Believe his prophets, and you will succeed.
Narrator
And when he had taken counsel with.
Jahaziel
The people, he appointed those who were.
Narrator
To sing to the Lord and praise.
Jahaziel
Him in holy attire as they went before the army and say, give thanks.
Narrator
To the Lord for his steadfast love endures forever.
Jahaziel
And when they began to sing and praise the Lord.
Narrator
Set an ambush against the men of.
Jahaziel
Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.
Narrator
For the men of Ammon and Moab.
Jahaziel
Rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir.
Narrator
Devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end.
Jahaziel
Of the inhabitants of Seir, they all.
Narrator
Helped to destroy one another. When Judah came to the watchtower of.
Jahaziel
The wilderness, they looked toward the horde and behold there were dead bodies lying on the ground.
Narrator
None had escaped.
Jahaziel
When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil. They found among them in great numbers goods, clothing and precious things.
Narrator
Which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil.
Jahaziel
It was so much.
Narrator
On the fourth day, they assembled in.
Jahaziel
The Valley of Berechah.
Narrator
For there they blessed the Lord. Therefore the name of that place has.
Jahaziel
Been called the Valley of Barakah to this day.
Narrator
Then they returned, every man of Judah.
Jahaziel
And Jerusalem and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy.
Narrator
For the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. They came to Jerusalem with harps and.
Jahaziel
Lyres and trumpets to the house of the Lord.
Narrator
And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries. When they heard that the Lord had.
Jahaziel
Fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet.
Narrator
For his God gave him rest all around.
Jahaziel
Thus Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was 35 years old when he began to reign. And he reigned 25 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azuba, the daughter of Shilhi. He walked in the way of Asa.
Narrator
His father, and did not turn aside.
Jahaziel
From it, doing what was right in.
Narrator
The sight of the Lord.
Jahaziel
The high places, however, were not taken away. The people had not yet set their.
Narrator
Hearts upon the God of their fathers.
Jahaziel
And now the rest of the Acts of Jehoshaphat, from first to last, are written in the Chronicles of Jehu. The son of Hanani, which are recorded.
Narrator
In the Book of the Kings of Israel.
Jahaziel
After this, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, joined With Ahaziah, king of Israel, who acted wickedly.
Narrator
He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish. And they built the ships in Ezion Geber. Then Eliezer, the son of Dodobehu of.
Jahaziel
Maresha, prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, because you have joined with Asiah, the Lord will destroy what you have made. And the ships were wrecked and were.
Narrator
Not able to go to Tarshish. A reading from the Book of Psalms.
Jahaziel
To the choirmaster, According to the doe of the dawn, a psalm of David.
David
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me from the words of my groaning?
Jesus
Oh, my God.
David
I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. And you our fathers trusted, they trusted and you delivered them to you they cried and were rescued, and you they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man. Scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me. They make mouths at me, they wag their heads.
Narrator
He trusts in the Lord, Let him deliver him, let him rescue him, for.
David
He delights in him. Yet you are he who took me from the womb. You made me trust you at my mother's breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is none to help. Many bulls encompass me, strong bulls of base and surround me. They open wide their mouths at me.
Jesus
Like a ravening and roaring lion.
David
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, it is.
Jesus
Melted within my breast.
David
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws. You lay me in the dust of death, for dogs encompass me. A company of evildoers encircles me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones.
Levite
They stare and gloat over me.
David
They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
Narrator
A reading of the Gospel According to Matthew.
Jesus
When morning came, all the chief priests.
Levite
And the elders of the people took.
Jesus
Counsel against Jesus to put him to death.
Levite
And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor. Then when Judas his betrayer, saw that.
Jesus
Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the 30 pieces of.
Levite
Silver to the chief priests and the.
Jesus
Elders, saying, I have sinned by betraying innocent blood. They said, what is that to us? See to it yourself. And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he.
Levite
Went and hanged himself.
Jesus
But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, it is not lawful.
Levite
To put them into the treasury, since.
Jesus
It is blood money. So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the field of blood to this day.
Levite
Then was fulfilled what had been spoken.
Jesus
By the prophet Jeremiah saying. And they took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of him on whom.
Levite
A price had been set by some.
Jesus
Of the sons of Israel. And they gave them for the potter's field as the lord directed me.
Levite
Now Jesus stood before the governor.
Jesus
And the governor asked him, are you.
Levite
The king of the Jews?
Jesus
Jesus said, you have said so.
Levite
But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer.
Jesus
Then Pilate said to him, do you not hear how many things they testify against you?
Levite
But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge. So that the governor was greatly amazed. Now, at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any.
Jesus
One prisoner whom they wanted.
Levite
And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said.
Jesus
To them, whom do you want me to release for you, Barabbas or Jesus, who was called Christ?
Levite
For he knew that it was out.
Jesus
Of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, have nothing to do with that.
Levite
Righteous man, for I have suffered much.
Jesus
Because of him Today in a dream.
Levite
Now, the chief priests and the elders.
Jesus
Persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, which of the two do you want me to release for you? And they said, barabbas. Pilate said to them, then what shall.
Levite
I do with Jesus who is called Christ?
Jesus
They all said, let him be crucified. And he said, why, what evil has he done? But they shouted all the more, let him be crucified.
Levite
So when Pilate saw that he was.
Jesus
Gaining nothing but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, I.
Levite
Am innocent of this man's blood.
Jesus
See to it yourselves. And all the people answered, his blood be on us and on our children. Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
Levite
Then the soldiers of the governors took.
Jesus
Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him.
Levite
And twisting together a crown of thorns.
Jesus
They put it on his head and.
King Jehoshaphat
Put a reed in his right hand.
Levite
And kneeling before him, they mocked him.
Jesus
Saying, hail, King of the Jews.
Levite
And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they.
Jesus
Stripped him of the robe and put.
Levite
His own clothes on him and led.
Jesus
Him away to crucify him.
Levite
As they went out, they found a.
Jesus
Man of Cyrene, Simon by name.
Levite
They compelled this man to carry his cross.
Jesus
And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means place of a skull, they offered him wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he tasted it, he would not drink it.
Levite
And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the.
Jesus
Charge against him, which read, this is Jesus, the king of the Jews. Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him.
Levite
Wagging their heads and saying, you who would destroy the temple and rebuild it.
Jesus
In three days, save yourself.
Levite
If you are the Son of God.
Jesus
Come down from the cross.
Levite
So also the chief priests with the.
Jesus
Scribes and elders mocked him, saying, he saved others. He cannot save himself. He is the king of Israel. Let him come down now from the.
Levite
Cross, and we will believe in him.
Jesus
He trusts God. Let God deliver him now if he desires him.
Levite
For he said, I am the Son of God. And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. Now from the sixth hour, there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.
Jesus
And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, eli, Eli lama sabachthanai. That is my God.
Levite
My God, why have you forsaken me? And some of the bystanders, hearing it.
Jesus
Said, this man is calling Elijah.
Levite
And one of them at once ran.
Jesus
And took a sponge, filled it with.
Levite
Sour wine and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink.
Jesus
But the other said, wait, let us.
Levite
See whether Elijah will come to save him. And Jesus cried out again with a.
Jesus
Loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
Levite
And behold, the curtain of the temple.
Jesus
Was torn in two from top to bottom.
Levite
And the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were.
Jesus
With him keeping watch over Jesus saw the earthquake and what took place, they.
Levite
Were filled with awe and said, truly, this was the Son of God.
Jesus
There were also many women there, looking.
Levite
On from a distance, who had followed.
Jesus
Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary, the.
Levite
Mother of James and Joseph and the.
Jesus
Mother of the sons of Zebedee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who.
Levite
Also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Jesus
Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.
Levite
And Joseph took the body and wrapped.
Jesus
It in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock.
Levite
And he rolled a great stone to.
Jesus
The entrance of the tomb and went away.
Levite
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were.
Jesus
There, sitting opposite the tomb.
Levite
The next day, that is, after the.
Jesus
Day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said.
Levite
Sir, we remember how that imposter said.
Jesus
While he was still alive, after three days, I will rise.
Levite
Therefore ordered the tomb to be made.
Jesus
Secure until the third day. Let lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people he is risen from the dead and the.
Levite
Last fraud will be worse than the first.
Jesus
Pilate said to them, you have a guard of soldiers. Go make it as secure as you can.
Levite
So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. Now, after the Sabbath, toward the dawn.
Jesus
Of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake. And for an angel of the Lord.
Levite
Descended from heaven and came and rolled.
Jesus
Back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow.
Levite
And for fear of him, the guards.
Jesus
Trembled and became like dead men.
Levite
But the angel said to the women.
Jesus
Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified.
Levite
He is not here, for he has.
Jesus
Risen as he said.
Levite
Come, see the place where he lay.
Jesus
Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead. And behold, he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him. See, I have told you.
Levite
So they departed quickly from the tomb.
Jesus
With fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, greetings. And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, do not be afraid. Go and Tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me. While they were going, behold, some of.
Levite
The guard went into the city.
Jesus
And told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel. They gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, tell people his disciples came by night. And stole him away while we were asleep.
Levite
And if this comes to the governor's.
Jesus
Ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.
Levite
So they took the money and did.
Jesus
As they were directed.
Levite
And this story has been spread among.
Jesus
The Jews to this day. Now the 11 disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him. But some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.
Levite
Baptizing them in the name of the.
Jesus
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.
Episode: July 25, 2025
Scripture Readings:
Overview:
In this segment, the podcast delves into the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, highlighting his commitment to justice and reliance on God during times of crisis. Jehoshaphat's leadership is marked by his efforts to reform the judicial system and his unwavering faith when faced with imminent threats.
Key Points:
Judicial Reforms: Jehoshaphat appoints judges across Judah's fortified cities, emphasizing that their judgment should be "from the Lord" and urging them to act with integrity.
"For you judge not from man, but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment." [00:51]
Confronting Injustice: The prophet Jehu challenges Jehoshaphat, questioning his alliances and actions, yet acknowledges the king's heart for seeking God.
"Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?" [00:04]
Facing Invasion: A formidable alliance of Moabites, Ammonites, and others prepares to attack Judah. Faced with this threat, Jehoshaphat leads the nation in seeking divine guidance through fasting and assembly.
"Great multitude is coming against you from Edom from beyond the sea." [01:50]
Divine Assurance: The prophet Jahaziel delivers a message of hope, assuring that the battle belongs to God. This divine intervention leads to a miraculous victory without Judah having to fight.
"Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the battle is not yours but God's." [03:49]
Aftermath and Reforms: Following their victory, Jehoshaphat's reign continues with both commendable acts and areas needing improvement, such as the persistence of high places—idolatrous worship sites.
"The high places, however, were not taken away." [06:36]
Notable Quote:
"Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours, but God's." – Jahaziel [03:47]
Overview:
The podcast transitions to Psalm 22, a poignant lament attributed to David, which prophetically mirrors the suffering of Jesus. This Psalm captures the depth of anguish and abandonment felt during moments of intense trial, while also expressing unwavering trust in God's salvation.
Key Points:
Expression of Despair: David begins with a heart-wrenching cry, feeling forsaken by God amidst severe distress.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" [07:27]
Acknowledgment of God's Holiness: Despite his suffering, David recognizes God's eternal nature and past faithfulness to the ancestors.
"Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." [07:37]
Physical and Emotional Torment: The Psalm vividly describes the speaker's physical pain and societal rejection, drawing a powerful parallel to the crucifixion of Jesus.
"My heart is like wax, it is melted within my breast." [08:34]
Hope in God's Deliverance: Even in despair, there's a profound declaration of trust that God will ultimately rescue and redeem.
"He delights in him; yet you are he who took me from the womb." [08:32]
Notable Quote:
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" – David [07:27]
Overview:
The podcast culminates with a detailed reading of Matthew chapters 27 and 28, narrating the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This account emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy, the sacrificial love of Christ, and the triumphant hope of resurrection.
Key Points:
Trial and Condemnation: Jesus faces a series of unjust trials before Pilate, leading to His crucifixion despite His innocence.
"You have said so." – Jesus in response to Pilate [10:11]
Mockery and Suffering: As Jesus is crucified, He endures mockery from passersby and religious leaders, highlighting His role as the sacrificial Lamb.
"Hail, King of the Jews." – Soldiers mocking Jesus [12:03]
Divine Signs: At the moment of Jesus' death, supernatural events occur, such as darkness covering the land and the temple curtain tearing, signifying the profound impact of His crucifixion.
"The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." [14:08]
Resurrection Victory: The narrative shifts to the resurrection, where Jesus rises from the dead, witnessed by women followers, and confirms His authority over all creation.
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." – Jesus [17:20]
Great Commission: Post-resurrection, Jesus commands His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations, promising His continual presence.
"Go and make disciples of all nations." [17:39]
Notable Quotes:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." – Jesus [17:20]
"My God, why have you forsaken me?" – Jesus on the cross [13:42]
Faith Amidst Trials:
Both Jehoshaphat's reliance on God during national crisis and David's trust amidst personal suffering underscore the importance of steadfast faith in adversity.
Prophetic Fulfillment:
Psalm 22 serves as a prophetic lens through which the crucifixion of Jesus is viewed, illustrating the intricate connections between the Old and New Testaments.
Divine Sovereignty and Salvation:
The episodes collectively highlight God's sovereignty over nations and individual lives, assuring believers of His ultimate plan for salvation and redemption.
Leadership and Righteousness:
Jehoshaphat's leadership exemplifies righteous governance guided by divine principles, offering a model for ethical leadership today.
Resurrection Hope:
The resurrection of Jesus encapsulates the triumph of life over death, providing eternal hope and affirming the promise of everlasting life for believers.
This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year masterfully weaves together narratives from the Old and New Testaments, offering listeners a profound exploration of leadership, suffering, prophecy, and ultimate redemption through Christ. The inclusion of Psalm 22 bridges the Old and New, illustrating the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. Through detailed readings and carefully selected quotes, the episode invites both reflection and inspiration, reinforcing foundational Christian truths and encouraging faithful living.