July 26 (2 Chronicles 21–23; Psalm 22:19–31; Mark 1)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Title: July 26 (2 Chronicles 21–23; Psalm 22:19–31; Mark 1)
Host/Author: Crossway
Release Date: July 26, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a profound journey through selected passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the Gospel of Mark. The episode meticulously navigates the complexities of leadership, faith, and the advent of Jesus Christ, offering deep insights into each scripture segment. Through narrated readings and congregational participation, the episode fosters a rich, immersive experience for believers seeking to understand the Bible's narratives and their applications in daily life.

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Old Testament Reading: 2 Chronicles 21–23

Overview:
The episode opens with a detailed recounting of 2 Chronicles 21–23, focusing on the reigns of King Jehoram, King Ahaziah, and King Joash of Judah. These chapters highlight the tumultuous period marked by political intrigue, idolatry, and divine judgment, juxtaposed with moments of faithfulness and restoration.

Key Points:

• King Jehoram’s Reign (2 Chronicles 21):
  Jehoram ascends to the throne at 32 years old, succeeding his father Jehoshaphat. Despite significant inheritances and fortified cities, Jehoram's reign is marred by violence and idolatry. He aligns with the evil house of Ahab through marriage, leading Judah astray and provoking divine wrath. As a consequence, Edom and Libnah revolt, and God sends a severe plague upon Jehoram, culminating in his agonizing death after two years (2 Chronicles 21:1-20).

  Notable Quote:
  "But Jehoram walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife."
  (00:45)

• King Ahaziah’s Brief Reign (2 Chronicles 22):
  Ahaziah, Jehoram's son, takes the throne at 22 but follows in his father's sinful footsteps due to his mother Athaliah's influence. His reign is short-lived, lasting only one year, as he allies with Joram of Israel against Hazael of Syria. Ahaziah is wounded and ultimately falls victim to Jehu’s purge of the Ahab dynasty, leading to his death (2 Chronicles 22:1-12).

  Notable Quote:
  "He reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Ahab."
  (02:10)

• King Joash’s Rise and Restoration (2 Chronicles 23):
  Following Ahaziah's death, Athaliah attempts to eliminate the Davidic line. However, Jehoshabiah, the king’s daughter, saves Joash, Ahaziah's son, hiding him in the temple for six years. In the seventh year, under the leadership of Jehoiada the priest, Joash is anointed king, and Athaliah is executed for treason. Joash initiates a covenant to restore proper worship, demolishing Baal worship sites and reinstating the temple's sanctity (2 Chronicles 23:1-21).

  Notable Quote:
  "And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord's people."
  (07:50)

Insights:

The narrative underscores the consequences of forsaking divine commandments and the cyclical nature of sin and redemption. Jehoram’s decline serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political and spiritual alliances that lead away from God. In contrast, Joash's restoration highlights the power of faithful leadership and collective covenant in reclaiming and honoring God’s kingdom.

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Psalm Reading: Psalm 22:19–31

Overview:
Psalm 22:19–31 is a profound passage that transitions from a personal cry of anguish to a declaration of trust and praise. This section emphasizes God’s deliverance and the ultimate vindication of the righteous, serving as a prophetic reflection on suffering and redemption.

Key Points:

• God’s Deliverance and Protection (Psalm 22:19–21):
  The psalmist appeals to God not to be far off, seeking immediate assistance and deliverance from dire threats. This plea echoes the human plea for help in moments of crisis.

  Notable Quote:
  "O Lord, do not be far off. O you my help, come quickly to my aid."
  (08:00)

• Public Declaration of Praise (Psalm 22:22–24):
  Transitioning from personal distress, the psalmist vows to proclaim God’s name among brethren and praises the Lord collectively, encouraging communal worship and acknowledgment of God’s mercy.

  Notable Quote:
  "I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you."
  (09:01)

• Universal Dominion of God (Psalm 22:25–31):
  The passage culminates in a vision of universal recognition of God’s sovereignty. It prophesies a time when all nations will worship before Him, and His righteousness will be declared to future generations.

  Notable Quote:
  "For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him but has heard, when he cried to him."
  (09:15)

Insights:

This section of Psalm 22 poignantly bridges personal suffering with cosmic redemption. It reflects a journey from despair to hope, illustrating the transformative power of faith and the assurance of God’s ultimate justice and salvation. The universal scope of God’s reign emphasizes inclusivity and the expansive reach of divine grace.

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Gospel Reading: Mark 1

Overview:
The Gospel of Mark chapter 1 marks the inception of Jesus Christ’s ministry, highlighting His baptism, temptation, teachings, and miraculous deeds. This chapter sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of Jesus as the Messiah, demonstrating His authority and the beginnings of His transformative impact on humanity.

Key Points:

• Preparation for Ministry (Mark 1:1–11):
  The chapter begins with the prophecy of John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus. Jesus’ baptism by John signifies the commencement of His public ministry, accompanied by divine affirmation and the descent of the Holy Spirit.

  Notable Quote:
  "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
  (10:03)

• Temptation in the Wilderness (Mark 1:12–13):
  Immediately following His baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness where He is tempted by Satan. This period underscores His human vulnerability and divine resilience, as angels minister to Him during this time.

  Notable Quote:
  "He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan."
  (10:30)

• Calling of the Disciples (Mark 1:16–20):
  Jesus begins His ministry by calling His first disciples—Simon, Andrew, James, and John—inviting them to become "fishers of men." Their immediate response exemplifies the compelling authority and transformative nature of Jesus’ call.

  Notable Quote:
  "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men."
  (12:14)

• Teaching and Healing in Capernaum (Mark 1:21–34):
  In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with unparalleled authority, casting out unclean spirits and healing the sick. His deeds astonish the people, rapidly increasing His fame throughout the region.

  Notable Quote:
  "What is this a new teaching? He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."
  (13:03)

• Confrontations and Miracles (Mark 1:35–45):
  Jesus’ commitment to prayer and solitude contrasts with His active ministry. The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law, the multitude’s faith in Him, and the purification of a leper demonstrate His compassion and divine authority. However, the spreading of His miracles leads to increased scrutiny and necessitates periods of withdrawal.

  Notable Quote:
  "I will be clean."
  (13:51)

Insights:

Mark 1 serves as a dynamic introduction to Jesus’ earthly ministry, showcasing His divine authority, compassionate heart, and unwavering dedication to fulfilling His mission. The immediate responses of the disciples and the populace highlight the magnetic draw of Jesus’ presence and message. The chapter lays the foundation for understanding Jesus as both fully divine and fully human, capable of profound miracles while navigating the challenges of His divine calling.

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Conclusion

This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry offers a compelling exploration of leadership, faith, and the advent of Christ through its selected readings. From the rise and fall of Judah’s kings to the heartfelt prayers of the Psalms and the transformative beginnings of Jesus’ ministry, listeners are invited to reflect deeply on the interplay between human actions and divine providence. The incorporation of notable quotes with precise timestamps enhances the devotional experience, allowing listeners to engage more intimately with the scriptures. Overall, the episode serves as a meaningful guide for believers striving to navigate their spiritual journeys with wisdom and grace.

Transcript

[Narrator]

A reading from the book of 2 Chronicles. Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram, his son, reigned in his place. He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Mikael, and Shephatiah. All these were the sons of Jehoshaphat, king of Israel. Their father gave them great gifts of silver, gold and valuable possessions, together with fortified cities in Judah. But he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn. When Jehoram had ascended the throne of his father and was established, he killed all his brothers with a sword and also some of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was 32 years old when he became king. And he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. That the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David because of the covenant that he had made with David. And since he had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever. In his days, Edom revolted from the rule of Judah and set up a king of their own. Then Jehoram passed over with his commanders and all his chariots. And he rose by night and struck the Edomites who had surrounded him and his chariot commanders. So Edom revolted from the rule of Judah to this day. And the at that time, Libnah also revolted from his rule, because he had forsaken the Lord, the God of his fathers. Moreover, he made high places in the hill country of Judah and led the inhabitants of Jerusalem into whoredom and made Judah go astray. And a letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, thus says the Lord, the God of David, your father, because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel and have enticed Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem into whoredom, as the house of Ahab led Israel into whoredom. And also you have killed your brothers or your father's house, who were better than you. Behold, the Lord will bring a great plague on your people, your children, your wives, and all your possessions. And you yourself will have a severe sickness with the disease of your bowels, until your bowels come out because of the disease, day by day. And the Lord stirred up Against Jehoram, the anger of the Philistines and of the Arabians, who are near the Ethiopians. And they came up against Judah and invaded it and carried away all the possessions that they found that belonged to the king's house and also his sons and his wives, so that no son was left to him except Jehoahaz, his youngest son. And after all this, the Lord struck him in his bowels with an incurable disease. In the course of time, at the end of two years, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great agony. His people made no fire in his honor like the fires made for his fathers. He was 32 years old when he began to reign. And he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he departed with no one's regret. They buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah, his youngest son, king in his place. For the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had killed all the older sons. So Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, reigned. Ahaziah was 22 years old when he began to reign. And he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Amri. He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counsellor. In doing wickedly, he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done. For after the death of his father, they were his counsellors to his undoing. He even followed their counsel and went with Jehoram, the son of Ahab, king of Israel, to make war against Hazael, king of Syria, at Ramothgilead. And the Syrians wounded Joram, and he returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that he had received at Ramah when he fought against Hazael, king of Syria. And Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel because he was wounded. But it was ordained by God that the downfall of Ahaziah should come about through his going to visit Joram. For when he came there, he went out with Jehoram to meet Jehu, the son of Nimshai, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. And when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, he met the princes of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah's brothers who attended Haaziah, and he killed them. He searched for Ahaziah, and he was captured while hiding in Samaria. And he was brought to Jehu and put to death. They buried him, for they said, he is the grandson of Jehoshaphat who who sought the Lord with all his heart. And the house of Ahaziah had no one able to rule the kingdom. Now when Athaliah, the mother of Haaziah, saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal family of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabiah, the daughter of the king, took Joash, the son of Haaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who were about to be put to death. And she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus Jehoshabiah, the daughter of King Jehoram and and wife of Jehoiada the priest, because she was a sister of Haaziah, hid him from Athaliah so that she did not put him to death. And he remained with them six years, hidden in the house of God, while Athaliah reigned over the land. But in the seventh year, Jehoiada took courage and entered into a covenant with the commanders of hundreds. Azariah the son of Jehoram, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zikri. And they went about through Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers houses of Israel. And they came to Jerusalem. And all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And Jehoiada said to them, behold, the king's son. Let him reign as the Lord spoke concerning the sons of David. This is the thing that you shall do of you priests and Levites who come off duty on the sabbath. One third shall be gatekeepers, and one third shall be at the king's house, and one third at the gate of the foundation. And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord. Let no one enter the house of the Lord, except the priests and ministering Levites. They may enter, for they are holy. But all the people shall keep the charge of the Lord. The Levites shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever enters the house shall be put to death. Be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out. The Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded. And they each brought his men who were to go off duty on the Sabbath with those who were to come on duty on the Sabbath. For Jehoiada the priest did not dismiss the divisions. And Jehoiada the priest gave to the captains the spears and the large and small shields that had been King David's, which were in the house of God. And he set all the people as a guard for the king. Every man with his weapon in his hand from the south side of the house to the north side of the house, around the altar and the house. Then they brought out the king's son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him. And they said, long live the king. When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she went into the house of the Lord to the people. And when she looked, there was the king standing by his pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets and the singers with their musical instruments leading in the celebration. And Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, treason.

[Congregation]

Treason.

[Narrator]

Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains who were set over the army, saying to them, bring her out between the ranks. And anyone who follows her is to be put to death with the sword. For the priests said, do not put her to death in the house of the Lord. So they laid hands on her. And she went into the entrance of the horse gate of the king's house, and they put her to death there. And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord's people. Then all the people went to the house of BAAL and tore it down. His altars and his images they broke in pieces. And Nakhel Mattan, the priest of baal, before the altars. And Jehoiada posted watchmen for the house of the Lord under the direction of the Levitical priests and the Levites whom David had organized to be in charge of the house of the Lord to offer burnt offerings to the Lord as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, according to the order of David, he stationed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the Lord so that no one should enter who was in any way unclean. And he took the captains, the nobles, the governors of the people and all the people of the land. And they brought the king down from the house of the Lord, marching through the upper gate to the king's house. And they set the king on the royal throne. So all the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword. A reading from the Book of Psalms. But you, O Lord, do not be far off. O you, my help.

[Congregation]

Come quickly to my aid. Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog.

[Narrator]

Stand.

[Congregation]

Save me from the mouth of the lion.

[Narrator]

You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen. I will tell of your name to.

[Congregation]

My brothers in the midst of the congregation. I will praise you, you who fear the Lord. Praise him all you offspring of Jacob.

[Narrator]

Glorify him and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel. For he has not despised or abhorred.

[Congregation]

The affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard when he cried to him. From you comes my praise in the great congregation. My vows I will perform before those who fear him.

[Narrator]

The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied.

[Congregation]

Those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever. All the ends of the earth shall.

[Narrator]

Remember and turn to the Lord, and.

[Congregation]

All the families of the nation shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship. Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and even the one who could not keep himself alive. Posterity shall serve him. It shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation. They shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn. That he has done it.

[Narrator]

A Reading of the Gospel According to.

[Congregation]

Mark the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah, the prophet Behold, I send my messenger before your.

[Narrator]

Face who will prepare your way.

[Congregation]

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight. John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, after me comes he who is mightier than I. The strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee. And was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water immediately, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, you are, my beloved son. With you I am well pleased. The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals. And the angels were ministering to him. Now, after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God and saying, the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel. Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men. And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little further, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them.

[Narrator]

And.

[Congregation]

And they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. And they went into Capernaum. And immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching. For he taught them as one who had authority and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, what have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God. But Jesus rebuked him, saying, be silent and come out of him. And the unclean spirit convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice came out of him. And they were all amazed. So that they questioned among themselves, saying, what is this a new teaching? With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him. And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Now Simon's mother in law lay ill with a fever. And immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. And the fever left her. And she began to serve them. That evening at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases. And cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak because they knew him. And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place. And there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him. And they found him and said to him, everyone is looking for you. And he said to them, let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out. And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

[Narrator]

And.

[Congregation]

And the leper came to him, imploring him and kneeling, said to him, if you will, you can make me clean. Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, I will be clean. And immediately the leprosy left him and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once. And said to him, see that you say nothing to anyone, but go show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded for a proof to them. But he went out and began to talk freely about it and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places and people were coming to him from every quarter.