Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: July 27, 2025 Scripture Readings: 2 Chronicles 24–25; Psalm 23; Mark 2

Old Testament Reading: 2 Chronicles 24–25

In this episode, the Old Testament segment delves into 2 Chronicles 24–25, focusing on the reigns of King Joash and his son Amaziah in Judah. The narrative begins with King Joash, who ascended to the throne at seven years old and reigned for forty years (00:01). Under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada, Joash initiates the restoration of the Temple, mobilizing the priests and Levites to collect funds for rebuilding efforts.

Key Highlights:

• Joash’s Reign and Temple Restoration: Joash demonstrates his commitment to God by restoring the Temple, employing skilled workers, and ensuring regular burnt offerings (00:01–02:30). The narrator emphasizes Joash's initial fidelity: “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada” (00:05).

• Jehoiada’s Influence and Zechariah’s Martyrdom: Jehoiada, the chief priest, plays a pivotal role in supporting Joash. However, after Jehoiada’s death at age 130, Joash falters, leading Judah away from worshiping the Lord and turning to idols (02:30–04:00). The prophet Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, confronts the king, resulting in his tragic stoning: “Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son” (03:50).

• Joash’s Downfall: The king's abandonment of the Lord invites wrath upon Judah. A Syrian army devastates the kingdom, fulfilling divine judgment. Joash’s reign ends violently as conspirators assassinate him, and his son Amaziah succeeds him (04:00–04:32).

Psalm 23: A Psalm of David

The Psalms reading centers on Psalm 23, one of the most cherished passages in the Bible. David poetically describes the Lord as his shepherd, highlighting themes of trust, guidance, and divine provision.

Key Verses and Insights:

• Divine Guidance and Provision: The psalm opens with assurance: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (04:32). David illustrates God’s nurturing care, leading him to green pastures and still waters (08:49).

• Comfort in Times of Fear: Even amidst the "valley of the shadow of death," David expresses unwavering faith: “I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (08:54).

• Blessings and Assurance of God’s Presence: The imagery of a prepared table and anointed head signifies abundance and honor bestowed by God: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (09:08).

• Eternal Dwelling: The psalm concludes with a profound sense of belonging: “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (09:16).

New Testament Reading: Mark 2

The New Testament portion explores Mark 2, where Jesus performs miracles, calls disciples, and teaches profound truths about His mission and authority.

Key Highlights:

• Healing of the Paralytic (09:24–11:30):

  • Faith and Forgiveness: Jesus heals a paralytic, emphasizing the connection between faith and forgiveness: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’” (09:32).
  • Authority to Forgive Sins: Confronted by scribes questioning His authority, Jesus declares His divine authority: “Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?” (09:50).

• Calling of Levi (Matthew) (11:30–12:30):

  • Inclusive Ministry: Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, illustrating His mission to reach sinners: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (10:10).

• Teaching on Fasting (12:30–13:50):

  • New Wine on Old Wineskins: Jesus uses metaphors to explain the incompatibility of His new teachings with old traditions: “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse” (11:50).

• Lord of the Sabbath (13:50–16:00):

  • Sabbath is Made for Man: Responding to criticism about His disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus redefines the purpose of the Sabbath: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (15:40).

Notable Observations:

• Authority of Jesus: Throughout Mark 2, Jesus asserts His divine authority to forgive sins and redefine religious practices, underscoring His role as the Messiah.

• Inclusivity and Mercy: The calling of Levi and association with sinners highlight Jesus’s mission to bring salvation to all, regardless of societal standing.

Conclusion

This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry offers a rich exploration of biblical narratives, weaving together historical accounts from the Old Testament, poetic reflections from the Psalms, and profound teachings from the New Testament. Through the readings of 2 Chronicles 24–25, Psalm 23, and Mark 2, listeners are invited to reflect on themes of faithfulness, divine guidance, redemption, and the transformative authority of Jesus Christ.

Highlighted Quotes:

• “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1) (04:32)
• “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6) (09:08)
• “Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?” (Mark 2:9) (10:00)
• “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27) (15:40)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions and insights, providing a coherent and engaging overview for both regular listeners and newcomers.