Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: July 6, 2025
Readings: 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 5; Matthew 7
Host/Author: Crossway
Overview
In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year," hosted by Crossway and featuring renowned author Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a comprehensive journey through the Scriptures. The July 6 episode delves into a detailed genealogy from 1 Chronicles 7, a heartfelt supplication in Psalm 5, and profound teachings from Matthew 7. This episode offers a blend of historical context, poetic reflection, and practical wisdom, providing listeners with a multifaceted understanding of faith and devotion.
1 Chronicles 7: The Lineage of Issachar and Benjamin
Timestamp: [00:01] - [04:36]
The episode begins with a meticulous recitation from 1 Chronicles 7, which outlines the genealogies of the tribes of Issachar and Benjamin. This chapter emphasizes the strength and organization of these tribes, highlighting their roles as mighty warriors and leaders.
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Issachar’s Warriors: The tribe of Issachar is portrayed as formidable, with detailed listings of their leaders and warriors. For instance, Tola, Pua, Jashub, and Shimron are noted as heads of their respective houses, each contributing to the tribe's military prowess.
"Their number in the days of David being 22,600 the son of Uzziah, Izrahiah..." ([00:02])
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Benjamin’s Mighty Fighters: Similarly, the tribe of Benjamin is documented with its own impressive number of warriors, showcasing their commitment to defense and valor.
"Their number enrolled by genealogies for service in war, was 26,000 men." ([04:36])
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Historical Significance: The genealogies serve not only as historical records but also underscore the importance of lineage and legacy within the Israelite tribes. They reflect the societal structure and the emphasis on preparedness and loyalty during King David’s reign.
Psalm 5: A Morning Prayer for Guidance
Timestamp: [04:36] - [06:06]
Transitioning from the Old Testament narratives, the podcast reads Psalm 5, attributed to David. This Psalm is a poignant morning prayer seeking God's guidance and protection.
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Invocation for Attention: David begins by earnestly appealing to the Lord to listen to his pleas and consider his groaning.
"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry." ([04:42])
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Righteousness and Protection: The Psalm emphasizes God's disdain for wickedness and deceit, contrasting it with His steadfast love towards the righteous.
"You hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies." ([05:23])
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Commitment and Worship: David pledges his commitment to enter God's house with reverence, highlighting the importance of worship rooted in genuine faith.
"But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house." ([05:21])
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Divine Guidance: The latter part of the Psalm is a plea for God to lead David in righteousness, protect him from enemies, and bless those who take refuge in Him.
"Let all who take refuge in you rejoice. Let them ever sing for joy and spread your protection over them." ([05:23])
Matthew 7: Teachings on Judgment, Prayer, and Discernment
Timestamp: [06:06] - [08:50]
The New Testament reading focuses on Matthew 7, where Jesus imparts essential teachings during the Sermon on the Mount. This section is a blend of ethical instruction, spiritual guidance, and practical wisdom.
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Judgment and Self-Reflection: Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, urging individuals to first address their own flaws before critiquing others.
"Judge not, that you be not judged...why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" ([06:06] - [06:25])
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The Golden Rule: A cornerstone of Christian ethics, Jesus emphasizes treating others as one would like to be treated.
"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets." ([06:56])
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Narrow vs. Wide Gates: He contrasts the easy, broad path leading to destruction with the narrow, challenging path that leads to life, highlighting the importance of deliberate choice in one's spiritual journey.
"For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction... the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." ([06:56])
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Discernment of False Prophets: Jesus instructs believers to identify false prophets by their fruits, stressing the importance of actions aligning with professed beliefs.
"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." ([07:00])
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Wise and Foolish Builders: The chapter concludes with a parable comparing those who hear and act on Jesus' words to a wise man building on rock, and those who do not to a foolish man building on sand.
"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand." ([08:23] - [08:48])
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Authority in Teaching: The episode notes the impact of Jesus' authoritative teaching style, which astonished the crowds.
"For he was teaching them as one who had authority and not as their scribes." ([08:50])
Conclusion
This episode weaves together historical genealogies, heartfelt prayers, and profound teachings, offering listeners a rich tapestry of biblical wisdom. From the organized strength of Israel's tribes in 1 Chronicles 7, through the intimate supplications of Psalm 5, to the transformative lessons of Matthew 7, Jackie Hill Perry guides listeners through a day of spiritual nourishment and reflection.
Notable Quotes
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1 Chronicles 7 - Mighty Warriors Enumeration
"Their number enrolled by genealogies for service in war, was 26,000 men."
[04:36] -
Psalm 5 - Plea for Divine Attention
"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning."
[04:42] -
Matthew 7 - On Judgment
"Judge not, that you be not judged..."
[06:06] -
Matthew 7 - The Golden Rule
"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them..."
[06:56] -
Matthew 7 - Wise and Foolish Builders
"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand."
[08:23] -
Matthew 7 - Authority of Teaching
"For he was teaching them as one who had authority and not as their scribes."
[08:50]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the July 6 episode, providing listeners and readers alike with a clear understanding of the day's biblical passages and their significance within the broader tapestry of faith.