June 17 (1 Kings 21–22; Psalm 136; 1 Peter 1–2)

Summary

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

Episode: June 17 (1 Kings 21–22; Psalm 136; 1 Peter 1–2)
Host/Author: Crossway
Release Date: June 17, 2025

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 and New Testaments. Jackie Hill Perry guides the audience through the intricate narratives of 1 Kings, the heartfelt praise of Psalm 136, and the instructive teachings of 1 Peter. This episode seamlessly weaves together themes of justice, steadfast love, and Christian conduct, offering both historical context and spiritual insights.

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1 Kings 21–22: The Tragic Downfall of Ahab

The episode opens with a dramatic retelling of the story of Naboth the Jezreelite and King Ahab of Israel, highlighting the tension between righteous ownership and royal ambition.

• Ahab's Unjust Demand:
  King Ahab requests Naboth to relinquish his vineyard for a vegetable garden near the palace. When Naboth refuses, citing, "The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers," (00:01) Ahab becomes despondent.

• Jezebel's Scheming:
  Ahab's wife, Jezebel, intervenes fiercely to secure the vineyard. She orchestrates a false accusation against Naboth, leading to his stoning. The narrator emphasizes Jezebel's manipulative nature: "She wrote letters in Ahab's name... to stone him to death," (03:17).

• Divine Judgment Through Elijah:
  Prophet Elijah confronts Ahab with a stern prophecy of doom: "Dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel," (03:31). Despite Ahab's temporary repentance, Elijah declares that disaster will befall his lineage, not immediately but through his son, as a consequence of his and Jezebel's abominations.

• The Battle at Ramoth Gilead:
  Three years of peace precede a renewed conflict when Ahab seeks to reclaim Ramoth Gilead from Syria. The king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, joins him, insisting on seeking the Lord's counsel first. While 400 prophets affirm victory, the skeptical Ahab summons Micaiah, the lone true prophet. Micaiah's revelation unveils a divine plot to deceive Ahab, resulting in the king's defeat and death. The narrative concludes with Ahab's demise fulfilling Elijah's prophecy: "Dogs licked up his blood," (09:28).

Key Themes:

• Abuse of Power: Ahab and Jezebel's manipulation and corruption.
• Prophecy and Divine Intervention: Elijah's role in conveying God's judgment.
• Consequences of Injustice: The ultimate downfall of a tyrannical ruler.

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Psalm 136: An Anthem of Unending Grace

Transitioning to Psalm 136, the episode delves into a lyrical celebration of God's eternal love and mighty deeds.

• Refrain of Gratitude:
  Each verse concludes with the powerful affirmation, "for his steadfast love endures forever," (11:37), reinforcing God's unwavering mercy.

• Chronicle of Divine Acts:
  The Psalm recounts God's creation of the heavens and earth, His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and His victories over formidable kings like Sihon and Og. Verses such as, "for his steadfast love endures forever to him who struck down great kings," (12:48) highlight God's supremacy and consistent benevolence.

• Call to Thanksgiving:
  Listeners are encouraged to offer continuous praise: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. For his steadfast love endures forever," (10:01), fostering a spirit of gratitude and recognition of God's enduring presence.

Key Themes:

• Eternal Mercy: God's unchanging and everlasting love.
• Historical Acts of Salvation: Remembrance of God's interventions on behalf of Israel.
• Worship and Praise: The imperative to continuously honor God's greatness.

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1 Peter 1–2: Exhortations for a Holy Living

Concluding the episode, 1 Peter provides doctrinal teachings and practical guidance for believers navigating faith amidst trials.

• Salvation and Hope:
  Peter begins by addressing the elect exiles, emphasizing their salvation through Christ's resurrection: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (13:50).

• Purity and Conduct:
  Believers are urged to live holy lives, abstaining from former passions and embodying Christ-like behavior: "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct," (13:50).

• Submission and Respect:
  Instructions are given on respecting authorities and maintaining honorable conduct: "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution... honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the emperor," (Beloved, I urge you...).

• Endurance in Suffering:
  Peter encourages enduring unjust suffering with grace, reflecting Christ's own trials: "For when you suffer for doing good, you are blessed," (not directly quoted, but inferred from the context).

• Community and Love:
  Emphasis is placed on sincere brotherly love and building a spiritual community: "You yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood," (13:02).

Key Themes:

• Christ-Centered Salvation: The foundation of faith and hope in Jesus.
• Holy Living: Practical steps to embodying Christian principles.
• Respect and Submission: Navigating societal structures with integrity.
• Endurance and Suffering: Finding purpose and growth through trials.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ahab's Despair:
  "The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers." (00:01)

• Jezebel's Strategy:
  "Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread, and let your heart be cheerful." (03:19)

• Elijah's Prophecy:
  "Dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel." (03:31)

• Psalm of Gratitude:
  "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. For his steadfast love endures forever." (10:01)

• Salvation through Christ:
  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (13:52)

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Insights and Reflections

This episode intricately balances historical narratives with timeless spiritual truths. The story of Ahab and Naboth serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked power and the importance of righteous leadership. Psalm 136 acts as a melodic reminder of God's perpetual mercy, encouraging believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Finally, 1 Peter offers practical advice for living out one's faith authentically and steadfastly amidst societal pressures and personal trials.

Jackie Hill Perry, through her articulate readings, bridges the ancient texts with contemporary relevance, making the scriptures accessible and impactful. Listeners are invited to reflect on themes of justice, mercy, salvation, and virtuous living, fostering a deeper connection with their faith and the biblical narratives that shape it.

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Conclusion

This June 17th episode serves as a rich tapestry of biblical storytelling, poetic praise, and doctrinal teaching. Whether delving into the depths of biblical injustice, basking in the glory of God's enduring love, or seeking guidance for righteous living, listeners are provided with a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the scriptures. Jackie Hill Perry's thoughtful presentation ensures that both seasoned believers and new seekers find value and inspiration in the day's readings.

Transcript

[Narrator]

A reading from the book of 1 Kings. Now, Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria. And after this, Ahab said to Naboth, give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it. Or if it seems good to you, I will give you its value and money. But Naboth said to Ahab, the Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers. And Ahab went into his house, vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him. For he had said, I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers. And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food. But Jezebel, his wife, came to him and said to him, why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food? And he said to her, because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and. And said to him, give me your vineyard for money, or else if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it. And he answered, I will not give you my vineyard. And Jezebel his wife, said to him, do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread, and let your heart be cheerful. I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal. And she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. And she wrote in the letters, proclaim a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people and set two worthless men opposite him. And let them bring a charge against him, saying, you have cursed God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death. And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them, as it was written in the letters that she had sent to them. They proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, naboth cursed God and the king. So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, naboth has been stoned. He is dead. As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been Stoned and was dead. Jezebel said to Ahab, arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead. And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite to take possession of it. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite saying, arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who was in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession. And you shall say to him, thus says the Lord, have you killed and also taken possession. And you shall say to him, thus says the Lord, in the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood. Ahab said to Elijah, have you found me, O my enemy? He answered, I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up and will cut off from Ahab every male bond or free in Israel. And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger.

[Respondent]

To which you have provoked me, and.

[Narrator]

Because you have made Israel to sin. And of Jezebel, the Lord also said, the dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel. Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in.

[Respondent]

The city, the dogs shall eat, and.

[Narrator]

Anyone of his who dies in the open country, the birds of the heavens shall eat. There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Like Ahab whom Jezebel his wife incited, he acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel. And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days, but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house. For three years Syria and Israel continued without war. But in the third year, Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, came down to the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said to his servants, do you know that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us? And we keep quiet and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria? And he said to Jehoshaphat, will you go with me to battle at Ramoth Gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses. And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, inquire first for the word of the Lord. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about 400 men, and said to them, shall I go to battle against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain? And they said, go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king. But Jehoshaphat said, is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire? And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, there is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord Micaiah the son of Imlah. But I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, let not the king say so. Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah. Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria. And all the prophets were prophesying before them. And Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, thus says the Lord, with these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed. And all the prophets prophesied so, and said, go up to Ramoth, Gilead and triumph. The Lord will give it into the hand of the king. And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them and speak favorably. But Micaiah said, as the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak. And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth, Gilead to battle, or shall we refrain? And he answered him, go up and triumph. The Lord will give it into the hand of the king. But the king said to him, how many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of The Lord. And he said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, these have no master. Let each return to his home in peace. And and the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me but evil? And Micaiah said, therefore hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on his throne and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left. And the Lord said, who will entice Ahab that he may go up and fall at Ramoth, Gilead? And one said one thing, and another said another. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord saying, I will entice him. And the Lord said to him, by what means? And he said, I will go out and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, you are to entice him, and you shall succeed. Go out and do so. Now therefore, behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets. The Lord has declared disaster for you. Then Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah, came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, how did the spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you? And Micaiah said, behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself. And the king of Israel said, seize Micaiah and take him back to Ammon, the governor of the city, and to Joash, the king's son, and say, thus says the king, put this fellow in prison and feed him meager rations of bread and water until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, if you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me. And he said, hear all you peoples. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went up to Ramoth, Gilead. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. Now, the king of Syria had commanded the 32 captains of his chariots fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel. And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, it is surely the king of Israel. So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out. And when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. But a certain man drew his bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded. And the battle continued that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians, until at evening he died. And the blood of the wound flowed into the bottom of the chariot. And about sunset a cry went through the army. Every man to his city and every man to his country. So the king died and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria. And the dogs licked up his blood and and the prostitutes washed themselves in it according to the word of the.

[Respondent]

Lord that he had spoken.

[Narrator]

Now, the rest of the Acts of Ahab and all that he did, and the ivory house that he built and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? So Ahab slept with his fathers, and Ahaziah his son, reigned in his place. Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab, King of Israel. Jehoshaphat 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 all the way of Asa, his father. He did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the Lord. Yet the high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel. Now the rest of the Acts of Jehoshaphat and his might that he showed and how he warred all, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? And from the land he exterminateth a remnant of the male cult, prostitutes who remained. In the days of his father Asa, there was no king. In Edom, a deputy was king. Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold. But they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion Geber. Then Ahiezer the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, let my servants go with your servants in the ships. The But Jehoshaphat was not willing. And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David, his father, and Jehoram, his son, reigned in his place. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab Began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the 17th year of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. And he reigned two years over Israel. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam. The son of Nebat was who made Israel to sin. He served BAAL and worshiped him, and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger in every way that his father had done A reading from the Book of Psalms. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. For his steadfast love endures forever Give thanks to the God of Gods. For his steadfast love endures forever Give thanks to the Lord of Lords.

[Respondent]

For his steadfast love endures forever to.

[Narrator]

Him who alone does great wonders for his steadfast love endures forever to him who by understanding made the heavens for his steadfast love endures forever to him who spread out the earth above the waters for his steadfast love endures forever to him who made the great lights for his steadfast love endures forever the sun to rule over the day for.

[Respondent]

His steadfast love endures forever the moon.

[Narrator]

And stars to rule over the night for his steadfast love endures forever to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt for his steadfast love endures forever and brought Israel out from among them. For his steadfast love endures forever With a strong hand and an outstretched arm. For his steadfast love endures forever to him who divided the Red Sea in two for his steadfast love endures forever and made Israel pass through the midst of it. For his steadfast love endures forever but.

[Respondent]

Overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea.

[Narrator]

For his steadfast love endures forever to him who led his people through the wilderness for his steadfast love endures forever to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever and killed mighty kings. For his steadfast love endures forever Sihon.

[Respondent]

King of the Amorites.

[Narrator]

For his steadfast love endures forever and Og, king of Bashan. For his steadfast love endures forever and gave their land as a heritage. For his steadfast love endures forever A.

[Respondent]

Heritage to Israel his servant.

[Narrator]

For his steadfast love endures forever it.

[Respondent]

Is he who remembered us in our low estate.

[Narrator]

For his steadfast love endures forever and rescued us from our foes. For his steadfast love endures forever.

[Respondent]

He who gives food to all flesh.

[Narrator]

For his steadfast love endures forever.

[Respondent]

Give thanks to the God of heaven.

[Narrator]

For his steadfast love endures forever. A reading from the book of 1.

[Respondent]

Peter Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ to those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood, may grace and peace be multiplied to you.

[Narrator]

Blessed be the God and Father of.

[Respondent]

Our Lord Jesus Christ. The According to His great mercy he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by God's power are being guarded through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perish as though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him, though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours, searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ.

[Narrator]

In them was indicating.

[Respondent]

When he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories, it was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves, but you. And the things that have now been announced to you through those who preach the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven things into.

[Narrator]

Which angels long to look.

[Respondent]

Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written you shall be holy, for I am holy. And if you call on him as Father, who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you are ransomed from the feudal ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times. For the sake of you, who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God, having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth. For a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and abiding Word of God. For all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you. So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants. Long for the pure spiritual milk that by it you may grow up into salvation. If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good as you come to him. A living stone rejected by men. But in the sight of God, chosen and precious, you yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture. Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you, as sojourners and exiles, to abstain from the passions of the flesh which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers they may see your good deeds and glorify God. On the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor, as supreme or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect. Not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing. When mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it, you endure? This is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return. When he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed, for you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.