Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: June 18, 2025
Scriptural Readings:

• Old Testament: 2 Kings 1–2
• Psalms: Psalm 137
• New Testament: 1 Peter 3–5

Introduction

In the June 18th episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry," hosted by Crossway, listeners are guided through a profound journey encompassing pivotal Old Testament narratives, heartfelt Psalms, and instructive New Testament teachings. This episode delves into the sovereignty of God as depicted in 2 Kings, the deep anguish and longing for Jerusalem in Psalm 137, and the resilient faith encouraged in 1 Peter 3–5. Through these scriptures, Jackie Hill Perry offers insights that resonate with both personal faith journeys and broader theological understanding.

Old Testament Reading: 2 Kings 1–2

Overview:
The episode begins with a dramatic account from 2 Kings 1–2, highlighting the confrontation between the prophet Elijah and King Ahaziah of Israel. After Ahaziah falls ill, he seeks counsel from Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, disregarding the God of Israel. Elijah is sent by God to deliver a stern message of judgment.

Key Points & Insights:

• Divine Judgment vs. Idolatry:
  Elijah confronts the king's decision to consult a foreign deity, emphasizing the futility of idolatry. Speaker B narrates, “[...] now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria and lay sick...” (00:01), setting the stage for divine intervention.

• God’s Sovereignty and Power:
  The miraculous acts performed by Elijah, such as calling down fire from heaven to consume two captains and their soldiers, demonstrate God's supreme authority. At [01:06], Speaker B describes, “Then Elijah answered: 'If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your 50.' Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his 50.”

• Transition of Prophetic Leadership:
  The departure of Elijah and the succession by Elisha marks a significant transition. As Elijah is taken up by a whirlwind, Elisha inherits a "double portion" of his spirit, symbolizing the continuation of God's work. At [04:37], Speaker A narrates, “Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water. And the water was parted...”

• Elisha’s Faith and Obedience:
  Elisha's unwavering commitment to staying with Elijah, even foreseeing his master's departure, exemplifies steadfast faith. Speaker B notes, “Elisha said, 'As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.'” ([03:21]).

Notable Quotes:

• Speaker A at [02:42]: “Thus says the Lord, because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word...”
• Speaker B at [04:37]: “I will not leave you.”

Psalms Reading: Psalm 137

Overview:
Psalm 137 captures the profound sorrow and yearning of the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. It juxtaposes the pain of displacement with a steadfast hope for restoration, embodying the struggles between despair and faith.

Key Points & Insights:

• Pain of Exile:
  The psalm opens with the haunting imagery of Zion being remembered by the captives in Babylon, “…by the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept. When we remembered Zion...” ([07:07]). This reflects the deep emotional and spiritual anguish of being away from God's presence.

• Identity and Worship in Adversity:
  The captives wrestle with maintaining their identity and worshiping God in a foreign land. Speaker B emphasizes, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?” ([07:20]).

• Vow of Remembrance and Loyalty:
  The psalmist vows never to forget Jerusalem, signifying an unwavering loyalty to God despite circumstances. At [07:24], Speaker B states, “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.”

• Retribution Against Enemies:
  The psalm concludes with a desire for justice against those who destroyed Jerusalem, highlighting a raw plea for vindication. Speaker A narrates, “Blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us...” ([07:54]).

Notable Quotes:

• Speaker B at [07:24]: “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.”
• Speaker A at [07:56]: “Blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us.”

New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 3–5

Overview:
The session concludes with a thorough exploration of 1 Peter 3–5, where the Apostle Peter addresses Christians undergoing suffering and persecution. These chapters offer practical guidance on Christian conduct, humility, and steadfastness in faith.

Key Points & Insights:

• Conduct in Relationships:
  Peter advises wives to be subject to their husbands and husbands to honor their wives, promoting harmony and respect within marital relationships. At [07:58], Speaker A reads, “Wives, be subject to your own husbands...”

• Inner Beauty Over External Appearance:
  Emphasizing the importance of inner virtues, Peter encourages believers to prioritize a gentle and quiet spirit over adornments. Speaker A highlights, “But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart...” ([08:00]).

• Unity and Humility among Believers:
  Peter urges the community to maintain unity of mind and humility, resisting pride and promoting fellowship. At [10:00], Speaker B mentions, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another...”

• Resilience in Suffering:
  The epistle exhorts believers to remain steadfast amidst trials, viewing suffering as participation in Christ's own sufferings. Speaker B conveys, “Rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings...” ([11:20]).

• Shepherding Leadership:
  Elders are instructed to lead willingly and serve as examples, ensuring that leadership within the church is marked by integrity and humility. Speaker A notes, “Shepherd, the flock of God that is among you...” ([11:12]).

• Final Exhortations:
  Peter concludes with a call to remain vigilant against the devil's schemes, to cast anxieties on God, and to stand firm in faith, promising restoration and eternal glory. At [11:20], Speaker B summarizes, “By Silvanus, a faithful brother... Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

Notable Quotes:

• Speaker A at [07:58]: “Wives, be subject to your own husbands...”
• Speaker B at [10:00]: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another...”
• Speaker B at [11:20]: “Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

Conclusion

The June 18th episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" masterfully intertwines narratives of divine authority, heartfelt lamentation, and practical Christian living. From Elijah's unwavering mission and Elisha's succession in 2 Kings, through the poignant cries of Psalm 137, to Peter's robust advice for enduring faith in 1 Peter 3–5, listeners are offered a comprehensive exploration of faith amidst adversity. Jackie Hill Perry, through the meticulous readings and reflections, invites believers to deepen their understanding of God's sovereignty, the resilience of the human spirit in worship, and the practical outworking of faith in everyday relationships and challenges.