Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: June 19, 2025
Readings: 2 Kings 3–4; Psalm 138; 2 Peter 1–3

Introduction

In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year," hosted by Crossway and featuring bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry, listeners are guided through three significant passages: 2 Kings 3–4, Psalm 138, and 2 Peter 1–3. This detailed summary encapsulates the key events, themes, and spiritual insights presented, enriched with notable quotes from the readings.

2 Kings 3–4: Leadership, Miracles, and Faithfulness

Key Events and Themes:

1. Alliance Against Moab (2 Kings 3):

   • Historical Context: Jehoram, son of Ahab, reigns over Israel and continues his father's idolatrous practices despite removing Baal’s pillar.
   • Rebellion: Upon Ahab's death, Mesha, king of Moab, rebels, ceasing the tribute of lambs and wool previously sent to Israel.
   • Military Coalition: Jehoram seeks an alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom to confront Moab. Jehoshaphat agrees, bringing unity among the three nations.

2. Lack of Water and Divine Intervention (2 Kings 3):

   • Crisis: After seven days of a futile march, the armies face a severe water shortage, threatening both men and animals.
   • Seeking Guidance: Realizing the dire situation, Jehoshaphat requests a prophet, leading them to Elisha.
   • Miraculous Prophecy: Elisha prophesies that God will provide water despite the absence of rain or dew, ensuring survival for the troops. This prophecy is fulfilled the next morning, leading to Israel's victory over Moab.

   Notable Quote:
   “Thus says the Lord, I will make this dry stream bed full of pools...” (00:24)

3. Elisha’s Miracles in 2 Kings 4:

   • Widow’s Oil Miracle: A destitute widow faces debt and the potential loss of her children into slavery. Elisha instructs her to multiply her small jar of oil, resulting in an abundance that settles her debts.
   • Shunammite Woman’s Son: A hospitable Shunammite woman is promised a son by Elisha. After the child’s tragic death, Elisha miraculously restores his life, demonstrating God's power over life and death.
   • Feeding the Multitude: During a famine, Elisha ensures that a pot of stew tainted with wild gourds becomes safe to eat and later multiplies a limited supply of bread to feed a hundred men, symbolizing God's provision in scarcity.

Notable Quote:
“...the flesh of the child became warm.” (06:40) – Elisha’s act of laying on the child, initiating the miracle of resurrection.

Psalm 138: A Heartfelt Thanksgiving to God

Themes: Praise, Gratitude, and God’s Faithfulness

• Acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty: David expresses profound gratitude, acknowledging God's exalted name and steadfast love.
• Personal Testimony: David recounts how God responded to his calls and provided strength in times of trouble.
• Universal Praise: The Psalm extends beyond personal thanksgiving, anticipating that all kings and nations will recognize and sing of the Lord’s glory.
• Assurance of God’s Purpose: Confidence in God’s plans and timing underscores the believer’s trust in divine providence.

Notable Quote:
“I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise.” (09:55)

2 Peter 1–3: Spiritual Growth and Vigilance Against False Teachings

Key Themes:

1. Exhortation to Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 1):

   • Divine Power and Promises: Peter emphasizes that God's power grants believers everything necessary for life and godliness.
   • Virtue and Knowledge: Encourages the cultivation of qualities such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love to prevent spiritual ineffectiveness.
   • Certainty of Calling: Assurance that possessing these qualities solidifies one’s calling and election, ensuring entry into the eternal kingdom.

   Notable Quote:
   “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue and virtue with knowledge and knowledge with self-control...” (Reader Timestamp: Approx. 10:43)

2. Warnings Against False Teachers (2 Peter 2):

   • Emergence of Deceptive Leaders: Peter warns of false prophets and teachers who introduce destructive heresies, denying Christ and leading many astray.
   • Examples of Divine Judgment: References to historical judgments against angels, the flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah serve as reminders of God’s judgment on wickedness.
   • Characteristics of False Teachers: Described as greedy, manipulative, and utterly corrupt, their downfall is inevitable and swift.

   Notable Quote:
   “They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin...” (Reader Timestamp: Approx. 12:00)

3. The Promise of New Heavens and a New Earth (2 Peter 3):

   • Denial of Last-Day Scoffers: Peter addresses skeptics who doubt the promise of Christ’s return, affirming that God remains patient, desiring all to repent.
   • Vigilant and Holy Living: Encourages believers to live lives of holiness and godliness, anticipating and hastening the day of God.
   • Eternal Perspective: Reminds that the current heavens and earth will pass away, but believers look forward to the new creation where righteousness dwells.

   Notable Quote:
   “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years...” (Reader Timestamp: Approx. 13:20)

Conclusion

This episode intricately weaves together narratives of leadership and divine intervention from 2 Kings, heartfelt worship from Psalm 138, and profound theological exhortations from 2 Peter. Jackie Hill Perry, through her readings, invites listeners to reflect on God's unwavering faithfulness, the importance of spiritual growth, and the vigilance required to maintain doctrinal truth in the face of deception. The selected passages collectively encourage a life anchored in faith, guided by divine wisdom, and hopeful in the promise of eternal righteousness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Thus says the Lord, I will make this dry stream bed full of pools...” (00:24)
• “I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise.” (09:55)
• “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue and virtue with knowledge and knowledge with self-control...” (10:43)
• “They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin...” (12:00)
• “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years...” (13:20)

By engaging with this episode, listeners gain deeper insights into biblical history, poetic worship, and practical theology, fostering a comprehensive understanding of their faith journey through the ESV Bible.