June 20 (2 Kings 5–6; Psalm 139; 1 John 1–2)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: June 20
Scriptures Covered: 2 Kings 5–6; Psalm 139; 1 John 1–2
Release Date: June 20, 2025

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Overview

In this enlightening episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year," Jackie Hill Perry guides listeners through a profound journey across three significant biblical passages: 2 Kings 5–6, Psalm 139, and 1 John 1–2. This episode delves into themes of faith, divine intervention, self-examination, and the nature of true fellowship with God and one another. Through her thoughtful narration and insightful reflections, Jackie brings ancient scriptures to life, offering listeners both spiritual nourishment and practical lessons for everyday living.

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2 Kings 5–6: The Story of Naaman and Elisha

Key Themes: Faith, Obedience, Divine Intervention, Integrity

Naaman's Plight and Quest for Healing

• Introduction of Naaman ([00:01]-[00:24])
  Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, is described as a valiant and esteemed man, yet he suffers from leprosy. His situation sets the stage for a powerful narrative about seeking and receiving divine healing.

• The Captured Israelite Girl's Influence ([00:24]-[00:42])
  A young Israelite girl, taken captive during Syrian raids, becomes instrumental in Naaman's healing journey. She advises her mistress to seek the prophet Elisha in Samaria, demonstrating how faith can bridge cultural and national divides.

• Naaman Seeks Elisha ([00:42]-[01:04])
  Conveying the girl's message, Naaman approaches the king of Syria, who, respecting Elisha as a man of God, sends Naaman to Israel with valuable gifts. This exchange highlights the importance of generosity and humility in the face of divine matters.

Elisha's Unconventional Healing Method

• Initial Frustration ([01:04]-[02:16])
  Upon receiving the king of Israel's rebuke, Elisha calls Naaman to witness God's prophetic power firsthand. Contrary to Naaman's expectations of a grand ritual, Elisha instructs him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman's initial anger gives way to obedience, and his healing underscores the simplicity and faith required to receive God's grace.

  "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean." ([01:28])

Gehazi's Greed and Its Consequences

• Elisha's Refusal of Gifts ([02:20]-[04:10])
  After his healing, Naaman returns to Elisha to offer gifts, which the prophet steadfastly refuses. This interaction emphasizes integrity and the rejection of corruption.

  "As the Lord lives before whom I stand, I will accept nothing." ([02:34])

• Gehazi's Deception ([04:10]-[04:27])
  Elisha's servant, Gehazi, succumbs to greed by pursuing Naaman for personal gain. This act leads to severe consequences, serving as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of avarice.

  "The leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever." ([04:10])

Elisha's Divine Protection Over Israel

• Miraculous Defense ([05:07]-[07:07])
  Elisha demonstrates God's protection over Israel by thwarting Syrian invasions through divine intervention—specifically, causing the Syrian army to become blind. This not only secures Israel's safety but also reinforces Elisha's authority as a prophet.

  "Those with us are more than those with them." ([06:19])

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Psalm 139: David’s Reflection on Divine Omniscience and Omnipresence

Key Themes: God's Omniscience, Divine Presence, Personal Reflection, Integrity

• God’s Unfailing Knowledge ([09:10]-[10:12])
  David meditates on God's intimate knowledge of him, recognizing that nothing in his life is hidden from divine sight. This acknowledgment fosters a sense of humility and surrender.

  "You have searched me and known me." ([09:18])

• The Wonder of Creation ([10:12]-[10:48])
  Celebrating the miracle of his own creation, David marvels at the divine craftsmanship involved in his formation, prompting gratitude and awe for God's creative power.

  "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." ([10:24])

• Seeking Righteousness and Guidance ([10:49]-[11:17])
  Faced with opposition and sin, David pleads for God's guidance and purification, emphasizing the desire to walk in righteousness and the persistent need for divine assistance in overcoming personal failings.

  "Lead me in the way everlasting." ([11:17])

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1 John 1–2: John’s Teachings on Fellowship, Sin, and Truth

Key Themes: Fellowship with God, Confession of Sins, Truth vs. Deception, Love and Righteousness

Proclaiming Eternal Life ([11:17]-[15:00])

• The Manifestation of Life ([11:17]-[11:59])
  John emphasizes the tangible reality of eternal life through Jesus Christ, urging believers to maintain truthful fellowship with God and one another.

  "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." ([11:57])

• Walking in the Light ([12:07]-[13:39])
  The apostle encourages believers to live transparently and righteously, contrasting the darkness of sin with the clarity of walking in God's light.

  "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." ([12:07])

Overcoming Deception and Maintaining Integrity ([13:04]-[15:45])

• Warning Against Antichrists ([14:31]-[15:00])
  John warns of deceivers who deny the essence of Christ, reinforcing the necessity of adherence to the true teachings of Christianity to avoid falling prey to false doctrines.

  "Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?" ([15:00])

• Abiding in the Father and the Son ([15:00]-[15:45])
  The epistle concludes with a call to remain steadfast in faith, embracing the love of God and the promise of eternal life, fostering a resilient and authentic Christian community.

  "Abide in Him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him." ([15:45])

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Conclusion

This episode intricately weaves together narratives and teachings that underscore the importance of faith, obedience, and genuine fellowship with God. Through 2 Kings, listeners witness the transformative power of humble obedience and the perils of greed. Psalm 139 offers a profound personal reflection on God's intimate knowledge and presence, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and humility. Finally, 1 John 1–2 provides essential guidance on maintaining integrity and truth in one's relationship with God and the community.

Jackie Hill Perry's masterful presentation ensures that each scriptural segment not only recounts a timeless story but also invites listeners to apply these eternal truths to their daily lives, promoting spiritual growth and a more profound connection with the divine.

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Notable Quotes:

• "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean." ([01:28] - Elisha to Naaman)

• "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." ([10:24] - David in Psalm 139)

• "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." ([11:57] - John in 1 John 1)

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the June 20 episode, providing both a detailed recounting of the biblical passages and insightful reflections on their application in contemporary faith journeys.

Transcript

[Narrator]

A reading from the Book of Two Kings.

[Naaman]

Naaman, commander of the army of the.

[Elisha]

King of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor.

[Naaman]

Because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

[Elisha]

Now the Syrians on one of their.

[Naaman]

Raids had carried off a little girl.

[Elisha]

From the land of Israel, and she.

[Naaman]

Worked in the service of Naaman's wife.

[Elisha]

She said to her mistress, would that.

[Naaman]

My lord were with the prophet who was in Samaria. He would cure him of his leprosy.

[Elisha]

So Naaman went in and told his lord thus.

[Naaman]

And so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.

[Elisha]

And the king of Syria said, go.

[Naaman]

Now, and I will send a letter.

[Elisha]

To the king of Israel.

[Naaman]

So he went, taking with him 10 talents of silver, 6,000 shekels of gold.

[Elisha]

And 10 changes of clothing. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, when this.

[Naaman]

Letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that.

[Elisha]

You may cure him of his leprosy. And when the king of Israel read.

[Naaman]

The letter, he tore his clothes and.

[Elisha]

Said, am I God to kill and to make alive that this man sends.

[Naaman]

Word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me. But when Elisha, the man of God.

[Elisha]

Heard that the king of Israel had.

[Naaman]

Torn his clothes, he sent to the.

[Elisha]

King, saying, why have you torn your clothes?

[Naaman]

Let him come now to me that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel. So Naaman came with his horses and.

[Elisha]

Chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him.

[Naaman]

Saying, go and wash in the Jordan.

[Elisha]

Seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean. But Naaman was angry and went away saying, behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand.

[Naaman]

And call upon the name of the.

[Elisha]

Lord his God, and wave his hand.

[Naaman]

Over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abenah and Pharpar the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said.

[Elisha]

To him, my father, it is a great word.

[Naaman]

The prophet has spoken to you. Will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, wash and be clean? So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan according to the word of the man of God.

[Elisha]

And his flesh was restored like the.

[Naaman]

Flesh of a little child.

[Elisha]

And and he was clean.

[Naaman]

Then he returned to the man of.

[Elisha]

God, he and all his company.

[Naaman]

And he came and stood before him. And he said, behold, I know that there is no God in all the.

[Elisha]

Earth but in Israel. So accept now a present from your servant. But he said, as the Lord lives before whom I stand, I will receive none.

[Naaman]

And he urged him to take it, but he refused.

[Elisha]

Then Naaman said, if not, please, let.

[Naaman]

There be given to your servant two.

[Elisha]

Mule loads of earth.

[Naaman]

For from now on your servant will not offer burnt offerings or sacrifice to any God but the Lord. In this matter. May the Lord pardon your servant. When my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on.

[Elisha]

My arm, and I bow myself in.

[Naaman]

The house of Rimmon. When I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.

[Elisha]

He said to him, go in peace.

[Naaman]

But when Naaman had gone from him.

[Elisha]

A short distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said, see.

[Naaman]

My master has spared this Naaman the.

[Elisha]

Syrian in not accepting from his hand what he brought.

[Naaman]

As the Lord lives, I will run.

[Elisha]

After him and get something from him. So Gehazi followed Naaman.

[Naaman]

And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot.

[Elisha]

To meet him and said, is all well? And he said, all is well.

[Naaman]

My master has sent me to say, there have just now come to me.

[Elisha]

From the hill country of Ephraim two.

[Naaman]

Young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver.

[Elisha]

And two changes of clothing. And Naaman said, be pleased to accept two talents.

[Naaman]

And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags.

[Elisha]

With two changes of clothing and laid.

[Naaman]

Them on two of his servants.

[Elisha]

And they carried them before Gehazi.

[Naaman]

And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and put them in the house. And he sent the men away and they departed. He went in and stood before his master.

[Elisha]

And Elisha said to him, where have you been, Gehazi? And he said, your servant went nowhere. But he said to him, did not.

[Naaman]

My heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever. So he went out from his presence.

[Elisha]

A leper like snow.

[Naaman]

Now the sons of the prophets said.

[Gehazi]

To Elisha, see, the place where we.

[Naaman]

Dwell under your charge is too small for us. Let us Go to the Jordan, and each of us get there a log.

[Elisha]

And let us make a place for.

[Naaman]

Us to dwell there. And he answered, go.

[Elisha]

Then one of them said, be pleased.

[Naaman]

To go with your servants.

[Elisha]

And he answered, I will go. So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan.

[Naaman]

They cut down trees. But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water.

[Elisha]

And he cried out, alas, my master.

[Naaman]

It was borrowed. Then the man of God said, where did it fall? When he showed him the place, he.

[Elisha]

Cut off a stick and threw it.

[Naaman]

In there and made the iron float.

[Elisha]

And he said, take it up.

[Naaman]

So he reached out his hand and took it. Once when the king of Syria was.

[Elisha]

Warring against Israel, he took counsel with.

[Naaman]

His servants, saying, at such and such a place shall be my camp.

[Elisha]

But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, beware that you do not pass this place, for.

[Naaman]

The Syrians are going down there.

[Elisha]

And the king of Israel sent to.

[Naaman]

The place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice. And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing. And he called his servants and said.

[Elisha]

To them, will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, none, my lord, O king.

[Naaman]

But Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom. And he said, go and see where.

[Elisha]

He is that I may send and seize him. It was told him, behold, he is in Dothan.

[Naaman]

So he sent their horses and chariots.

[Elisha]

And a great army, and they came.

[Naaman]

By night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of.

[Elisha]

God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses.

[Naaman]

And chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, alas, my master, what shall we do?

[Elisha]

He said, do not be afraid, for.

[Naaman]

Those who are with us are more.

[Elisha]

Than those who are with them.

[Naaman]

Then Elisha prayed and said, o Lord, please open his eyes that he may see. So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. And when the Syrians came down against.

[Elisha]

Him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, please strike this people with blindness.

[Naaman]

So he struck them with blindness in.

[Elisha]

Accordance with the prayer of Elisha. And Elisha said to them, this is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you.

[Naaman]

To the man whom you seek.

[Elisha]

And he led them to Samaria.

[Naaman]

As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha.

[Elisha]

Said, o Lord, open the eyes of these men that they may see.

[Naaman]

So the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw. And behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

[Elisha]

As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, my.

[Naaman]

Father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down? He answered, you shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them that they may eat and drink and go to their master? So he prepared for them a great feast. And when they had eaten and drunk.

[Elisha]

He sent them away, and they went to their master.

[Naaman]

And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel. Afterward, Ben Hadad, king of Syria, mustered.

[Elisha]

His entire army and.

[Naaman]

And went up and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria as they besieged it until a donkey's head was sold for 80 shekels of silver. And the fourth part of a cab.

[Elisha]

Of doves, dung for five shekels of silver.

[Naaman]

Now, as the king of Israel was.

[Elisha]

Passing by on the wall, a woman.

[Naaman]

Cried out to him, saying, help my lord, O king.

[Elisha]

And he said, if the Lord will not help you, how shall I help you from the threshing floor or from the winepress?

[Naaman]

And the king asked her, what is your trouble?

[Elisha]

She answered, this woman said to me.

[Naaman]

Give your son that we may eat.

[Elisha]

Him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.

[Naaman]

So we boiled my son and ate him.

[Elisha]

And on the next day I said to her, give your son that we may eat him. But she has hidden her son. When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. Now he was passing by on the wall, and the people looked, and behold.

[Naaman]

He had sackcloth beneath on his body.

[Elisha]

And he said, may God do so to me. And more also if the head of.

[Naaman]

Elisha, the son of Shapheth, remains on his shoulders Today.

[Elisha]

Elisha was sitting in his house, and.

[Naaman]

The elders were sitting with him. Now, the king had dispatched a man from his presence. But before the messenger arrived, Elisha said to the elders, do you see how this murderer has sent to take off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the.

[Elisha]

Door and hold the door fast against him.

[Naaman]

Is not the sound of his master's feet behind him? And while he was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him.

[Elisha]

And said, this trouble is from the Lord.

[Naaman]

Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?

[Narrator]

A Reading from the book of Psalms to the choirmaster, a psalm of David.

[David]

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways even before a word is on my tongue. Behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is high, I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are.

[Gehazi]

There, if I make my bed in.

[David]

Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night. Even the darkness is not dark. To you the night is bright as.

[Gehazi]

The day, for darkness is as light with you.

[David]

For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works. My soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance. In your book were written every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet, there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God. How vast is the sum of them. If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

[Naaman]

Oh, that you would slay the wicked.

[David]

O God. O men of blood, depart from me. They speak against you with malicious intent. Your enemies take your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred. I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

[Narrator]

A reading from the Book of first John.

[Gehazi]

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon.

[Narrator]

And have touched with our hands concerning.

[Gehazi]

The word of life. The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it.

[Narrator]

And proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father, and was.

[Gehazi]

Made manifest to us that which we.

[Narrator]

Have Seen and heard.

[Gehazi]

We proclaim also to you so that.

[Narrator]

You too may have fellowship with us.

[Gehazi]

And indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

[Narrator]

And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard.

[Gehazi]

From him and proclaim to you that.

[Narrator]

God is light and in him is.

[Gehazi]

No darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light.

[Elisha]

As he is in the light, we.

[Narrator]

Have fellowship with one another. And the blood of Jesus, His Son.

[Gehazi]

Cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is.

[Narrator]

Faithful and just to forgive us our.

[Gehazi]

Sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.

[Narrator]

He is the propitiation for our sins.

[Gehazi]

And not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

[Narrator]

And by this we know that we have come to know him. If we keep his commandments.

[Gehazi]

Whoever says I know him, but does not keep his commandments is a liar.

[Narrator]

And the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word in Him. Truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him. Whoever says he abides in him ought.

[Gehazi]

To walk in the same way in which he walked.

[Narrator]

Beloved, I am writing you no new.

[Gehazi]

Commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard.

[Narrator]

At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to.

[Gehazi]

You, which is true in him and in you. Because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

[Narrator]

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the.

[Gehazi]

Light and in Him. There is no cause for stumbling.

[Narrator]

But whoever hates his brother is in.

[Gehazi]

The darkness and walks in the darkness.

[Narrator]

And does not know where he is.

[Gehazi]

Going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. I am writing to you, little children.

[Narrator]

Because your sins are forgiven. For his name's sake.

[Gehazi]

I am writing to you, fathers, because.

[Narrator]

You know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men.

[Gehazi]

Because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you.

[Narrator]

Know him who was from the beginning.

[Gehazi]

I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil One.

[Narrator]

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh and the.

[Gehazi]

Desires of the eyes and pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

[Narrator]

And the world is passing away along with its desires. But whoever does the will of God abides forever.

[Gehazi]

Children, it is the last hour.

[Narrator]

And as you have heard that Antichrist.

[Gehazi]

Is coming, so now many Antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they.

[Narrator]

Were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.

[Gehazi]

But they went out that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

[Narrator]

But you have been anointed by the.

[Gehazi]

Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it and because no lie is of the truth.

[Narrator]

Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist. He who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father.

[Gehazi]

Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

[Narrator]

Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning.

[Gehazi]

Abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.

[Narrator]

And this is the promise that he made to us.

[Gehazi]

Eternal life. I write these things to you about.

[Narrator]

Those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you. And you have no need that anyone.

[Gehazi]

Should teach you, but as his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in him.

[Narrator]

So that when he appears, we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.