June 21 (2 Kings 7–8; Psalm 140; 1 John 3–5)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: June 21 (2 Kings 7–8; Psalm 140; 1 John 3–5) Release Date: June 21, 2025

In this enlightening episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry," listeners embark on a spiritual journey through selected passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. Hosted by Crossway, this episode delves into the profound narratives of 2 Kings 7–8, the heartfelt pleas of Psalm 140, and the transformative teachings of 1 John 3–5. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from each segment.

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Old Testament Reading: 2 Kings 7–8

Overview: The episode begins with a dramatic recounting of events from 2 Kings chapters 7 and 8, focusing on the prophet Elisha's pivotal role during a time of famine and conflict in Samaria. The narrative highlights themes of divine intervention, faith, and the consequences of human actions.

Key Events:

• Divine Provision Amid Famine: Elisha prophesies a miraculous abundance of resources despite the ongoing famine. He foretells that "a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel" (02:56).

• Lepers’ Bold Decision: Facing starvation, four lepers contemplate seeking refuge in the enemy camp of the Syrians. Their decision leads to unexpected divine intervention as the Syrian army mysteriously retreats (00:46–02:51).

• Miraculous Victory: The lepers seize the opportunity to plunder the abandoned Syrian camp, bringing prosperity back to Samaria. This act fulfills Elisha's prophecy and underscores the theme of God’s providence.

Notable Quotes:

• Elisha on Divine Miracles: “[Elisha] said, you shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it” (03:28).

• Prophecy Fulfilled: “So a sea of fine flour was sold for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord” (02:56).

Insights: The passage emphasizes the power of faith and obedience. The lepers' trust in Elisha's prophecy, despite the apparent risks, leads to unexpected blessings. It serves as a testament to the belief that divine assistance can manifest in unforeseen ways when individuals act with faith.

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Psalms Reading: Psalm 140

Overview: Transitioning to the Psalms, the episode presents Psalm 140, a heartfelt plea for deliverance from wicked adversaries. Authored by King David, this psalm reflects his deep reliance on God’s protection amidst personal and political turmoil.

Key Themes:

• Seeking Protection: David earnestly requests God's intervention against violent and deceitful men who plot evil (08:07–08:20).

• Justice and Righteousness: The psalmist implores God to uphold justice, ensuring that the wicked do not prevail and that the righteous find refuge (08:22–09:22).

• Divine Vindication: There is a strong emphasis on God being the ultimate judge who defends the afflicted and maintains moral order (08:55–09:22).

Notable Quotes:

• David’s Plea for Protection: “Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men who plan evil things in their heart” (08:07).

• Call for Divine Justice: “Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name. The upright shall dwell in your presence” (09:22).

Insights: Psalm 140 encapsulates the timeless human struggle against injustice and the longing for divine mercy. David’s sincere prayers resonate with individuals facing similar adversities, reinforcing the belief in God’s unwavering support and the eventual triumph of righteousness.

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New Testament Reading: 1 John 3–5

Overview: The episode culminates with an in-depth exploration of 1 John chapters 3 to 5, where the Apostle John delves into the nature of Christian love, righteousness, and the assurance of salvation. These chapters underscore the transformative power of living in accordance with God’s commandments.

Key Themes:

• Identity as God’s Children: Emphasizes the believer’s transformation and new identity in Christ, encouraging a life reflective of divine love (09:22–09:33).

• Love and Righteousness: Stresses the importance of genuine love for others as evidence of a righteous life, contrasting it with the destructive nature of sin (10:01–10:55).

• Assurance of Salvation: Provides comfort and confidence in God’s promises, affirming that those who believe in Jesus have eternal life (12:58–13:18).

Notable Quotes:

• On Divine Love: “We love because he first loved us” (14:16).

• Assurance of Eternal Life: “Whoever has the Son has life” (15:43).

• Call to Purity: “He shall not eat of it” (Subscription from 2 Kings, but theme carried into New Testament teachings).

Insights: John articulates a compelling vision of Christian living, where love and obedience are not mere duties but expressions of a transformed heart. The letters encourage believers to discern truth from error, uphold righteousness, and maintain steadfast faith in the face of worldly challenges.

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Concluding Reflections

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year" adeptly weaves together narratives from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament to present a cohesive message of faith, love, and divine assurance. Through the prophetic insights of Elisha, the earnest prayers of David, and the theological depth of John, listeners are invited to deepen their understanding of God’s timeless truths. The incorporation of notable quotes with precise timestamps enhances the engagement, allowing for easy reference and reflection.

Whether you are following along in your personal Bible study or seeking a structured and meaningful engagement with scripture, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encourages a life rooted in divine love and righteousness.

Transcript

[Narrator]

A reading from the Book of two Kings.

[Elisha]

But Elisha said, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the tomorrow about this time, a seah of fine flour shall be.

[Lepers]

Sold for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria. Then the captain, on whose hand the.

[Elisha]

King leaned, said to the man of God, if the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?

[Lepers]

But he said, you shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall.

[Elisha]

Not eat of it. Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, why are we sitting here until we die? If we say, let us enter the.

[Lepers]

City, the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also.

[Elisha]

So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians.

[Lepers]

If they spare our lives, we shall live, and if they kill us, we shall but die.

[Elisha]

So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians.

[Lepers]

But when they came to the edge.

[Elisha]

Of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians. Hear the sound of chariots and of.

[Lepers]

Horses, the sound of a great army.

[Elisha]

So that they said to one another, behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.

[Lepers]

So they fled away in the twilight.

[Elisha]

And abandoned their tents, their horses and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it.

[Lepers]

Was, and fled for their lives.

[Elisha]

And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into a tent and ate and drank, and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them. Then they came back and entered another.

[Lepers]

Tent and carried off things from it.

[King]

And went and hid them.

[Elisha]

Then they said to one another, we are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until.

[Lepers]

The morning light, punishment will overtake us.

[Elisha]

Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king's household. So they came and called to the gatekeepers of the city and told them, we came to the camp of the Syrians.

[Lepers]

And behold, there was no one to.

[Elisha]

Be seen or heard there. Nothing but the horses tied and the donkeys tied and the tents as they were.

[Lepers]

Then the gatekeepers called out and it was told within the king's household.

[Elisha]

And the king rose in the night.

[Lepers]

And said to his servants, I will tell you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we are hungry, and.

[Elisha]

Therefore they have gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the open.

[Lepers]

Country, thinking, when they come out of the city, we shall take them alive.

[Elisha]

And get into the city.

[Lepers]

And one of his servants said, let.

[Elisha]

Some men take five of the remaining horses, seeing that those who are left.

[Lepers]

Here will fare like the whole multitude.

[Elisha]

Of Israel who have already perished. Let us send and see. So they took two horsemen, and the king sent them after the army of.

[Lepers]

The Syrians, saying, go and see.

[Elisha]

So they went after them as far as the Jordan. And behold, all the way was littered with garments and equipment that the Syrians had thrown away in their haste. And the messengers returned and told the king. Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Syrians.

[Lepers]

So a sea of fine flour was sold for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to.

[Elisha]

The word of the Lord. Now the king had appointed the captain, on whose hand he leaned to have charge of the gate. And the people trampled him in the.

[Lepers]

Gate, so that he died, as the.

[Elisha]

Man of God had said when the king came down to him. For when the man of God had.

[Lepers]

Said to the king, two seahs of barley shall be sold for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for.

[Elisha]

A shekel, about this time tomorrow in.

[Lepers]

The gate of Samaria, the captain had answered the man of God, if the.

[Elisha]

Lord himself should make windows in heaven.

[Lepers]

Could such a thing be? And he had said, you shall see it with your own eyes, but you.

[Elisha]

Shall not eat of it.

[Lepers]

And so it happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gate, and he died.

[Elisha]

Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, arise and depart with your household, and.

[Lepers]

Sojourn wherever you can, for the Lord has called for a famine, and it.

[Elisha]

Will come upon the land for seven years. So the woman arose and did according to the word of the man of God.

[Lepers]

She went with her household and sojourned.

[Elisha]

In the land of the Philistines seven years. And at the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the.

[Lepers]

Land of the Philistines, she went to.

[Elisha]

Appeal to the king for her house and her land.

[Lepers]

Now the king was talking with Gehazi.

[Elisha]

The servant of the man of God.

[Lepers]

Saying, tell me all the great things.

[Elisha]

That Elisha has done. And while he was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to.

[Lepers]

Life, behold the woman whose son he.

[Elisha]

Had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land.

[Lepers]

And Gehazi said, my lord, O king.

[Elisha]

Here is the Woman. And here is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

[Lepers]

And when the king asked the woman, she told him so the king appointed an official for her, saying, restore all that was hers, together with all the.

[Elisha]

Produce of the fields from the day that she left the land until now. Now Elisha came to Damascus.

[Lepers]

Ben Hadad, the king of Syria, was sick. And when it was told him, the.

[Elisha]

Man of God has come here.

[Lepers]

The king said to Hazael, take a.

[Elisha]

Present with you and go to meet the man of God and inquire of.

[Lepers]

The Lord through him, saying, shall I recover from this sickness? So Hazael went to meet him and.

[Elisha]

Took a present with him. All kinds of goods of Damascus, 40 camels, loads. When he came and stood before him.

[Lepers]

He said, you, son Benhadad, king of Syria, has sent me to you, saying.

[Elisha]

Shall I recover from this sickness?

[Lepers]

And Elisha said to him, go say to him, you shall certainly recover, but the Lord has shown me that he shall certainly die.

[Elisha]

And he fixed his gaze and stared.

[Lepers]

At him until he was embarrassed.

[Elisha]

And the man of God wept.

[Lepers]

And Hazael said, why does my lord weep? He answered, because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel. You will set on fire their fortresses and you will kill their young men with a sword and dash in pieces.

[Elisha]

Their little ones and rip open their pregnant women.

[Lepers]

And Hazael said, what is your servant.

[Elisha]

Who is but a dog that he.

[Lepers]

Should do this great thing? Elisha answered, the Lord has shown me that you are to be king over Syria.

[Elisha]

Then he departed from Elisha and came to his master, who said to him.

[Lepers]

What did Elisha say to you? And he answered, he told me that.

[Elisha]

You would certainly recover.

[Lepers]

But the next day he took the.

[Elisha]

Bedcloth and dipped it in water and spread it over his face till he died. And Hazael became king in his place. In the fifth year of Joram, the.

[Lepers]

Son of Ahab, king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, began to Reign. He was 32 years old when he became king, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

[Elisha]

And he walked in the way of.

[Lepers]

The kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife.

[Elisha]

And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Yet the Lord was not willing to.

[Lepers]

Destroy Judah for the sake of David, his servant, since he promised to give.

[Elisha]

A lamp to him and to his sons forever.

[Lepers]

In his days, Edom revolted from the.

[Elisha]

Rule of Judah and set up a.

[Lepers]

King of their own.

[Elisha]

Then Joram passed over to Zair with all his chariots and rose by night. And he and his chariot commanders struck the Edomites who had surrounded him. But his army fled home. So Edom revolted from the rule of Judah to this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.

[Lepers]

Now, the rest of the acts of Joram and. And all that he did, are they.

[Elisha]

Not written in the book of the.

[Lepers]

Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? So Joram slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David.

[Elisha]

And Ahaziah, his son, reigned in his place. In the 12th year of Joram, the.

[Lepers]

Son of Ahab, king of Israel, Ahaziah.

[Elisha]

The son of Jehoram, king of Judah, began to reign.

[Lepers]

Ahaziah was 22 years old when he began to reign. And he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah. She was a granddaughter of Omri, king of Israel.

[Elisha]

He also walked in the way of.

[Lepers]

The house of Ahab and did what.

[Elisha]

Was evil in the sight of the.

[Lepers]

Lord, as the house of Ahab had done.

[Elisha]

For he was son in law to.

[Lepers]

The house of Ahab. He went with Joram the son of Ahab, to make war against Hazael, king of Syria, at Ramoth.

[Elisha]

Gilead.

[Lepers]

And the Syrians wounded Joram.

[Elisha]

And King Joram returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that the.

[Lepers]

Syrians had given him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael, king of Syria. And Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram, king.

[Elisha]

Of Judah, went down to see Joram.

[Lepers]

The son of Ahab in Jezreel because he was sick.

[Narrator]

A reading from the Book of Psalms to the choirmaster. A psalm of David.

[David]

Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongues sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps.

[Lepers]

Selah.

[David]

Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from violent men who have planned to trip up my feet. The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net beside the way. They have set snares for me. Selah, I say to the Lord, you are my God. Give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord, O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation. You have covered my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked do not further their evil plot. Or they will be exalted.

[Lepers]

Selah.

[King]

As for the head of those who.

[David]

Surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them. Let burning coals fall upon them. Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise. Let not the slanderer be established in the land. Let evil hunt down the violent man speedily. I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and will execute justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name. The upright shall dwell in your presence.

[Narrator]

A reading from the book of 1 John. See what kind of love the Father.

[King]

Has given to us. That we should be called children of God. And so we are.

[Narrator]

The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

[King]

Beloved, we are God's children now.

[Narrator]

And what we will be has not yet appeared.

[King]

But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, because we.

[Narrator]

Shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him.

[King]

Purifies himself as he is pure. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness.

[Narrator]

Sin is lawlessness.

[King]

You know that he appeared in order.

[Narrator]

To take away sins, and in him.

[King]

There is no sin.

[Narrator]

No one who abides in him keeps on sinning. No one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil. For the devil has been sinning from the beginning.

[King]

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning.

[Narrator]

For God's seed abides in him. And he cannot keep on sinning because.

[King]

He has been born of God.

[Narrator]

By this it is evident who are.

[King]

The children of God and who are the children of the devil.

[Narrator]

Whoever does not practice righteousness is not.

[King]

Of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we.

[Narrator]

Should love one another.

[King]

We should not be like Cain, who.

[Narrator]

Was of the evil one and murdered his brother.

[King]

And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and and his brothers righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love that he.

[Narrator]

Laid down his life for us.

[King]

And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

[Narrator]

But if anyone has the world's goods.

[King]

And sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does.

[Narrator]

God's love abide in him?

[King]

Little children, let us not love in.

[Narrator]

Word or talk, but in deed and in truth.

[King]

By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before Him. For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God. And whatever we ask, we receive from him. Because we keep his commandments and do what pleases Him. And this is his commandment that we.

[Narrator]

Believe in the name of His Son.

[King]

Jesus Christ, and love one another just.

[Narrator]

As he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God and God in Him.

[King]

And by this we know that he abides in us by the Spirit Whom he has given us. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but.

[Narrator]

Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.

[King]

For many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God.

[Narrator]

Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ.

[King]

Has come in the flesh is from God. And every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

[Narrator]

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them. For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

[King]

They are from the world, therefore they speak from the world and the world listens to them.

[Narrator]

We are from God.

[King]

Whoever knows God listens to us. Whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.

[Narrator]

And whoever loves has been born of.

[King]

God and knows God.

[Narrator]

Anyone who does not love does not.

[King]

Know God, because God is love.

[Narrator]

In this the love of God was.

[King]

Made manifest among us.

[Narrator]

That God sent His only Son into.

[King]

The world so that we might live through Him. In this is love. Not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent His.

[Narrator]

Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

[King]

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

[Narrator]

No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

[King]

By this we know that we abide.

[Narrator]

In him and he in us.

[King]

Because he has given us of His Spirit.

[Narrator]

And we have seen and testified that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son.

[King]

Of God, God abides in him and he in God.

[Narrator]

So we have come to know and.

[King]

To believe the love that God has for us.

[Narrator]

God is love. And whoever abides in love abides in.

[King]

God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us so that we may have confidence for.

[Lepers]

The Day of Judgment.

[King]

Because as he is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment.

[Narrator]

And whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

[King]

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, I love God and hates his brother, he is a liar.

[Narrator]

For he who does not love his.

[King]

Brother, whom he has seen cannot love.

[Narrator]

God whom he has not seen.

[King]

In this commandment we have from Him. Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

[Narrator]

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.

[King]

And everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God when we love.

[Narrator]

God and obey his commandments.

[King]

For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

[Narrator]

For everyone who has been born of.

[King]

God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world. Our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world.

[Narrator]

Except the one who believes that Jesus.

[King]

Is the Son of God?

[Narrator]

This is he who came by water and blood.

[King]

Jesus Christ. Not by the water only, but by.

[Narrator]

The water and the blood.

[King]

And the Spirit is the one who testifies. Because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify.

[Narrator]

The Spirit and the water and the blood.

[King]

And these three agree.

[Narrator]

If we receive the testimony of men.

[King]

The testimony of God is greater.

[Narrator]

For this is the testimony of God.

[King]

That He has borne concerning His Son.

[Narrator]

Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in Himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar. Because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning His Son.

[King]

And this is the testimony that that God gave us eternal life. And this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life.

[Narrator]

Whoever does not have the Son of.

[King]

God does not have life. I write these things to you who.

[Narrator]

Believe in the name of the Son of God.

[King]

That you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward Him. That if we ask anything according to.

[Narrator]

His will, he hears us.

[King]

And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know.

[Narrator]

That we have the request that we.

[King]

Have asked of him.

[Narrator]

If anyone sees his brother committing a.

[King]

Sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life.

[Narrator]

To those who commit sins that do.

[King]

Not lead to death, there is sin that leads to death. I do not say that one should pray for that.

[Narrator]

All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

[King]

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the Evil One does not touch him. We know that we are from God.

[Narrator]

And the whole world lies in the.

[King]

Power of the Evil One. And we know that the Son of.

[Narrator]

God has come and has given us.

[King]

Understanding so that we may know him who is true, and we are in him who is true in His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.