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

Episode: June 22, 2025
Scriptural Readings:

• Old Testament: 2 Kings 9–10
• Psalm: Psalm 141
• New Testament: 2 John, 3 John, Jude

Old Testament Reading: 2 Kings 9–10

Narrator begins the episode with a vivid recounting of 2 Kings chapters 9 and 10, which detail the dramatic rise of Jehu to the throne of Israel and his subsequent purge of Ahab’s lineage and Baal worship.

Key Highlights:

• Anointing of Jehu: The prophet Elisha orchestrates Jehu’s anointing as king by sending a young prophet to Ramoth Gilead. As the young man pours oil on Jehu’s head, he declares, “Thus says the Lord, I anoint you king over Israel” ([00:03]).

• Jehu’s Coup: Upon returning, Jehu confronts King Joram (Jehoram) of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah with a proclamation of judgment against their house, specifically citing the atrocities committed by Ahab and Jezebel. He declares, “As surely as I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons, declares the Lord, I will repay you” ([02:30]).

• Execution of Kings: Jehu swiftly executes King Joram by shooting him between the shoulders with his bow, fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab’s house. He also orders the death of King Ahaziah of Judah, ensuring no remnants of the previous dynasty survive ([04:15]).

• Downfall of Jezebel: Upon Jehu’s arrival in Jezreel, Jezebel confronts him but meets a gruesome end. Jehu commands her to be thrown from the window, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy that “the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel” ([06:05]).

• Destruction of Baal Worship: Jehu orchestrates a mass slaughter of Baal worshipers during a sacrificial assembly, showcasing his zealousness in abolishing idolatry from Israel. He declares, “I have done what is evil in the sight of the Lord” ([07:00]).

• Continued Sin and Judgment: Despite his efforts to eradicate Ahab’s influence, Jehu fails to abolish the golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading to continued sin among the people. The Lord responds by allowing Hazael to invade Israel, signaling ongoing judgment ([07:56]).

Notable Quote:

“As when one plows and breaks up the earth, so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.” – Jehu, reflecting the impending judgment ([12:18]).

Psalm 141: A Prayer for Protection and Integrity

Narrator transitions to Psalm 141, attributed to David, offering a heartfelt plea for divine protection and moral integrity.

Key Highlights:

• Supplication for Hearing Prayer: The psalmist earnestly calls upon the Lord to “Hasten to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to you” ([11:42]).

• Guarding the Tongue: A central theme is the request for God to “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips” ([11:42]). This underscores the desire to speak truthfully and avoid evil deeds.

• Avoiding Wicked Influence: The psalmist prays, “Let my heart not incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity” ([11:56]). This reflects a commitment to righteousness and distancing from corrupt influences.

• Desire for Divine Rebuke: Expressing humility, the psalmist states, “Let him rebuke me. It is oil for my head. Let my head not refuse it” ([12:08]). This signifies an openness to correction and guidance.

• Seeking Refuge in God: The concluding verses reaffirm trust in God’s protection, “God, my Lord, in you I seek refuge. Leave me not defenseless” ([12:27]).

Notable Quote:

“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” ([11:42]).

New Testament Readings: 2 John, 3 John, Jude

Narrator proceeds with readings from the New Testament letters of 2 John, 3 John, and Jude, each conveying distinct pastoral messages and doctrinal teachings.

2 John: A Letter of Truth and Love

Authored by John the Elder, this brief epistle is addressed to “the elect lady and her children,” emphasizing the importance of truth and love within the Christian community.

Key Highlights:

• Walking in Truth and Love: John urges believers to “walk according to his commandments” and to uphold the truth that remains “forever” ([12:45]).

• Warning Against Deceivers: The letter cautions against “those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh” and labels them as deceivers and Antichrists ([13:17]).

• Exhortation to Hospitality: John advises against welcoming those who do not bring the correct teaching, warning that doing so is participating in their wrongdoing ([13:17]).

Notable Quotes:

“This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it” ([13:15]).
“Watch yourselves so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward” ([13:17]).

3 John: Encouragement and Condemnation

John the Elder addresses Gaius, commending his hospitality and contrasting it with the behavior of Diotrephes, who refuses to acknowledge John’s authority and ejects others from the church.

Key Highlights:

• Commendation of Gaius: Gaius is praised for his faithful support of traveling Christian workers, acting “in truth and love” ([14:15]).

• Condemnation of Diotrephes: John condemns Diotrephes for his arrogance and refusal to welcome brethren, highlighting the importance of humility and obedience within the church ([14:11]).

• Encouragement to Imitate Good: Believers are encouraged to “imitate good” and avoid following evil examples, reinforcing the ethical standards of the faith community ([14:24]).

Notable Quote:

“Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good” ([14:11]).

Jude: Contending for the Faith

Authored by Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, this epistle addresses the presence of false teachers and urges believers to defend the faith against their corrupting influence.

Key Highlights:

• Contending for the Faith: Jude emphasizes the necessity to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” ([15:48]).

• Warnings Against False Teachers: The letter describes these deceivers as “ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality” and compares them to notorious biblical figures like Cain and Balaam ([15:50]).

• Encouragement to Build Faith: Believers are urged to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith” and to persevere in righteousness amidst challenges ([15:50]).

• Divine Judgment Promised: Jude assures that God will execute judgment on the ungodly, reinforcing the ultimate victory of truth and righteousness ([15:48]).

Notable Quote:

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” ([15:48]).

Conclusion

In this episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year, host Crossway provides a comprehensive exploration of pivotal biblical passages. From the tumultuous events in 2 Kings illustrating the consequences of sin and the fervent zeal to restore righteousness, to the introspective prayers of Psalm 141 seeking divine guidance and protection, listeners are guided through profound spiritual narratives. The New Testament readings from 2 John, 3 John, and Jude further underscore themes of truth, love, and the imperative to safeguard the faith against deceptive influences. Through detailed readings and insightful commentary, Jackie Hill Perry enriches the listener’s understanding of scripture, fostering a deeper connection with the biblical text.

Notable Overall Quote:

“Woe to them. For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion.” – Excerpt from Jude ([15:50]).

Timestamp Summary:

• 0:00 – 07:56: Reading from 2 Kings 9–10
• 11:36 – 12:27: Psalm 141
• 12:41 – 15:43: Readings from 2 John, 3 John, and Jude

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the interplay between divine justice, personal integrity, and communal faith as presented in these scriptures. The episode serves not only as a guide through the Bible but also as a source of spiritual nourishment and encouragement in living out one’s faith.