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

Episode: June 25, 2025
Scriptures Covered:

• Old Testament: 2 Kings 16–17
• Psalm: Psalm 144
• New Testament: Revelation 4–6
  Host/Author: Crossway
  Guest: Jackie Hill Perry

1. Old Testament Reading: 2 Kings 16–17

Overview: In this segment, Jackie Hill Perry delves into the reigns of King Ahaz of Judah and King Hoshea of Israel, highlighting their significant roles in the decline of the northern kingdom of Israel and the spiritual decay of Judah.

Key Points:

• King Ahaz's Reign (2 Kings 16):

  • Idolatry and Apostasy: Ahaz, at age 20, ruled Judah for 16 years, following in the footsteps of the northern kings by forsaking the Lord. He engaged in abhorrent practices, including burning his son as an offering and making sacrifices on high places and under every green tree (2 Kings 16:3-4).
  • Alliance with Assyria: Facing a coalition of Syria and Israel, Ahaz sought assistance from Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria, sending valuable offerings from the Lord's house (2 Kings 16:7-9).
  • Religious Reforms: Ahaz copied Damascus's altar design and instructed the priest Uriah to build it, indicating a shift towards Assyrian religious practices (2 Kings 16:9-10).

  Notable Quote:
  Reader [00:25]: "Ahaz burned his son as an offering according to the despicable practices of the nations."

• King Hoshea's Reign and Israel's Fall (2 Kings 17):

  • Hoshea’s Apostasy: Hoshea, ruling over Israel for nine years, also did evil in the Lord's sight, deviating even more than his predecessors by withholding tribute from Assyria (2 Kings 17:4).
  • Assyrian Invasion: As a result of Hoshea's treachery, Shalmaneser, the Assyrian king, besieged Samaria for three years before capturing it and exiling the Israelites (2 Kings 17:6-5:3).
  • Exile and Assimilation: The Israelites were dispersed to various regions, leading to the mingling with other nations and the persistence of idolatrous practices among them (2 Kings 17:6-23).

  Notable Quote:
  Reader [03:53]: "They set up for themselves pillars in Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree."

Insights: Jackie Hill Perry emphasizes the consequences of abandoning divine commandments, illustrating how both Judah and Israel fell into deeper idolatry, leading to political and spiritual collapse. The alliances with foreign powers, rather than seeking God, resulted in national exile and cultural dilution.

2. Psalm 144

Overview: Psalm 144 is a prayer of David, expressing trust in God's protection, seeking His assistance in battle, and praying for blessings of prosperity and offspring.

Key Points:

• Divine Protection and Strength (Psalm 144:1-2):

  • David praises God as his rock and fortress, acknowledging His role in training his hands for war and his fingers for battle.

  Notable Quote:
  Reader [09:27]: "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle."

• Human Frailty and God's Majesty (Psalm 144:3-4):

  • Reflects on the transient nature of humans compared to God's eternal strength.

  Notable Quote:
  Narrator [09:44]: "Man is like a breath, his days are like a passing shadow."

• Prayer for Deliverance and Victory (Psalm 144:5-15):

  • David requests God's intervention against deceitful enemies and prays for the prosperity and safety of his people.
  • Envisions abundance in agriculture and livestock, symbolizing peace and divine favor.

  Notable Quote:
  Reader [10:07]: "Gives victory to kings, who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword."

Insights: The Psalm intertwines themes of trust in God's protection with a yearning for His blessings upon the nation's prosperity. It serves as a reminder of human dependence on divine strength and the desire for righteous leadership and peace.

3. New Testament Reading: Revelation 4–6

Overview: Jackie Hill Perry explores John's apocalyptic vision in Revelation 4–6, highlighting the majesty of God's throne in heaven, the worship of the Lamb, and the unfolding of the seven seals representing divine judgments.

Key Points:

• Vision of Heaven and Divine Worship (Revelation 4):

  • John describes a magnificent throne surrounded by a rainbow, 24 elders, and four living creatures, all engaged in perpetual worship.

  Notable Quote:
  Reader [10:59]: "And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and chrysolite."

• The Seven Seals and Their Interpretations (Revelation 6):

  • First Seal – The White Horse: Symbolizes conquest, with the rider given a bow and a crown (Revelation 6:2).
  • Second Seal – The Red Horse: Represents war and the removal of peace from the earth (Revelation 6:4).
  • Third Seal – The Black Horse: Denotes famine, illustrated by the rider holding scales (Revelation 6:6).
  • Fourth Seal – The Pale Horse: Personifies death, followed by Hades, given authority to kill with sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts (Revelation 6:8).
  • Fifth Seal – The Souls Under the Altar: Martyrs who cry out for justice and are given white robes, awaiting the completion of their number (Revelation 6:9-11).
  • Sixth Seal – Cosmic Disturbances: Includes a great earthquake, darkened sun and moon, falling stars, and fleeing kings, indicating the arrival of divine wrath (Revelation 6:12-17).

  Notable Quote:
  Reader [15:32]: "May our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields."

• Interplay Between Worship and Judgment:

  • The vision emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the Lamb, their rightful worship, and the unfolding of divine judgments on the earth.

  Notable Quote:
  Narrator [15:35]: "The great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

Insights: Jackie Hill Perry highlights the symbolic nature of Revelation, portraying the ultimate authority of God and the Lamb over creation. The opening of the seals signifies the progression of divine judgments, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith amid tribulations. The persistent worship in heaven contrasts the turmoil unfolding on earth, emphasizing the eternal sovereignty and justice of God.

Conclusion

In this episode, Jackie Hill Perry skillfully weaves together narratives from the Old Testament, a heartfelt Psalm, and a profound New Testament revelation to present a comprehensive view of faith, obedience, and divine authority. The readings from 2 Kings illustrate the dire consequences of forsaking God's commandments, while Psalm 144 offers a poignant prayer for divine assistance and blessings. Revelation 4–6 expands the discussion into the prophetic and eschatological, showcasing the ultimate triumph of God and the Lamb amidst judgment and tribulation.

Integrated Insights:

• Faithfulness vs. Apostasy: The decline of Judah and Israel serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to divine statutes and the perils of idolatry.
• Divine Sovereignty: Both the Psalm and Revelation reinforce the theme of God's supreme power and His active role in guiding and protecting His people.
• Hope and Judgment: While the Old Testament readings focus on judgment for disobedience, Psalm 144 and Revelation offer hope in God's provision and the ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom.

For listeners, this episode underscores the enduring relevance of biblical teachings on leadership, faithfulness, and the ultimate sovereignty of God, encouraging a life grounded in obedience and trust in divine providence.