Podcast Title: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Host/Author: Crossway
Episode: June 28
Release Date: June 28, 2025
Scripture Readings:

• Old Testament: 2 Kings 21–22
• Psalms: Psalm 147
• New Testament: Revelation 13–15

Introduction

In the June 28th episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a profound journey through significant biblical passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. This episode meticulously navigates the tumultuous reigns of ancient kings, the heartfelt praises of Psalm 147, and the vivid apocalyptic visions found in Revelation 13–15. Through these readings, Jackie Hill Perry provides deep insights and reflections, encouraging listeners to delve deeper into the scriptures and understand their timeless relevance.

Old Testament Reading: 2 Kings 21–22

Overview: The episode begins with a detailed reading from 2 Kings 21–22, focusing on the reigns of King Manasseh, King Amon, and King Josiah of Judah. These passages highlight the moral and spiritual decline under Manasseh and Amon, followed by the righteous reforms initiated by Josiah.

Key Points:

1. King Manasseh’s Reign (2 Kings 21):

   • Idolatry and Evil Practices: Manasseh began reigning at age 12 and ruled for 55 years in Jerusalem. He is notorious for rebuilding high places, erecting altars to Baal, making an Asherah, and practicing witchcraft, omens, and necromancy.
     • Notable Quote:
       Narrator [00:00]: "Manasseh was 12 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 55 years in Jerusalem...he did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger."
       (Timestamp: 00:00)
   • Divine Judgment: Due to his actions, God declared impending disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah, vowing to bring judgment because of their continual disobedience.
     • Notable Quote:
       Narrator [02:35]: "I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish...they have done what is evil in my sight and have provoked me to anger since the day their fathers came out of Egypt."
       (Timestamp: 02:35)

2. King Amon’s Short Reign (2 Kings 21:19–26):

   • Continuation of Evil: Amon, Manasseh’s son, reigned for only two years at age 22. He mirrored his father’s evil deeds, serving idols and abandoning the Lord.
     • Notable Quote:
       Narrator [03:45]: "He walked in all the way in which his father walked, and served the idols that his father served and worshiped them."
       (Timestamp: 03:45)
   • Assassination and Aftermath: Amon was assassinated by his servants, leading the people to avenge his death by executing the conspirators and installing Josiah as king.

3. King Josiah’s Reform (2 Kings 22):

   • Righteous Leadership: At eight years old, Josiah ascended the throne and reigned for 31 years. Unlike his predecessors, he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, following the ways of King David.
     • Notable Quote:
       Narrator [04:30]: "Josiah was 8 years old when he began to reign...he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father."
       (Timestamp: 04:30)
   • Discovery of the Book of the Law: In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, Hilkiah the high priest discovered the Book of the Law during temple repairs. This discovery led to national repentance and renewed covenant with God.
     • Notable Quote:
       Narrator [05:15]: "Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord...When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes."
       (Timestamp: 05:15)

Insights: Jackie Hill Perry emphasizes the stark contrast between the reigns of Manasseh and Josiah, illustrating how leadership profoundly impacts a nation's spiritual trajectory. The discovery of the Book of the Law serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the importance of scripture in guiding and reforming society.

Psalms Reading: Psalm 147

Overview: The episode transitions to a serene and uplifting reading of Psalm 147, a hymn of praise that celebrates God's power, providence, and compassionate care for His people.

Key Themes:

1. Praise for God's Deeds:

   • The psalmist calls believers to praise the Lord for His greatness and mighty works.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [06:44]: "Praise the Lord, for it is good to sing praises to our God. For it is pleasant and a song of praise is fitting."
       (Timestamp: 06:44)

2. God’s Care for Jerusalem and Israel:

   • God is depicted as the builder of Jerusalem, the gatherer of Israel’s outcasts, and the healer of the brokenhearted.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [07:00]: "The Lord builds up Jerusalem. He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
       (Timestamp: 07:00)

3. God’s Sovereignty Over Nature:

   • The psalm celebrates God's control over the natural world, from the stars to the weather.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [07:12]: "He covers the heavens with clouds. He prepares rain for the earth. He makes grass grow on the hills."
       (Timestamp: 07:12)

4. Humility and Divine Justice:

   • The Lord lifts the humble and casts the wicked to the ground, underscoring His just nature.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [07:30]: "He lifts up the humble. He casts the wicked to the ground."
       (Timestamp: 07:30)

Insights: Psalm 147 serves as a reminder of God's encompassing care and authority. Jackie Hill Perry highlights the balance between praise and recognition of God’s active role in both personal healing and the governance of the universe.

New Testament Reading: Revelation 13–15

Overview: The episode culminates with an intense and symbolic reading from Revelation 13–15, delving into the apocalyptic visions of beasts, plagues, and divine judgment. These chapters portray the cosmic battle between good and evil, emphasizing the call for endurance and faith among the saints.

Key Themes:

1. The Rise of the Beasts (Revelation 13):

   • First Beast: Emerges from the sea with ten horns and seven heads, receiving authority from the dragon (Satan). It demands worship, blasphemes against God, and persecutes the saints.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [08:17]: "And I saw a beast rising out of the sea with 10 horns and seven heads...he was allowed to exercise authority for 42 months."
       (Timestamp: 08:17)
   • Second Beast: Comes from the earth, performing signs to deceive humanity into worshipping the first beast and instituting the mark of the beast (666) as a condition for buying and selling.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [09:10]: "It causes all, both small and great...to be marked on the right hand or the forehead."
       (Timestamp: 09:10)

2. Divine Warnings and Calls to Endurance:

   • The reading underscores the necessity for believers to resist the beast and remain faithful, even in the face of persecution and tribulation.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [10:22]: "Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus."
       (Timestamp: 10:22)

3. The Seven Plagues (Revelation 15):

   • Seven angels with seven plagues signify the culmination of God’s wrath. The purification process involves the burning of the wicked and the ultimate triumph of the righteous.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [13:00]: "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty...All nations will come and worship you."
       (Timestamp: 13:00)

4. Victory and Worship:

   • The vision concludes with the victorious saints worshiping God, highlighting the eternal sovereignty and justice of the Lord.
     • Notable Quote:
       Reader [14:13]: "And they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb...For you alone are holy."
       (Timestamp: 14:13)

Insights: Revelation 13–15 presents a stark portrayal of the final confrontation between divine authority and satanic rebellion. Jackie Hill Perry emphasizes the importance of steadfast faith and moral integrity, urging listeners to persevere despite impending trials. The depiction of God's ultimate triumph offers hope and assurance to believers amidst chaos and uncertainty.

Conclusion

The June 28th episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry offers a comprehensive exploration of key biblical narratives and prophetic visions. By juxtaposing the historical accounts of kings' reigns with poetic praises and apocalyptic revelations, listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of God's interaction with humanity. Jackie Hill Perry's insightful readings and reflections encourage a deeper engagement with the scriptures, reinforcing themes of repentance, praise, endurance, and divine sovereignty. Whether delving into the consequences of moral decay, celebrating God's encompassing care, or contemplating the ultimate victory of good over evil, this episode serves as a meaningful guide for spiritual growth and biblical literacy.