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Narrator
A reading from the book of two kings. Manasseh was 12 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 55 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father, had destroyed. And he erected altars for BAAL and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshipped all the host of heaven and served them. And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, in Jerusalem, will I put my name? And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he burned his son as an offering, and used fortune telling and omens, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. And the carved image of Asherah that he had made, he set in the house of which the Lord said to David and to Solomon his son. In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever. And I will not cause the feet of Israel to wander any more out of the land that I gave to their fathers, if only they will be careful to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them. But they did not listen, and and Manasseh led them astray to do more evil than the nations had done whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel. And the Lord said by his servants, the prophets. Because Manasseh, king of Judah, has committed these abominations, and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel. Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plumb line of the house of Ahab. And I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. And I will forsake the remnant of my heritage and give them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies, because they have done what is evil in my sight and have provoked me to anger since the day their fathers came out of Egypt even to this day. Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another. Besides the sin that he made Judah to sin, so that they did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh and all that he did and the sin that he committed, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? And Manasseh slept with his fathers and was buried in the garden of his house and the garden of Uzzah. And Ammon his son, reigned in his place. Amon was 22 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Meshelemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Joppa. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father, had done. He walked in all the way in which his father walked, and served the idols that his father served and worshiped them. He abandoned the Lord, the God of his fathers and did not walk in the way of the Lord. And the servants of Ammon conspired against him and put the king to death in his house. But the people of the land struck down all those who had conspired against King Ammon. And the people of the land made Josiah his son king in this place. Now, the rest of the acts of Amon that he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? And he was buried in his tomb in the garden of and Josiah, his son, reigned in his place. Josiah was 8 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father. And he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam, the secretary to the house of the Lord, saying, go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may count the money that has been brought into the house of the Lord, which the keepers of the threshold have collected from the people. And let it be given into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the Lord. And let them give it to the workmen who are at the house of the Lord repairing the house, that is, to the carpenters and to the builders, and to the masons, and let them use it for buying timber and corrid stone to repair the house. But no accounting shall be asked from them for the money that is delivered into their hand, for they deal honestly. And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. And Shaphan the secretary came to the king and reported to the king, you, servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the Lord. Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, hilkiah, the priest has given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, go, inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book to do according to all that is written concerning us. So Hilkiah the priest and Ahikam and Achbor and Shaphan and Uzziah went Aholdah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum, the son of Tikba, son of Harhaz, keeper of the wardrobe. Now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter, and they talked with her, and she said to them, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Tell the man who sent you to me. Thus says the Lord. Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants. All the words of the book that the king of Judah has read, because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands. Therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched, but to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord.
Reader
Thus shall you say to him, thus.
Narrator
Says the Lord, the God of Israel, regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was penitent and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should Become a desolation and a curse. And you have torn your clothes and wept before me. I also have heard you, declares the Lord.
Reader
Therefore, behold, I will gather you to.
Narrator
Your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace. And your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place. And they brought back word to the king. A reading from the Book of Psalms.
Reader
Praise the Lord, for it is good to sing praises to our God. For it is pleasant and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem. He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars. He gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord and abundant in power. His understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the humble. He casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving.
Narrator
Make melody to our God on the lyre.
Reader
He covers the heavens with clouds. He prepares rain for the earth. He makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse nor his pleasure in the legs of a man. But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him and those who hope in his steadfast love. Praise the Lord. O Jerusalem. Praise your God, O Zion. For he strengthens the bars of your gates. He blesses your children within you. He makes peace in your borders.
Narrator
He fills you with the finest of the wheat.
Reader
He sends out his command to the earth. His word runs swiftly. He gives snow like wool. He scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs. Who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word and melts them. He makes his wind blow and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes, and rules to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any other nation. They do not know his rules. Praise the Lord.
Narrator
A reading from the Book of Revelation.
Reader
And I saw a beast rising out of the sea with 10 horns and seven heads, with 10 diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard. Its feet were like a bear's and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne in great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed. And the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast and they worshiped the dragon. For he had given his authority to the beast and they worshiped the beast, saying, who is like the beast and who can fight against it? And the beast was given a mouth, uttering haughty and blasphemous words. And it was allowed to exercise authority for 42 months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
Narrator
Also.
Reader
It was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and. And language and nation. And all who dwell on earth will worship it. Everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life. Of the Lamb who was slain, if anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is to be taken captive to captivity, he goes, if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. And it had two horns like a lamb, and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast whose mortal wound was healed. It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people. And by the signs that it was allowed to work in the presence of the beast, it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.
Narrator
Also.
Reader
It causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark that is the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom. Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb. And with him 144,000, who had his name and his father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps.
Narrator
And.
Reader
And they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as first fruits for God and the Lamb. And in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless. Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, fear God and give him glory because the hour of his judgment has come and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water. Another angel, a second followed, saying, fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality. And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, if anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath poured full strength into the cup of his anger. And he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and. And in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. And they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image and whoever receives the mark of its name. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, write this. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, says the spirit, that they may rest from their labors for their deeds follow them. Then I looked and behold a white cloud. And seated on the cloud, one like a son of man with a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, put in your sickle and reap. For the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe. So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire. And he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, Put in your sickle. And gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe. So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and. And gathered the great harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden outside the city. And blood flowed from the winepress as high as a horse's bridle for 1,600 stadia. Then I saw another sign in heaven, Great and amazing. Seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire.
Narrator
And.
Reader
And also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name. For for you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. After this, I looked, and the sanctuary of the Tent of Witness in heaven was opened. And out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. And the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power. And no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.
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:
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.
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:
King Manasseh’s Reign (2 Kings 21):
King Amon’s Short Reign (2 Kings 21:19–26):
King Josiah’s Reform (2 Kings 22):
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.
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:
Praise for God's Deeds:
God’s Care for Jerusalem and Israel:
God’s Sovereignty Over Nature:
Humility and Divine Justice:
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.
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:
The Rise of the Beasts (Revelation 13):
Divine Warnings and Calls to Endurance:
The Seven Plagues (Revelation 15):
Victory and Worship:
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.
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.