Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: June 30
Scripture Readings: 2 Kings 25; Psalm 149; Revelation 18–19
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Host/Author: Crossway
Introduction
In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year," hosted by Crossway and featuring bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry, listeners are guided through significant scriptures from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament's Book of Revelation. This day’s readings delve into the fall of Jerusalem, the power of worship, and prophetic visions of divine judgment and redemption.
Old Testament Reading: 2 Kings 25
Duration: 00:01 - 04:29
Speaker: B
Overview:
The reading from 2 Kings 25 recounts the dramatic fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, highlighting the culmination of King Zedekiah's reign and the ensuing exile of the people of Judah.
Key Points:
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Siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:1-10):
- Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem, leading to severe famine and eventual breach of the city walls.
- Notable Quote:
"And in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came with all his army against Jerusalem and laid siege to it." ([00:04] B)
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Captivity of King Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:11-21):
- Zedekiah attempts to flee but is captured, leading to the brutal execution of his sons and his own imprisonment.
- Notable Quote:
"They slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes and put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him in chains and took him to Babylon." ([02:15] B)
-
Destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:22-30):
- The Temple and royal houses are destroyed, significant bronze and silver artifacts are looted, and key officials are executed.
- Notable Quote:
"Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, took Seraiah, the chief priest, and Zephaniah, the second priest, and the three keepers of the threshold... and the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death at Riblah." ([03:45] B)
-
Exile and Aftermath (2 Kings 25:31-30):
- Gedaliah is appointed governor but is later assassinated, leading many to flee to Egypt out of fear.
- Notable Quote:
"Then all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the forces, arose and went to Egypt, for they were afraid of the Chaldeans." ([04:10] B)
Psalm Reading: Psalm 149
Duration: 04:29 - [Time Not Specified]
Speaker: B
Overview:
Psalm 149 is a vibrant call to worship, emphasizing joy, praise, and the righteous actions of God's people. It intertwines musical praise with the execution of divine justice.
Key Points:
-
Worship Through Music and Dance:
- Encourages the godly to praise God with various instruments and joyful expressions.
- Notable Quote:
"Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly. Let Israel be glad in his Maker." ([04:35] B)
-
Divine Justice:
- Highlights the role of believers in executing vengeance and justice as part of God's plan.
- Notable Quote:
"Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre... to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples." ([05:00] B)
-
Honoring the Godly:
- Connects praise and worship with the honoring of righteous individuals.
- Notable Quote:
"This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord." ([05:25] B)
New Testament Reading: Revelation 18–19
Duration: [Starting Shortly After Psalm 149]
Speaker: B
Overview:
The readings from Revelation 18–19 present a vivid portrayal of the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil, and the triumphant return of Jesus Christ as the victorious King.
Key Points:
-
Fall of Babylon the Great (Revelation 18):
- Describes the complete destruction and desolation of Babylon due to its corruption and immorality.
- Notable Quote:
"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit." ([06:00] B)
-
Call to God's People:
- Urges believers to separate themselves from the sins of Babylon to avoid shared punishment.
- Notable Quote:
"Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues." ([06:45] B)
-
Judgment and Vengeance:
- Details the severe and swift judgment upon Babylon, ensuring no restitution for its transgressions.
- Notable Quote:
"Her plagues will come in a single day. Death and mourning and famine." ([07:15] B)
-
Triumphant Return of Christ (Revelation 19):
- Portrays Jesus Christ on a white horse, symbolizing His role as the righteous judge and warrior.
- Notable Quote:
"His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems. And he has a name written that no one knows but himself." ([08:30] B)
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Final Victory Over Evil:
- The Beast and the False Prophet are defeated and cast into the lake of fire, signifying the end of evil’s influence.
- Notable Quote:
"The beast was captured, and with it the false prophet... these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur." ([09:00] B)
-
Eternal Rejoicing in Heaven:
- Celebrates the everlasting reign of God and the end of suffering and sin.
- Notable Quote:
"For the Lord, our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory." ([10:00] B)
Conclusion
This episode offers a profound journey through pivotal biblical events and prophecies. From the historical downfall of Jerusalem and the ensuing exile detailed in 2 Kings 25, to the spirited worship and righteous actions encouraged in Psalm 149, culminating in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation 18–19, listeners are invited to reflect on themes of judgment, redemption, and the ultimate sovereignty of God.
Jackie Hill Perry and Crossway provide a structured approach to understanding the Bible, encouraging daily engagement with scripture to foster spiritual growth and insight.
Note: Timestamps correspond to the points within the provided transcript. Since the actual end times of readings beyond the initial excerpts aren't specified, they are estimated based on typical reading speeds.