June 6 (1 Kings 3–4; Psalm 125; Titus 1–3)

Summary

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

Episode: June 6 (1 Kings 3–4; Psalm 125; Titus 1–3)
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Host/Author: Crossway
Guest Reader: Jackie Hill Perry

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In this enlightening episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year", hosted by Crossway and featuring the esteemed writer Jackie Hill Perry, listeners are guided through profound passages from 1 Kings 3–4, Psalm 125, and Titus 1–3. This session delves into King Solomon's quest for wisdom, the unwavering trust in God's protection, and Paul’s instructions for church leadership and Christian living.

1 Kings 3–4: Solomon’s Quest for Wisdom and His Reign

Solomon’s Marriage Alliance and Devotion (00:01 – 00:35)
The episode opens with a reading from 1 Kings 3, where Solomon solidifies his reign by forming a strategic marriage alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. "Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh's daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem." (00:01) This political maneuver underscores Solomon's wisdom in securing peace and stability for his kingdom.

While Solomon engages in these alliances, he remains deeply committed to God. Despite the people’s tendency to sacrifice at high places, Solomon chooses to follow in his father David’s footsteps by offering sacrifices at Gibeon, the great high place. "Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar At Gibeon." (00:35) This dedication highlights Solomon's desire to prioritize spiritual worship over political expediency.

The Divine Encounter and Solomon’s Wisdom (00:50 – 02:12)
A pivotal moment in 1 Kings 3 is Solomon’s divine encounter. In a dream, God offers Solomon anything he desires. Understanding the immense responsibility of governing a vast and diverse kingdom, Solomon requests an “understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” (00:55) This humble request pleases God, who grants him unparalleled wisdom and riches, setting Solomon apart from previous and future kings.

This wisdom is dramatically illustrated in the famous judgment of the two prostitutes. When presented with two women claiming to be the mother of the same child, Solomon proposes to divide the living child with a sword. (03:35) The genuine mother’s willingness to give up her child to save its life reveals her true identity, impressing all of Israel and affirming Solomon’s God-given discernment.

Administration and Prosperity Under Solomon (02:12 – 07:50)
The discussion continues with Solomon’s administrative strategies and the prosperity of his reign. Solomon appoints twelve high officials who manage different regions and responsibilities, ensuring efficient governance. "Solomon was king over all Israel, and these were his high officials." (03:40) The detailed organization, including provisions for the king’s household and the establishment of 60 great cities with fortified walls, reflects a period of unprecedented peace and economic stability.

Solomon’s reputation for wisdom spreads far and wide, attracting people from all nations to hear his teachings. "People of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon and from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom." (07:50) His extensive contributions to literature, including 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs, demonstrate the cultural and intellectual flourishing during his reign.

Psalm 125: Assurance of Divine Protection

Trust and Stability (07:53 – 08:26)
Shifting to Psalm 125, the reading emphasizes the steadfast protection and unmovable nature of those who trust in the Lord. "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever." (08:01) This powerful metaphor reassures believers of God’s unchanging support amidst life's uncertainties.

The psalm poetically describes how God surrounds His people with mountains, symbolizing comprehensive protection from all adversities. "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people from this time forth and forevermore." (08:04) It contrasts the fate of the righteous with the downfall of the wicked, urging the faithful to remain upright and trust in divine justice. "For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous." (08:10)

Titus 1–3: Guiding Church Leadership and Christian Conduct

Qualifications for Church Leaders (08:33 – 09:33)
The episode transitions to Titus 1–3, where the Apostle Paul provides comprehensive guidelines for church leadership and Christian behavior. Paul emphasizes the importance of appointing elders who embody integrity and are capable of teaching sound doctrine. "If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination." (09:02) This criteria ensure that church leaders are moral exemplars and effective spiritual guides.

Addressing False Teachings and Promoting Good Works (09:33 – 12:01)
Paul addresses challenges within the church, particularly the disruptive influence of false teachers. He admonishes those who spread harmful doctrines for personal gain, urging the community to rebuke them to maintain the integrity of the faith. "They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach." (09:31)

Moreover, Paul calls for all believers to engage in good works, highlighting that salvation is a gift that should manifest in righteous living. "The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives." (11:15) This underscores the transformative power of grace, encouraging a community dedicated to ethical and compassionate living.

Exhortation to Unity and Good Conduct (12:01 – End)
Paul further exhorts believers to maintain unity and avoid divisive controversies. He advises against engaging in meaningless disputes and emphasizes the importance of courteous and gentle interactions. "Avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (12:01) The focus remains on building a harmonious and supportive Christian community that reflects the virtues taught by Christ.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil." – Solomon (00:55)

• "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever." – Psalm 125:1 (08:01)

• "If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination." – Titus 1:6 (09:02)

• "The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives." – Titus 2:11-12 (11:15)

• "Avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." – Titus 3:9 (12:01)

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Conclusion

This episode offers a rich tapestry of biblical wisdom and practical guidance. Through 1 Kings 3–4, listeners witness King Solomon's exemplary leadership and divine wisdom, setting a standard for governance grounded in faith. Psalm 125 provides comforting assurance of God's unwavering protection for those who trust in Him. Finally, Titus 1–3 delivers crucial instructions for church leadership and personal conduct, emphasizing integrity, sound doctrine, and the transformative power of God's grace.

Jackie Hill Perry's clear and expressive readings make these scriptures accessible and engaging, allowing listeners to deeply reflect on the profound lessons embedded within. Whether seeking wisdom, assurance, or guidance for living a godly life, this episode serves as a valuable resource for personal growth and spiritual enrichment.

Transcript

[A]

A reading from the book of 1 Kings. Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh's daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem.

[B]

The people were sacrificing at the high places.

[A]

However, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord. Solomon loved the Lord walking in the statutes of David his father only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places, and the king went to Gibeon.

[B]

To sacrifice there, for that was the great high place.

[A]

Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar At Gibeon. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said, ask what I shall give you. And Solomon said, you have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David.

[B]

My father, because he walked before you.

[A]

In faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness.

[B]

Of heart toward you.

[A]

And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day and now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David, my father. Although I am but a little child, I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen. A great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this your great people? It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right. Behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.

[B]

I give you also what you have.

[A]

Not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days. And Solomon awoke.

[B]

And behold, it was a dream.

[A]

Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the Ark of the covenant of the Lord and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings and made a feast for all his servants. Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. The one woman said, o my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house. Only we two were in the house. And this woman's son died in the night because she lay on him. And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me while your servant slept and laid him at her breast. And laid her dead son at my breast. When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne. But the other woman said, no, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours. The first said, no, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine. Thus they spoke before the king. Then the king said, the one says, this is my son that is alive and your son is dead. And the other says, no, but your son is dead and my son is the living one. And the king said, bring me a sword.

[B]

So a sword was brought before the king.

[A]

And the king said, divide the living child in two and give half to the one and half to the other. Then the woman whose son was alive.

[B]

Said to the king, because her heart.

[A]

Yearned for her son, O my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death. But the other said, he shall be neither mine nor yours. Divide him. Then the king answered and said, give the living child to the first woman and by no means put him to death. She is his mother. And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered. And they stood in awe of the king because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. King Solomon was king over all Israel, and these were his high officials. Azariah, the son of Zadok, was the priest. Elihoreth and Ahijah, the sons of Shesha, were secretaries. Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was recorder. Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was in command of the army. Zadok and Abiathar were priests. Azariah, the son of Nathan, was over the officers. Zabit, the son of Nathan, was priest and king's friend. Ahishar was in charge of the palace, and Adoniram the son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor. Solomon had 12 officers over all Israel who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for one month in the year. These were their Ben Hur in the hill country of Ephraim ben Diker in Machaz, Shealbim, Beth Shemesh in Elon, Bethenon ben Hesed in to him belonged Socoh in all the land of Hepher ben Abinadab. In all Nephath Dor. He had Tapheth the daughter of Solomon, as his wife. Banna the son of Ahilud in Taanach, Megiddo in all Bethshean, that is, beside Zarethan, below Jezreel and from Bethshean to Abel Meholah, as far as the other side of Jochmium. Ben Geber in Ramoth, Gilead. He hath the villages of Jair, the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead. And he hath the region of Argob, which is in Bashan. 60 great cities with walls and bronze bars. Ahinadab, the son of Iddo and Maanaim, Ahimaaz and Naphtali. He had taken Basemath, the daughter of Solomon, as his wife. Baanah the son of Hushai in Asher and and Baaloth. Jehoshaphat, the son of Peruia and Issachar. Shimei, the son of Elah and Benjamin Geber the son of Uri in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and of Og, king of Bashan. And there was one governor who was over the land. Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. Solomon's provision for one day was 30 cores of fine flour and 60 cors of meal. 10 fat oxen and 20 pasture fed cattle. A hundred sheep besides deer, gazelles, roebucks and fattened fowl. For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates, from Tipsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him. And Judah and Israel lived in safety from Dan even to Beersheba. Every man under his vine and under his fig tree all the days of Solomon. Solomon also had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots and 12,000 horsemen. And those officers supplied provisions for King Solomon. And for all who came to King Solomon's table, each one in his month, they let nothing be lacking. Barley also, and straw for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where it was required.

[B]

Each according to his Duty.

[A]

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure and breadth of mind, like the sand on the seashore. So that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite and Heman, Chalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He also spoke 3,000 proverbs and his songs were 1,005. He spoke of trees from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts and of birds, and of reptiles and of fish. And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon and from all the kings of the earth who.

[B]

Had heard of his wisdom.

[A]

A reading from the Book of Psalms. A song of ascents. Those who trust in the Lord are.

[B]

Like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

[A]

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people from this time forth and forevermore.

[B]

For the scepter of wickedness shall not.

[A]

Rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong. Do good, O Lord, to those who.

[B]

Are good and to those who are.

[A]

Upright in their hearts. But those who turn aside to their.

[B]

Crooked ways, the Lord will lead away with evildoers.

[A]

Peace be upon Israel. A reading from the Book of Titus.

[B]

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. For the sake of the faith of God's elect, in their knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness and hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior, to Titus, my true child in a common faith, grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

[A]

This is why I left you in.

[B]

Crete, so that you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer as God's steward must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick tempered, or a drunkard, or violent, or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good self controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

[A]

He must hold firm to the trustworthy.

[B]

Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure. But both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works they are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober minded, dignified, self controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children to be self controlled, pure, working at home, kind and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

[A]

Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters.

[B]

In everything they are to be well pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things, exhort and rebuke with all authority.

[A]

Let no one disregard you. Remind them to be submissive to rulers.

[B]

And authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, being justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people, but avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful, he is self condemned. When I send Artemis or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me in Decapolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way. See that they lack nothing, and let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.