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Narrator
A reading from the Book of Numbers. Chapter one. The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of Meeting, on the first day of the second month in the second year, after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel by clans, by fathers, houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by Head, from 20 years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war. You and Aaron shall list them company by company, and there shall be with you a man from each tribe, each man being the head of the house of his fathers. And these are the names of the men who shall assist you. From Reuben, Elizar the son of Shadir from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurdddai From Judah, Nashon the son of Amminadab, from from Issachar Nethanel the son of Zuar From Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon from the sons of Joseph, from Ephraim, Elishamah the son of Ammihud and from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Padazzar. From Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni From Dan, Aiezer, the son of Ammishaddai From Asher, Pagiel the son of Okran From Gad, Eliasaph the son of Dulce From Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enant. These were the ones chosen from the congregation, the chiefs of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel. Moses and Aaron took these men who had been named, and on the first day of the second month they assembled the whole congregation together, who registered themselves by clans, by fathers houses, according to the number of names, from 20 years old and upward, head by head. As the Lord commanded Moses, so he listed them in the wilderness of Sinai, the people of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from 20 years old and upward, all who were able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Reuben were 46,500 of the people of Simeon, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses, those of them who were listed according to the number of names, head by head, every male from 20 years old and upward, all who were able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Simeon were 59,300 of the people of Gad, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses, according to the number of the names from 20 years old and upward, all who were able to go to war, those Listed of the tribe of Gad were 45,650 of the people of Judah, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Judah were 74,600 of the people of Issachar, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Issachar were 54,400 of the people of Zebulun, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Zebulun were 57,400 of the people of Joseph, namely of the people of Ephraim, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Ephraim were 40,500 of the people of Manasseh, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Manasseh were 32,200 of the people of Benjamin, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Benjamin were 35,400 of the people of Dan, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward, every man able to go to war those listed of the tribe of Dan were 62,700 of the people of Asher, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Asher were 41,500 of the people of Naphtali, their generations by their clans, by their fathers houses. According to the number of names from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war. Those listed of the tribe of Naphtali were 53,400. These are those who were listed whom Moses and Aaron listed with the help of the Chiefs of Israel, 12 men each representing his father's house. So all those listed of the people of Israel by their fathers houses from 20 years old and upward every man able to go to war in Israel, all Those listed were 600, 3550. But the Levites were not listed along with them by their ancestral tribe. For the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, only the tribe of Levi, you shall not list, and you shall not take a census of them among the people of Israel. But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it. And and shall camp around the tabernacle. When the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down, and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death. The people of Israel shall pitch their tents by their companies, each man in his own camp and each man by his own standard. But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony. Thus did the people of Israel. They did according to all that the Lord commanded.
Moses
Moses.
Narrator
A reading from the Book of Psalms. Psalm 61 to the choirmaster with stringed instruments of David.
Moses
Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer.
Narrator
From the end of the earth I.
Moses
Call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever. Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah. For you, O God, have heard my vows. You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Prolong the life of the king. May his years endure to all generations. May he be enthroned forever before God. Appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him. So will I ever sing praises to your name as I perform my vows day after day.
Narrator
A reading from the Gospel According to John, Chapter one.
Moses
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made in him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to bear witness about the light that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light, the true light which gives light to everyone. Was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him. Yet the world did not know Him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name. He gave the right to become children of God. Who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. And we have seen his glory. Glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness about him and cried out. This was he of whom I said, he who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me. For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. God, the only Son who is at the Father's side. He has made him known. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, who are you? He confessed and did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, what then are you, Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the prophet? And he answered, no. So they said to him, who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord. As the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, then why are you baptizing if you are neither the Christ nor Elijah nor the prophet John answered them, I baptize with water. But among you stands one you do not know. Even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie. These things took place in Bethany, across the Jordan. Where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, after me comes a man who ranks before me. Because he was before me. I myself did not know him. But for this purpose I came baptizing with water. That he might be revealed to Israel. And John bore witness. I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him. But he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, he on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he. Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. The next day again, John was standing with two of his disciples. And he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, behold the Lamb of God. The two disciples heard him say this and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, what are you seeking? And they said to him, rabbi, which means teacher, where are you staying? He said to them, come and you will see. So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. For it was about the 10th hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, we have found the Messiah, which means Christ. He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, you are Simon, the son of John. You shall be called Cephas, which means Peter. The next day, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, follow me. Now. Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, we have found him of whom Moses and the law and also the prophets wrote. Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Nathanael said to him, can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, behold, an Israelite indeed in whom there is no deceit. Nathanael said to him, how do you know me? Jesus answered him, before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. Nathanael answered him, rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel. Jesus answered him, because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree. Do you believe you will see greater things than these? And he said to him, truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.
Episode: March 6 (Numbers 1; Psalm 61; John 1)
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host/Author: Crossway
Guest: Jackie Hill Perry
In the March 6 episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a spiritual journey through selected passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. This episode features readings from Numbers 1, Psalm 61, and John 1, providing a comprehensive exploration of foundational biblical narratives and theological insights. Jackie Hill Perry guides listeners through these passages, offering reflections that deepen the understanding of each scripture.
[00:00 - 06:16]
The episode opens with a detailed reading from Numbers 1, where the Lord commands Moses to conduct a census of the Israelite congregation. This census is meticulously recorded, listing each tribe's leaders and the number of men eligible for military service.
Key Highlights:
Divine Instruction:
“Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel by clans, by fathers, houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head, from 20 years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war.”
[00:30]
Tribal Leaders Identified:
The passage enumerates leaders from each tribe, emphasizing the organized structure of the Israelites under Moses and Aaron's leadership.
Exclusion of the Levites:
“The Levites were not listed... They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings.”
[05:50]
This highlights the unique role of the Levites in maintaining the spiritual center of the Israelite community.
Insights: Jackie Hill Perry emphasizes the importance of organization and leadership in faith communities, drawing parallels to modern-day church structures. She reflects on the balance between military readiness and spiritual responsibilities, underscoring the Levites' dedicated service to God.
[06:16 - 07:19]
Transitioning to Psalm 61, the episode presents David's heartfelt prayer for protection and blessing. This Psalm serves as a plea for divine refuge and a request for longevity and steadfast leadership.
Key Highlights:
Cry for Divine Attention:
“Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer.”
[06:31]
Seeking Refuge:
“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.”
[06:37]
Blessing the King:
“Prolong the life of the king. May his years endure to all generations.”
[07:05]
Insights: Jackie Hill Perry discusses the themes of trust and reliance on God during times of vulnerability. She highlights the dual focus of the Psalm—personal supplication and communal well-being—encouraging listeners to seek both personal refuge and societal blessings through faith.
[07:19 - 00:00]
The episode culminates with an extensive reading from John 1, a foundational chapter that introduces the theological concept of the Word (Logos) and John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus Christ. This passage lays the groundwork for understanding Jesus' divinity and His role in creation and salvation.
Key Highlights:
The Word’s Divinity:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
[07:25]
Life and Light:
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
[08:00]
John the Baptist’s Testimony:
“I am not the Christ. I have come to baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know.”
[08:45]
Incarnation:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
[09:30]
Calling of the First Disciples:
“You shall be called Cephas, which means Peter.”
[11:15]
Notable Quotes:
On Jesus’ Divinity and Creator Role:
“All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”
[07:40]
On Light and Darkness:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
[08:10]
On Belief and Rebirth:
“Who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
[09:00]
Insights: Jackie Hill Perry delves into the profound theological assertions of John 1, exploring the concept of Jesus as both divine and human. She connects the creation narrative with the gospel message, highlighting the seamless integration of Old Testament themes into the New Testament revelation. Perry also reflects on the transformative nature of faith, as exemplified by the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus upon hearing His call.
The March 6 episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry offers a rich tapestry of biblical readings that interweave themes of leadership, refuge, and divine revelation. By navigating through Numbers 1, Psalm 61, and John 1, Jackie Hill Perry provides listeners with a holistic view of God's interaction with humanity—from organizing a nation, seeking His protection, to unveiling the divine nature of Jesus Christ. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of scripture, encouraging believers to engage deeply with the Word and apply its lessons to their daily lives.
Join Jackie Hill Perry and Crossway as they continue this year-long exploration of the ESV Bible, offering daily readings and reflections to enrich your spiritual journey.