Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: May 3 (Judges 12–14; Psalm 112; 1 Corinthians 2–3) Release Date: May 3, 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 embark on a comprehensive journey through selected passages from the Old and New Testaments. Today's readings encompass Judges 12–14, Psalm 112, and 1 Corinthians 2–3, offering a blend of historical narratives, poetic reflection, and theological discourse. This summary delves into each section, highlighting key points, themes, and notable quotes to provide an engaging overview for both regular listeners and newcomers.

Old Testament Reading: Judges 12–14

Overview: The readings from Judges 12–14 present a continuation of the tumultuous period of Israelite history during the time of the Judges. These chapters focus primarily on the leadership and conflicts involving Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon, culminating in the introduction of Samson, one of Israel's most renowned judges.

Key Points:

1. Jephthah vs. Ephraim (Judges 12):

   • Conflict with Ephraimites: The men of Ephraim confront Jephthah for not involving them in his battle against the Ammonites. Tensions escalate into a civil conflict, resulting in the tragic slaughter of 42,000 Ephraimites.
     • Notable Quote: “[...] why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” (00:01)
   • Leadership Duration: Jephthah serves as judge for six years before his death.

2. Succession of Judges (Judges 12–13):

   • Ibzan of Bethlehem: Judges Israel for seven years and marries off his 30 daughters, reflecting societal norms and familial alliances.
   • Elon the Zebulunite: Leads for ten years, symbolizing a period of relative stability.
   • Abdon the Son of Hillel: Serves for eight years with a large family, indicating prosperity but little else detailed.

3. Cycle of Disobedience and Oppression:

   • The Israelites repeatedly fall into evil practices, leading to oppression by external forces, in this case, the Philistines for forty years.

4. Introduction of Samson (Judges 13–14):

   • Miraculous Birth: The narrative shifts to Manoah and his barren wife, who receive divine messages foretelling the birth of Samson, a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth.
   • Samson’s Early Feats: Demonstrates extraordinary strength, such as tearing apart a lion with divine assistance.
   • Samson’s Riddle and Conflict: Engages in a riddle contest that leads to personal vendettas and further strife with the Philistines.

Themes:

• Leadership and Conflict: The struggles between different tribes and leaders highlight the fragile unity of Israel.
• Divine Intervention: God's hand is evident in the rise and fall of judges and in miraculous events surrounding Samson's birth.
• Human Fallibility: Despite judges leading Israel, the cycle of disobedience demonstrates the persistent human inclination towards strife and error.

Notable Quotes:

• “Then Samson knew that he was the angel of the Lord.” (04:30)
• “He shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” (02:15)

Psalm Reading: Psalm 112

Overview: Psalm 112 is a poetic meditation on the blessings of fearing the Lord and diligently following His commandments. It serves as a contrast between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the enduring legacy of righteousness.

Key Points:

1. Blessings of the Righteous (Verses 1-3):

   • Fearing the Lord: The psalm begins by blessing those who fear the Lord and find delight in His commandments.
   • Prosperity and Legacy: Highlights the prosperity of the righteous and the strength of their offspring, ensuring their remembrance.

2. Characteristics of the Upright (Verses 4-5):

   • Generosity and Justice: The righteous are portrayed as generous lenders and just in their dealings, leading to everlasting righteousness.
   • Steadfast Faith: Emphasizes unwavering trust in the Lord, even in adverse circumstances.

3. Contrast with the Wicked (Verses 6-9):

   • Vindication: The wicked may strive against the righteous, but their efforts will ultimately fail.
   • Enduring Righteousness: The righteousness of the faithful will outlast the transitory nature of the wicked’s schemes.

Themes:

• Righteousness vs. Wickedness: The psalm draws a clear line between the outcomes of righteous living and wicked actions.
• Divine Justice: Assurance that God upholds and rewards the righteous while the plans of the wicked unravel.
• Legacy of Faith: Emphasizes the lasting impact of living a life devoted to God.

Notable Quotes:

• “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments.” (05:12)
• “The wicked man sees it and is angry. He gnashes his teeth and melts away.” (05:50)

New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 2–3

Overview: In the New Testament passages from 1 Corinthians 2–3, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthians with profound theological insights. He contrasts worldly wisdom with divine wisdom, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding spiritual truths and the foundational work of Christ in the Church.

Key Points:

1. Divine Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1-16):

   • Preaching in Weakness: Paul intentionally preached "in weakness and in fear," relying on the Spirit rather than human eloquence.
   • Spiritual Discernment: Highlights that true wisdom is revealed through the Spirit, which comprehends the deep things of God.
   • Secret of God: Discusses the hidden wisdom of God, which surpasses human understanding and was destined for believers’ glory.

2. Foundation of the Church (1 Corinthians 3:1-23):

   • Spiritual Maturity: Paul addresses divisions within the church, urging maturity beyond mere human allegiances (e.g., Paul vs. Apollos).
   • God’s Role: Emphasizes that God alone causes growth, and the church members are God’s building.
   • Quality of Work: Introduces the metaphor of building on the foundation of Christ, with each person’s work being tested by fire to reveal its worth.
   • Unity in Christ: Stresses the importance of unity and the collective identity of believers as God’s temple dwelling His Spirit.

Themes:

• Spiritual Enlightenment: Understanding and wisdom come from the Holy Spirit, not from human intellect.
• Christ-Centered Foundation: The Church is built upon Jesus Christ, and all efforts must align with this foundational truth.
• Unity and Maturity: Encourages believers to move beyond factionalism towards spiritual maturity and unity in Christ.

Notable Quotes:

• “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (10:45)
• “We have the mind of Christ.” (10:35)
• “You are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you.” (15:20)

Timestamped Highlights:

• (12:30): “For none of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
• (22:15): “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.”

Key Themes and Insights

1. Leadership and Accountability:

   • The Old Testament readings portray the complexity of leadership during Israel's tribal confederation, highlighting both divine appointment and human conflict.

2. Divine Providence and Intervention:

   • Both Testaments underscore God's active role in guiding and shaping the lives of believers, whether through miraculous births or the impartation of spiritual wisdom.

3. Righteous Living and Its Impact:

   • Psalm 112 and 1 Corinthians 2–3 collectively emphasize that a life rooted in God’s commandments and wisdom leads to enduring blessings and a lasting legacy.

4. Spiritual Maturity and Unity:

   • Paul's teachings call for a move beyond superficial divisions, advocating for a unified, spiritually mature community that builds upon the foundation of Christ.

Conclusion

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year" offers a rich tapestry of biblical narratives and theological reflections. From the tumultuous leadership of the Judges to the poetic assurances in Psalm 112 and the profound wisdom of Paul’s epistles, listeners are invited to engage deeply with Scripture. The readings highlight the enduring relevance of divine wisdom, the importance of righteous living, and the foundational role of Christ in the life of the believer and the Church. Whether navigating personal faith or communal challenges, the insights from today's episode serve as a guiding beacon for spiritual growth and understanding.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Judges 12–14:

  • “[...] why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” (00:01)
  • “Then Samson knew that he was the angel of the Lord.” (04:30)

• Psalm 112:

  • “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments.” (05:12)
  • “The wicked man sees it and is angry. He gnashes his teeth and melts away.” (05:50)

• 1 Corinthians 2–3:

  • “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (10:45)
  • “We have the mind of Christ.” (10:35)
  • “You are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you.” (15:20)
  • “For none of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (12:30)
  • “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” (22:15)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of today's episode, providing listeners with a clear and insightful overview of the selected passages. By highlighting key narratives, themes, and pivotal quotes, the summary serves as a valuable resource for reflection and deeper study.