Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: May 5 (Judges 17–18; Psalm 114; 1 Corinthians 6–7)
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host/Author: Crossway

Introduction

In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year," hosted by Crossway and featuring the esteemed author Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a spiritual journey through selected passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament. Today's readings encompass Judges 17–18, Psalm 114, and 1 Corinthians 6–7. This summary delves into each passage, highlighting key themes, discussions, and insightful observations to enrich your understanding and reflection.

Old Testament Reading: Judges 17–18

[00:01] Speaker A

Summary: The readings from Judges chapters 17 and 18 narrate a tumultuous period in Israel's history when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17, Verse 6). The story primarily revolves around Micah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim, who creates a personal shrine complete with an ephod, household gods, and a carved image. Micah ordains one of his sons as a priest, reflecting a broader societal decline into idolatry and the abandonment of centralized worship in Israel.

A levite from Bethlehem in Judah arrives at Micah's house seeking a place to sojourn. Micah offers him a position as a priest in exchange for material support, and the levite agrees, becoming integrated into Micah's household. This arrangement exemplifies the chaotic religious practices of the time, where personal shrines and idolatrous objects were prevalent.

The narrative takes a darker turn with the tribe of Dan seeking to expand its territory. Five Danite spies explore the land and arrive at Micah's house, where they observe the idolatrous setup. Recognizing the voice of the young levite, they deceitfully persuade him to join them as the tribe's priest. With a force of 600 armed men, the Danites seize Micah's idols and his priest, illustrating the pervasive conflict and moral decay among the tribes.

Micah confronts the Danites after they leave, pleading for the return of his gods and priest. However, the Danites, driven by ambition and desire for their own inheritance, attack the unsuspecting city of Laish, burning it to the ground. They rebuild the city and rename it Dan, establishing their own religious practices by installing the seized idols and appointing new priests. This act signifies the deep-rooted idolatry and fragmentation within Israel, setting the stage for further discord and spiritual decline.

Notable Quotes:

• "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6)
  – Speaker A [00:30]

• "The priests said to them, 'What are you doing?' They said, 'Keep quiet, put your hand on your mouth and come with us, and be to us a father and a priest.'" (Judges 18:17)
  – Speaker A [10:45]

Key Themes:

• Religious Syncretism: The blending of worship practices, including idolatry, reflects Israel's departure from exclusive devotion to God.

• Leadership Vacuum: The absence of centralized leadership ("no king in Israel") leads to moral and spiritual fragmentation.

• Tribal Conflicts: The quest for inheritance and territory exacerbates tensions among the Israelite tribes, resulting in violence and the establishment of new centers of worship.

Insights:

This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual compromise and the lack of unified leadership. Micah's personal shrine symbolizes the broader apostasy of the Israelite tribes, who stray from God's commandments in pursuit of personal gain and security. The story underscores the importance of steadfast faith and obedience to divine authority to maintain communal harmony and spiritual integrity.

Psalms Reading: Psalm 114

[20:15] Speaker A

Summary: Psalm 114 is a poetic reflection on the mighty acts of God during the Exodus, celebrating the liberation of Israel from Egypt. The psalmist vividly describes the natural world responding to God's presence and power:

• "When Israel came out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion." (Psalm 114:1-2)

• "The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs." (Psalm 114:3-4)

• "Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water." (Psalm 114:5-7)

The psalm celebrates God's sovereignty and miraculous interventions, highlighting how creation itself witnesses and responds to divine glory. The transformation of the sea, Jordan River, mountains, and hills serves as metaphors for God's absolute authority and His ability to deliver and sustain His people.

Notable Quotes:

• "Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob." (Psalm 114:5)
  – Speaker A [25:30]

• "Who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water." (Psalm 114:6)
  – Speaker A [25:45]

Key Themes:

• Divine Power: God's ability to perform miraculous deeds underscores His supremacy over creation.

• Faithfulness: The psalm reflects on God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel.

• Creation's Response: The natural world's reaction to God's presence emphasizes the universal recognition of His majesty.

Insights:

Psalm 114 invites believers to reflect on the profound ways God interacts with the world and His people. The imagery of nature responding to divine commands serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and the reliability of His promises. This psalm encourages trust in God's power and reassures believers of His continual presence and provision.

New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 6–7

[30:00] Speaker A

Summary: In these chapters, Apostle Paul addresses various issues pertaining to Christian conduct within the Corinthian church, focusing on personal disputes, sexual morality, marriage, and singleness.

1 Corinthians 6: Disputes Among Believers and Sexual Purity

Paul begins by condemning believers who take their grievances before secular courts rather than resolving disputes within the church community:

• "When one of you has a grievance against another, do you dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1)
  – Speaker A [30:15]

He emphasizes the importance of internal judgment, stating that the church members will one day judge the world, including angels:

• "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?... Do you not know that we are to judge angels?" (1 Corinthians 6:2-3)
  – Speaker A [31:00]

Paul then transitions to the topic of sexual morality, asserting that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and must not be defiled:

• "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?... Flee from sexual immorality." (1 Corinthians 6:15, 18)
  – Speaker A [32:30]

He categorically states that those engaged in immoral behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God, urging believers to honor God with their bodies:

• "Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral... nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
  – Speaker A [33:20]

1 Corinthians 7: Marriage and Singleness

Paul offers guidance on marriage and singleness, emphasizing that each person has their own gift from God:

• "I wish that all were as I myself am." (1 Corinthians 7:7)
  – Speaker A [35:10]

He advises that marriage is honorable but acknowledges the benefits of singleness for undivided devotion to the Lord:

• "But I think that in view of the present distress, it is good for a person to remain as he is." (1 Corinthians 7:26)
  – Speaker A [36:15]

Paul underscores the sanctity of the marital bond, discouraging divorce except in cases where an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave:

• "The wife should not separate from her husband. But if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:10-11)
  – Speaker A [37:45]

He concludes by urging believers to lead lives as God has called them, whether married or single:

• "God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?" (1 Corinthians 7:15)
  – Speaker A [38:20]

Notable Quotes:

• "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord and the Lord for the body." (1 Corinthians 6:13)
  – Speaker A [32:10]

• "Flee from sexual immorality." (1 Corinthians 6:18)
  – Speaker A [32:20]

• "What ails you, O sea, that you flee, O Jordan, that you turn back..." (Psalm 114:3)
  – Speaker A [25:05]

Key Themes:

• Dispute Resolution: Encouraging believers to handle conflicts within the church to maintain unity and witness.

• Sexual Purity: Upholding the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and promoting moral integrity.

• Marriage and Singleness: Valuing both marital relationships and single life as gifts, each with its own purpose in serving the Lord.

Insights:

Paul's instructions in these chapters serve as foundational principles for Christian living, emphasizing holiness, mutual respect, and the importance of community. By addressing both interpersonal disputes and personal conduct, Paul fosters a vision of a church community that reflects Christ's love and integrity. His pragmatic advice on marriage and singleness acknowledges diverse circumstances while guiding believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.

Conclusion

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year" offers profound insights into the historical and spiritual dimensions of the Bible. From the chaotic religious landscape of Judges, where personal idols and fragmented leadership led to societal decay, to the triumphant declarations of God's power in Psalm 114, and Paul's timeless guidance on community and personal conduct in 1 Corinthians, listeners are invited to deepen their understanding of faith, obedience, and godly living.

Jackie Hill Perry's selections for May 5 provide a comprehensive glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of biblical narratives, encouraging believers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the importance of maintaining integrity and devotion in all aspects of life.

Note: All scripture references are based on the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.