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

Episode: November 21 (Ezekiel 12–13; Psalm 119:105–112; Ephesians 4)
Host: Crossway
Date: November 21, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode continues the daily journey through the ESV Bible, featuring readings from Ezekiel 12–13, Psalm 119:105–112, and Ephesians 4. The readings explore the consequences of Israel's rebellion, the steadfastness of God’s word, and Paul’s exhortation to walk in unity and holiness in Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ezekiel 12–13: Signs and Warnings to a Rebellious Israel

[00:00–12:00]

• God commands Ezekiel to act out the impending exile, making Israel’s judgment a vivid, visible sign (“prepare for yourself an exile’s baggage and go into exile by day in their sight” [00:13]).
• The people of Israel are described as those with closed eyes and ears—witnessing but not understanding or repenting (“you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not” [00:03]).
• The judgment against Israel’s leaders and people is detailed: exile, scattering among nations, and suffering from sword, famine, and pestilence.
• God’s justice is highlighted—false prophets are condemned for misleading the people with empty promises of “peace” when destruction is at hand.
• The metaphor of “whitewashing” is used for these prophets, illustrating their attempts to cover up reality, which God will reveal and destroy (“the wall is no more, nor those who smeared it” [11:20]).
• Specific condemnation of prophetic women using magic and deceit for personal gain.
• Despite the judgment, there is an emphasis on God’s desire for people to recognize His sovereignty (“you shall know that I am the Lord” repeats throughout).

2. Psalm 119:105–112: God’s Word as Light

[16:40–17:45]

• The psalmist declares the essential, guiding role of Scripture (“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” [16:40]).
• The motif of ongoing struggle and perseverance in faith—amid severe affliction and snares set by the wicked, the psalmist remains committed to God’s laws.
• The joy and inheritance found in meditating on God’s testimonies (“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” [17:22]).

3. Ephesians 4: Call to Unity, Renewal, and Christlike Living

[17:50–End]

• Paul urges believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and love (“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” [17:54]).
• Stress on unity: “one body and one Spirit…one hope…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” [18:05].
• Christ’s gifts to the church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers—are explained as tools for equipping believers and building up the church toward maturity and unity in Jesus.
• Warning against immaturity and doctrinal instability: “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine” [18:47].
• The transformative call: “put off your old self…be renewed…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” [19:56].
• Instructions for practical Christian living:
  • Speak the truth and avoid falsehood (20:33).
  • Express righteous anger without sin (“Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger” [20:47]).
  • Work honestly and generously (“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor…” [21:02]).
  • Use words to build up others and give grace (21:17).
  • Reject bitterness, wrath, and malice; embrace kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” [22:10]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• God’s Prophetic Judgment:
  “You dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not.” (A, 00:03)
• The Certainty of God’s Word:
  “I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed. It will no longer be delayed.” (A, 07:10)
• Condemnation of False Prophets:
  “They have seen false visions and lying divinations, they say, ‘declares the Lord,’ when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word.” (A, 09:36)
• Psalmist’s Devotion:
  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (A, 16:40)
• Unity of the Faith:
  “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call.” (A, 18:05)
• Transformational Exhortation:
  “Put off your old self…be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and…put on the new self created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (A, 19:56)
• On Christian Conduct:
  “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (A, 22:10)

Important Timestamps

• [00:00–12:00] – Ezekiel 12–13: The exile sign-act and judgment on false prophets.
• [16:40–17:45] – Psalm 119:105–112: Scripture as guidance and sustenance.
• [17:50–End (~22:30)] – Ephesians 4: Paul’s call to unity, spiritual maturity, and practical holiness.

Conclusion

This episode interweaves themes of warning, hope, guidance, and transformation. Ezekiel’s prophetic acts vividly point to the consequences of ignoring God’s word, while Paul in Ephesians calls believers to a radically new life—marked by unity, growth, and forgiveness—grounded in the truth and love found in Christ. These readings reinforce God’s sovereignty, the enduring value of His word, and the call to live out faith in community.