Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry — November 23

Readings: Ezekiel 16; Psalm 119:121–128; Philippians 1–2
Date: November 23, 2025
Host: Crossway
Format: Daily Bible readings (no additional commentary or discussion in this episode)

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey through the Bible with readings from the Old Testament (Ezekiel 16), the Psalms (Psalm 119:121–128), and the New Testament (Philippians 1–2). The readings for today focus on God’s relationship with Israel, a prayer for justice and understanding, and encouragement for Christian unity and humility.

Key Highlights and Discussion Points

1. Ezekiel 16: God’s Relationship with Jerusalem

Timestamps: 00:00–16:40

• Theme: An extended allegory comparing Jerusalem to an abandoned child whom God saves, nurtures, adorns, and enters into covenant with.
• Accusation of Unfaithfulness: Despite God’s generosity and care, Jerusalem turns to idolatry and spiritual adultery.
• Consequences: God declares judgment, comparing Jerusalem’s sins to those of Samaria and Sodom but declaring them even greater.
• Hope of Restoration: Despite impending judgment, God promises to remember His covenant and eventually restore Jerusalem, resulting in repentance and humility.

Notable Quotes:

• “When I passed by you and saw you wallowing in your blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’” (01:30)
• “But you trusted in your beauty and played the whore because of your renown, and lavished your whorings on any passerby.” (07:25)
• “How sick is your heart, declares the Lord God, because you did all these things, the deeds of a brazen prostitute...” (12:55)
• “Yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth. And I will establish for you an everlasting covenant.” (28:35)

2. Psalm 119:121–128: A Plea for Justice and Understanding

Timestamps: 37:10–38:30

• Theme: The Psalmist appeals to God for protection from oppressors and seeks understanding.
• Commitment: Expresses love for God’s commandments, proclaiming them more precious than gold.
• Desire for Action: The Psalmist recognizes a time for God to act, stating, “It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken.”

Notable Quotes:

• “Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love and teach me your statutes.” (37:34)
• “Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.” (38:05)

3. Philippians 1–2: Joy, Unity, and the Mind of Christ

Timestamps: 38:31–End

• Opening Encouragement: Paul thanks God for the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel and prays for their growth in love, knowledge, and righteousness.
• Suffering and Boldness: Paul discusses his imprisonment, noting that it has caused many to preach Christ more boldly—regardless of their motives.
• Christ’s Example: Paul encourages the Philippians to embody unity and humility, famously describing Christ’s self-emptying, servant nature, and obedience “even to death on a cross.”
• Living Worthy: Paul calls for lives worthy of the gospel, marked by unity and selfless service to others.
• Timothy and Epaphroditus: Paul commends Timothy’s and Epaphroditus’s service and plans to send them to the Philippians as examples of faithful discipleship.

Notable Quotes:

• “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (41:45)
• “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (48:15)
• “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (53:40)
• “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (54:40)
• “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God … in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (55:55)

Noteworthy Structural Elements

• Tone: The readings are delivered in a clear, reverent manner, emphasizing the seriousness and hope contained in the scripture.
• Flow: Each scripture transition is marked by, “A reading from the Book of...” providing a steady, contemplative rhythm.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------|----------------| | Ezekiel 16 | 00:00–36:00 | | Psalm 119:121–128 | 37:10–38:30 | | Philippians 1–2 | 38:31–End |

Conclusion

This episode poignantly traces the themes of unfaithfulness and restoration (Ezekiel), steadfast trust in God’s justice (Psalm), and the call to Christlike humility and unity (Philippians). Through the readings, listeners are invited to reflect both on the seriousness of covenant and sin, and the extravagant grace that leads to redemption and transformation.