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

Episode: November 25 (Ezekiel 19–20; Psalm 119:137–144; Colossians 1–2)
Date: November 25, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

In this episode, the podcast continues its daily journey through the Bible by reading and reflecting on Ezekiel 19–20, Psalm 119:137–144, and Colossians 1–2. The readings explore themes of lament and warning for Israel (Ezekiel), the supremacy and redemptive work of Christ (Colossians), and a brief, impassioned meditation on God’s righteousness through Psalm 119. The episode is purely biblical text, focused on immersing listeners in scripture with minimal commentary, true to the podcast’s purpose of reading through the ESV Bible in a year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ezekiel 19–20: Lament for Israel and the History of Rebellion

Summary:

• Ezekiel 19 opens with a poetic lament for the princes of Israel, using metaphors of a lioness and a vine to express Israel's former strength, downfall, and captivity.
• Ezekiel 20 recounts Israel's persistent rebellion from Egypt through the wilderness, counterbalanced by God's repeated mercies for the sake of His name, even as He warns of judgment.

Notable Themes:

• Persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness of Israel.
• God’s righteous anger, yet His mercy for the sake of His reputation among the nations.
• The need for true repentance and the consequences of generational sin.

Memorable Quotes:

• "As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you." (Ezekiel 20:3, 03:53)
• "Nevertheless, my eye spared them, and I did not destroy them or make a full end of them in the wilderness." (Ezekiel 20:17, 08:10)
• "You shall know that I am the Lord when I deal with you for my name's sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt deeds." (Ezekiel 20:44, 13:12)

Important Segment:

• [00:00–15:45] – The lament for Israel and the recounting of their covenant failure, God's judgment, and promises of restoration.

Psalm 119:137–144: Meditating on God’s Righteousness

Summary:

• A brief, passionate affirmation of God's righteousness and faithfulness.
• The Psalmist expresses zeal for God's word and finds delight in His commandments during times of suffering.

Notable Themes:

• The enduring righteousness of God’s law.
• Perseverance and reliance on God’s word amid affliction.

Memorable Quote:

• "Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight." (Psalm 119:143, 16:40)

Important Segment:

• [15:45–17:00] – A heartfelt recitation centered on the perfection and comfort of God’s decrees.

Colossians 1–2: The Supremacy of Christ and Christian Maturity

Summary:

• Colossians 1 presents an exalted vision of Christ: "the image of the invisible God," creator, sustainer, and reconciler.
• Paul stresses spiritual maturity, steadfastness in the gospel, and cautions against false teachings rooted in human tradition or ascetic practice.

Notable Themes:

• Christ's preeminence over creation and the church.
• Redemption and forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice.
• The mystery of "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
• Warning against philosophical deception and legalistic religion.

Memorable Quotes:

• "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created... All things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:15–16, 18:55)
• "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things... making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19–20, 20:10)
• "If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel..." (Colossians 1:23, 21:10)
• "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands... having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith..." (Colossians 2:11–12, 24:45)
• "These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism... but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." (Colossians 2:23, 29:03)

Important Segment:

• [17:00–29:30] – Paul’s declaration of Christ’s cosmic role, his encouragement to the Colossians, and instructions for living out freedom in Christ.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments by Timestamp

• [03:53] – "As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you." (Ezekiel 20:3)
• [08:10] – "Nevertheless, my eye spared them, and I did not destroy them or make a full end of them in the wilderness." (Ezekiel 20:17)
• [13:12] – "You shall know that I am the Lord when I deal with you for my name's sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt deeds." (Ezekiel 20:44)
• [16:40] – "Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight." (Psalm 119:143)
• [18:55] – "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created..." (Colossians 1:15–16)
• [20:10] – "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell..." (Colossians 1:19)
• [21:10] – "If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel..." (Colossians 1:23)
• [24:45] – "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands..." (Colossians 2:11)
• [29:03] – "These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism... but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." (Colossians 2:23)

Flow & Tone

• The episode flows as a steady, reverent recitation of scripture with a gentle, contemplative tone throughout.
• The readings invite personal reflection and underscore both God’s justice and grace.
• No commentary or extraneous narration is provided—listeners journey seamlessly through God’s story that day.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode immerses listeners in God’s dealings with Israel in Ezekiel, the heartbreak and hope of the Psalmist, and Paul’s majestic portrait of Christ in Colossians. It’s a powerful reminder of humanity’s need for grace and Christ’s all-sufficiency, with carefully chosen passages that resonate with themes of rebellion, redemption, identity, and transformation in Jesus. Ideal for those seeking a meditative and Scripture-centered daily practice.