Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: November 30 (Ezekiel 29–31; Psalm 120; 2 Thessalonians 2–3)
Date: November 30, 2025
Host: Crossway

Overview

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" leads listeners through the daily readings of Ezekiel 29–31, Psalm 120, and 2 Thessalonians 2–3. The themes that emerge span God's judgment on nations (particularly Egypt), honest cries for deliverance and peace, and apostolic encouragements for steadfastness and discipline in the early church. The readings are presented in Jackie Hill Perry’s direct, reverent tone, allowing scripture to speak for itself with minimal interpretation and interruption.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ezekiel 29–31: Judgment Against Egypt and Lessons from History

(00:01–19:54)

• Prophecies Against Pharaoh and Egypt
  • God declares opposition to Pharaoh and Egypt, likening Pharaoh to a great dragon arrogantly claiming the Nile as his own creation.
    • “Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh, king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of its streams...” (A, 00:04)
  • The prophecy foretells the devastation and desolation of Egypt for 40 years due to its pride and role as an unreliable support for Israel.
  • Egypt will be scattered, then restored as a humble kingdom—never powerful enough to dominate or tempt Israel again.
    • “I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them through the countries... I will restore the fortunes of Egypt ... and there they shall be a lowly kingdom.” (A, 00:18)
• Babylon’s Reward
  • Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Tyre is described; although he receives no material reward from Tyre, God gives him Egypt as compensation for his labor and as an instrument of divine judgment.
• Symbolism and Warnings
  • Several sections employ vivid imagery (broken arms, desolation by sword, cities on fire) to emphasize the totality of God’s judgment against proud nations.
  • Egypt's fate is likened to mighty Assyria—a cedar felled in its pride—serving as a lesson that no nation, regardless of former greatness, is immune from downfall.
    • “Whom are you like in your greatness?... Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon ... because its heart was proud ... I have cast it out.” (A, 19:03)
• God’s Purpose in Judgment
  • Across each oracle, a refrain emerges: “Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

2. Psalm 120: A Cry for Deliverance

(19:55–21:15)

• Personal Lament and Plea for Peace
  • The psalmist cries out from distress caused by "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue."
    • “In my distress I called to the Lord and he answered me. Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” (A, 19:56)
  • The short psalm expresses an ongoing struggle to live among people who love conflict over peace.
    • “Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.” (A, 21:09)
• Theme of Seeking Divine Help Amid Hostility
  • The reading resonates as an honest admission of pain in a hostile environment, appealing to God for truth and justice.

3. 2 Thessalonians 2–3: Perseverance, Warning, and Encouragement

(21:16–33:47)

• Clarifying Eschatological Confusion
  • Paul urges believers not to be alarmed by false reports about the Lord’s return.
    • “Let no one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed...” (A, 21:35)
  • He describes the “man of lawlessness,” his opposition to God, and how ultimate victory belongs to Christ.
    • “The Lord Jesus will kill [the lawless one] with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.” (A, 23:25)
• The Importance of Truth and Faithfulness
  • Paul contrasts those deceived by unrighteousness with those chosen “to be saved through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” (A, 25:00)
  • He exhorts believers to stand firm, holding to apostolic teachings both written and oral.
    • “So then, brother, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” (A, 25:45)
• Apostolic Prayers and Requests
  • Paul seeks prayer for the gospel’s advancement and protection from “wicked and evil men,” while emphasizing God’s faithfulness to guard believers.
    • “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (A, 28:14)
    • “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” (A, 28:56)
• Instruction Concerning Idleness and Discipline
  • Believers are instructed to avoid those who persist in idleness, modeling a work ethic that refuses to be a burden.
    • “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (A, 29:42)
    • “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” (A, 31:10)
  • Discipline is encouraged—not harsh exclusion, but loving correction aimed at restoration.
    • “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (A, 31:52)
• Personal Signature and Blessing
  • Paul signs off with a mark of authenticity, wishing grace and peace on the community.
    • “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times, in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (A, 32:04)
    • “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” (A, 33:45)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh, king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of its streams... Then all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel, A, 00:04)
• “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” (Psalm 120, A, 19:56)
• “Let no one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed...” (2 Thessalonians 2, A, 21:35)
• “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3, A, 29:42)
• “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3, A, 28:56)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ezekiel 29–31 (Judgment on Egypt, Babylon’s Role, Lessons from Assyria): 00:01–19:54
• Psalm 120 (Cry for Deliverance and Peace): 19:55–21:15
• 2 Thessalonians 2–3 (Day of the Lord, Work Ethic, Final Admonitions): 21:16–33:47

Tone and Style

The reading maintains a reverent and measured cadence. Scripture is delivered with the gravity and directness that reflect its subject matter—judgment, longing, endurance, and hope. Quotes are rendered verbatim, letting the biblical text speak clearly.

This episode offers a raw, scriptural journey through divine warning and mercy, human lament, and apostolic challenge—encouraging believers to humility, faithfulness, truthfulness, and perseverance.