Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: October 2 (Isaiah 13–14; Psalm 86; Acts 9)

Podcast Host: Crossway
Date: October 2, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Jackie Hill Perry reading and guiding listeners through three Bible passages: Isaiah 13–14 (God's judgment against Babylon and hope for Israel), Psalm 86 (David’s earnest prayer for mercy and thanksgiving), and Acts 9 (Saul’s dramatic conversion and the early ministry of Peter). The readings flow seamlessly, highlighting pivotal themes of judgment, mercy, transformation, and the unstoppable purpose of God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Isaiah 13–14: Judgment on Babylon, Hope for Israel (00:01–16:55)

• Babylon’s Doom Prophesied
  Isaiah signals the coming destruction of Babylon due to its pride and wickedness. The Medes will be used as tools of God’s wrath.

  • “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come… Therefore all hands will be feeble, and every human heart will melt.” (02:00)
  • Cosmic turmoil—darkened sun and moon, trembling heavens—marks the intensity of God’s wrath (07:45).

• Reversal for Israel
  Following judgment, God’s compassion for Israel becomes clear, promising their restoration and even subjugation of former oppressors.

  • “For the Lord will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will set them in their own land…” (10:55)

• Taunt Against Babylon’s King
  The famous "taunt" against Babylon's fallen king (associated with Lucifer in Christian interpretation) illustrates the end of arrogance.

  • “How you are fallen from heaven, O day star, son of dawn!” (13:05)

• God’s Sovereign Purposes
  God’s plans are irresistible; no nation can annul what He intends.

  • “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (15:45)

Psalm 86: A Prayer of David (16:56–20:35)

• Plea for Mercy and Grace
  David speaks from a place of poverty and need, asking for God’s preservation and grace.

  • “Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.” (17:01)
  • “You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” (18:05)

• Worship and Thanksgiving
  David acknowledges the uniqueness of God and vows to glorify His name forever.

  • “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart.” (19:20)

• Confidence in God’s Character
  Even amid persecution, David affirms God’s steadfastness, mercy, and faithfulness.

  • “You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (20:10)

Acts 9: Saul’s Conversion & Peter’s Miracles (20:36–39:45)

• Saul’s Encounter on the Damascus Road
  Saul, zealous in persecuting Jesus’ followers, is confronted by a blinding vision and the voice of Jesus.

  • “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?... I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (21:30)
  • Saul is blinded for three days and neither eats nor drinks (22:50).

• God Calls Ananias
  The Lord instructs Ananias to heal Saul, despite his reservations.

  • “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” (24:52)

• Saul's Sight Restored and First Preaching
  Ananias prays for Saul, and he regains his sight—“something like scales fell from his eyes.” He is baptized and immediately begins proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God.

  • “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus… has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (26:20)

• Growing Opposition and Acceptance Saul faces suspicion from the disciples and hostility from Jews, but Barnabas advocates for him.

  • “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name?” (28:45)
  • Barnabas’ testimony allows Saul to be accepted among the apostles (30:40).

• Peace and Expansion for the Church
  The church enters a period of peace and growth, “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit” (32:10).

• Peter’s Healing Miracles
  Peter heals Aeneas, paralyzed for eight years, and raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead, leading many to believe.

  • “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Rise and make your bed.” (33:20)
  • “Tabitha, arise.” (36:15)
  • “He presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” (37:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s coming judgment (Isaiah 13):
  “Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it.” (07:12)
• On Satan’s pride (Isaiah 14):
  “You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven… I will make myself like the Most High. But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.” (13:35)
• David’s plea in Psalm 86:
  “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (19:05)
• Jesus to Saul (Acts 9):
  “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (21:40)
• Peter’s resurrection of Tabitha:
  “Tabitha, arise… He presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” (36:15–37:15)

Episode Structure & Timestamps

• Isaiah 13–14 (Judgment & Hope): 00:01–16:55
• Psalm 86 (Prayer for Mercy): 16:56–20:35
• Acts 9 (Saul’s Conversion & Peter’s Miracles): 20:36–39:45

This episode richly intertwines the themes of God’s justice and mercy, the power of transformation (in Saul’s story), and encouragement for God’s people to trust his unwavering purposes. The readings are powerful, meditative, and faithful to the tone of scripture—inviting listeners into a yearlong journey through the Bible.