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

Episode: October 5 (Isaiah 23–25; Psalm 89:1–29; Acts 12)
Date: October 5, 2025
Host: Crossway
Featured Narrator: Jackie Hill Perry

Overview

This episode of Through the ESV Bible in a Year features readings from Isaiah 23–25, Psalm 89:1–29, and Acts 12. With Jackie Hill Perry’s narrative, listeners are led through themes of judgment and restoration for the nations, God’s enduring covenant love, and the miraculous deliverance and justice seen in the early church. The episode interweaves profound messages of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and the triumph of His purposes despite human pride and opposition.

Key Discussion Points & Readings

1. Isaiah 23–25: Judgment and Hope for the Nations

(00:01–15:42)

• Destruction of Tyre and Judgment on Pride

  • Tyre, symbolizing mercantile wealth and pride, is laid waste by God's decree.
  • Emphasis that Tyre's pride and riches are brought low:

    "The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth." (02:34)

• Universal Desolation

  • God’s judgment is not partial; all social classes and nations are affected.

    "As with the people, so with the priest, as with the slave, so with his master … The earth shall be utterly empty and utterly plundered, for the Lord has spoken this word." (05:02)

• Restoration and Praise

  • Hints of restoration: Tyre's merchandise will ultimately supply those before the Lord.
  • God’s final victory and the end of sorrow:

    "He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces." (13:10)

  • A vision of universal worship:

    "From the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise, of glory to the Righteous One." (10:52)

  • The pride of nations (including Moab) is brought low, but a banquet for all peoples is foretold.

2. Psalm 89:1–29 – God’s Faithful Covenant with David

(15:43–19:59)

• Celebration of God’s Faithfulness and Love

  • The psalmist (Ethan the Ezrahite) extols God's steadfast love and faithfulness across generations.

    "I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations." (16:01)

  • God’s creative power and sovereignty are praised:

    "The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them." (17:53)

• Covenant with David Recalled

  • God’s promises to David are declared: an eternal throne and enduring love.

    "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations." (16:30)

  • Assurance that God’s steadfast love and covenant cannot fail despite adversity.

3. Acts 12: Herod’s Persecution, Peter’s Miraculous Escape, and Divine Justice

(20:00–28:50)

• Persecution Intensifies

  • Herod Agrippa kills James and imprisons Peter, seeking to stamp out the early church.
  • The church responds with earnest prayer:

    "So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church." (21:57)

• Peter’s Miraculous Release

  • An angel frees Peter from prison in a dramatic, almost surreal episode:

    "He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, 'Get up quickly.' And the chains fell off his hands." (23:10)

  • Community’s disbelief and joy: Rhoda recognizes Peter’s voice but the others doubt.

    "They said to her, 'You are out of your mind.' But she kept insisting that it was so." (25:14)

• Herod’s Demise

  • After failing to recapture Peter, Herod faces political turmoil.
  • In an episode of pride and idolatry, Herod accepts divine praise and is struck down by God:

    "Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last." (27:11)

• God’s Triumph

  • Despite persecution and opposition, the word of God flourishes:

    "But the word of God increased and multiplied." (27:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Judgment and Restoration (Isaiah):

  "He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces." (13:10)

• God’s Unfailing Love (Psalm 89):

  "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you." (18:10)

• Miraculous Deliverance (Acts):

  "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod." (24:43)

• Triumph over Human Pride (Acts):

  "Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory." (27:11)

• Final Encouragement:

  "But the word of God increased and multiplied." (27:49)

Conclusion

This episode offers a tapestry of God’s dealings with human pride, suffering, and hope. Through Isaiah, listeners witness God’s judgment on the nations but also promises of restoration and joy. Psalm 89 centers on God’s unwavering covenant, and Acts 12 demonstrates God’s power to rescue and judge, highlighting the unstoppable advance of His kingdom. The readings collectively remind listeners of God’s sovereignty, justice, and boundless love—from ancient prophecies to the early church's miraculous survival and growth.