Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 1 (Job 33–34; Psalm 58; Luke 22)
Release Date: September 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is part of Jackie Hill Perry’s “Through the ESV Bible in a Year” series, where listeners are guided daily through readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms. Today’s selections focus on Job 33–34, Psalm 58, and Luke 22, exploring themes such as suffering and divine justice, the nature of wickedness and righteousness, and the betrayal, suffering, and humility of Jesus leading up to his crucifixion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Job 33–34: Elihu’s Rebuke and the Mystery of God’s Justice

• Elihu’s Defense of God’s Righteousness
  • Elihu appeals to Job to listen as he professes sincerity and integrity:

    “My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know, they speak sincerely. The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” (00:01)

  • Elihu argues that God’s ways are higher and sometimes discipline and suffering serve as warnings, not punishment:

    “For God speaks in one way and in two, though man does not perceive it... that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man.” (01:06–01:35)

• Role of a Mediator and Redemption
  • Elihu points out the possibility of an angelic mediator, expressing God’s mercy:

    “If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand to declare to man what is right for him… deliver him from going down into the pit. I have found a ransom.” (02:00)

• Elihu’s Accusation of Job’s Error
  • Elihu challenges Job’s assertion of innocence by affirming God’s justice:

    “Far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong. For according to the work of a man he will repay him.” (03:04–03:27)

• God’s Impartial Judgment
  • Elihu emphasizes God's impartiality and his sovereign governance over all:

    “He shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands.” (03:35–03:50)

2. Psalm 58: Lament Against Injustice and Hope for Divine Vindication

• Condemnation of Corrupt Rulers
  • A cry for justice against wicked leaders who “deal out violence on earth”:

    “Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? … In your hearts you devise wrongs, your hands deal out violence on earth.” (05:39)

• Vivid Imagery of God’s Judgment
  • The Psalmist implores God to destroy the wicked:

    “O God, break the teeth in their mouths. Tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord.” (05:44–05:48)

• The Joy of the Righteous
  • Anticipation that God’s justice will be evident:

    “Mankind will say, surely there is a reward for the righteous. Surely there is a God who judges on earth.” (06:30–06:36)

3. Luke 22: The Last Supper, Betrayal, and Jesus’ Final Hours

• The Plot to Betray Jesus
  • Judas conspires with religious leaders; the Passover approaches:

    “Then Satan entered into Judas… he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.” (06:51–07:02)

• Preparation for the Passover
  • Jesus orchestrates the preparations, demonstrating foreknowledge and authority:

    “A man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters… he will show you a large upper room, furnished; prepare there.” (07:21–07:39)

• Institution of the Lord’s Supper
  • Jesus reveals the significance of the bread and wine:

    “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.... This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (08:06–08:27)

• Prediction of Betrayal and Disciples’ Dispute
  • Jesus exposes the imminent betrayal:

    "But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table." (08:32)

  • The disciples argue about greatness; Jesus redefines leadership:

    “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. … But I am among you as the one who serves.” (08:54–09:15)

• Jesus’ Prophecy of Peter’s Denial
  • Jesus warns Peter:

    “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you know me.” (09:40–09:48)

• Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
  • The agony and submission of Jesus’ prayer:

    “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.” (10:39–10:47)

  • Luke records the intensity:

    “His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (10:53–10:56)

• Judas’ Betrayal and Jesus’ Arrest
  • The confrontation:

    “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (11:14–11:16)

• Peter’s Denial and Remorse
  • The moment of realization:

    “The rooster crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord … and he went out and wept bitterly.” (12:16–12:23)

• Jesus on Trial before the Council
  • Jesus’ identity questioned:

    “If you are the Christ, tell us... But from now on, the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” (13:17–13:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Human Limits and God’s Justice:

  “For according to the work of a man he will repay him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him.” (03:21)

• Jesus’ Model of Leadership:

  “But I am among you as the one who serves.” (09:15)

• The Agony of Gethsemane:

  “And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. And his sweat became like great drops of blood.” (10:53–10:56)

• The Compassion of Christ, Even in Arrest:

  “But Jesus said, 'No more of this.' And he touched his ear and healed him.” (11:26–11:29)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Job’s Dialogues and Elihu’s Rebuke: 00:01–05:38
• Psalm 58 Reading: 05:39–06:36
• Plot to Betray Jesus and Preparation for Passover: 06:40–07:41
• Institution of the Lord’s Supper: 07:42–08:34
• Dispute About Greatness, Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial: 08:36–09:48
• Gethsemane Prayer, Judas’ Betrayal, Jesus’ Arrest and Peter’s Denial: 10:33–12:23
• Jesus Before the Sanhedrin: 13:17–13:35

Summary

In today’s episode, listeners witness Elihu’s arguments about God’s justice and mercy in Job, a psalmist’s cry for deliverance from injustice, and the poignant events of the Last Supper and Jesus’ arrest. Through direct scripture readings, the episode contrasts the flawed justice of man with the perfect justice and sacrificial love of God, culminating in the humility and triumph of Jesus’ obedience. This day’s passage dramatizes key moments of the Christian story and offers encouragement to trust in God’s ultimate wisdom and redemption.