September 1 (Job 33–34; Psalm 58; Luke 22)

Summary

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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

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

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Transcript

[Narrator / Jesus]

A reading from the book of Job. But now hear my speech, O Job, and listen to all my words. Behold, I open my mouth. The tongue in my mouth speaks 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. Answer me, if you can. Set your words in order before me. Take your stand. Behold, I am toward God as you are. I too was pinched off from a piece of clay. Behold, no fear of me need terrify you. My pressure will not be heavy upon you. Surely you have spoken in my ears, and I have heard the sound of your words. You say I am pure, without transgression, I am clean, and there is no iniquity in me. Behold, he finds occasions against me. He counts me as his enemy. He puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths. Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you, for God is greater than man. Why do you contend against him, saying he will answer none of man's words? For God speaks in one way and in two, though man does not perceive it in a dream, in a vision of the night when deep sleep falls on men while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man. He. He keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword. Man is also rebuked with pain on his bed and with continual strife in his bones, so that his life loathes bread and his appetite the choicest food. His flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen, and his bones that were not seen stick out. His soul draws near the pit and is life to those who bring death. If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand to declare to man what is right for him. And and he is merciful to him and says, deliver him from going down into the pit. I have found a ransom. Let his flesh become fresh with youth. Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor. Then man prays to God, and he accepts him. He sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness. He sings before men and says, I sinned and perverted what was right, and it was not repaid to me. He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and and my life shall look upon the light. Behold, God does all these things twice, three times with a man to bring back his soul. From the pit, that he may be.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

Lighted with the light of life.

[Narrator / Jesus]

Pay attention, O Job, listen to me. Be silent, and I will speak. If you have any words, answer me.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

Speak, for I desire to justify you.

[Narrator / Jesus]

If not, listen to me. Be silent, and I will teach you wisdom. Then Elihu answered and said, hear my words, you wise men, and give ear to me, you who know. For the ear tests words as the palate tastes food. Let us choose what is right let us know among ourselves what is good. For Job has said, I am in the right, and God has taken away my right. In spite of my right I am counted a liar. My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression. What man is like Job, who drinks up scoffing like water, who travels in company with evildoers and walks with wicked men? For he has said, it profits a man nothing that he should take delight in God. Therefore hear me, you men of understanding. 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, and according to his ways he will make it.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

Befall him of a truth.

[Narrator / Jesus]

God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. Who gave him charge over the earth.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

And who laid on him the whole world?

[Narrator / Jesus]

If he should set his heart to it, and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust. If you have understanding, hear this. Listen to what I shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty, who says to a king worthless one, and to nobles, wicked man, who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands. In a moment they die. At midnight the people are shaken and pass away, and the mighty are taken away by no human hand, for his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps. There is no gloom or deep darkness where evildoers may hide themselves. For God has no need to consider a man further that he should go before God in judgment. He shatters the mighty without investigation, and sets others in their place. Thus, knowing their works, he overturns them in the night, and they are crushed. He strikes them for their wickedness in a place for all to see, because they turned aside from following him, and had no regard for any of his ways, so that they caused the cry of the poor to come to him. And he heard the cry of the afflicted when he is quiet, who can condemn. When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man, that a godless man should not reign, that he should not ensnare the people? For has anyone said to God, I have borne punishment, I will not offend any more. Teach me what I do not see. If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more. Will he then make repayment to suit you, because you reject it. For you must choose and not I. Therefore declare what you know. Men of understanding will say to me, and the wise man who hears me will say, job speaks without knowledge, his words are without insight. Would that Job were tried to the end because he answers like wicked men. For he adds rebellion to his sin. He claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God. A reading from the Book of Psalms to the choirmaster according to do not destroy a mictim of David.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? Know in your hearts you devise wrongs, your hands deal out violence on earth. The wicked are estranged from the womb, they go astray from birth, speaking lies. They have venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter. O God, break the teeth in their mouths. Tear out the fangs of the young lions. O Lord, let them vanish like water that runs away when he aims his arrows. Let them be blunted. Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, like the stillborn child who never sees the sun. Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away. The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, surely there is a reward for the righteous. Surely there is a God who judges on earth.

[Narrator / Jesus]

A reading of the Gospel according to Luke.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was of the number of the 12. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them, and they were glad and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. Then came the day of unleavened bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

[Narrator / Jesus]

So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

Go and prepare the Passover for us that we may eat it. They said to him, where will you.

[Narrator / Jesus]

Have us prepare it?

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

He said to them, behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, the teacher says to you, when? Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples? And he will show you a large upper room, furnished, prepared there. And they went and found it just.

[Narrator / Jesus]

As he had told them.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

And they prepared the Passover. And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it until it's fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, take this and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, this cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.

[Narrator / Jesus]

For the Son of man goes as.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

It has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed. And they began to question one another which of them it could be who was going to do this. A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, the kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater? One who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. You are those who have stayed with me in my trials. And I assign to you, as my father assigned to me, a kingdom that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.

[Narrator / Jesus]

Simon.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

Simon, behold. Satan demanded to have you that he might sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your Faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Peter said to him, lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death. Jesus said, I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you know me. And he said to them, when I sent you out with no money bag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything? They said, nothing. He said to them, but now let the one who has a money bag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me. And he was numbered with the transgressors. For what is written about me has its fulfillment. And they said, look, Lord, here are two swords. And he said to them, it is enough. And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives. And the disciples followed him.

[Narrator / Jesus]

And when he came to the place.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

He said to them, pray that you may not enter into temptation. And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed, saying, father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven strengthening him. And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. And his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow. And he said to them, why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation. While he was still speaking, there came a crowd. And the man called Judas, one of the 12, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss? And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, lord, shall we strike with the sword? And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said no more of this. And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come out against him, have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour and the power of darkness. Then they seized him and. And led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. And Peter was following at a distance.

[Narrator / Jesus]

And when they had kindled a fire.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

In the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, this man also was with him. But he denied it, saying, woman, I do not know him. And a little later, someone else saw him and said, you also are one of them. But Peter said, man, I am not. And after an interval of about an hour, still another insisted, saying, certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean. But Peter said, man, I do not know what you are talking about. And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, before the rooster crows, today you will deny me three times. And he went out and wept bitterly. Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, prophesy, who is it that struck you? And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away to their council.

[Narrator / Jesus]

And.

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

And they said, if you are the Christ, tell us. But he said to them, if I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God. So they all said, are you the.

[Narrator / Jesus]

Son of God then?

[Various Biblical Characters (including Elihu, Peter, Judas, Chief Priests, Disciples)]

And he said to them, you say that I am. Then they said, what further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.