Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 26 (Song of Solomon 5–8; Psalm 80; Acts 3)
Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Crossway

Episode Overview

This episode features daily scripture readings as part of the journey through the ESV Bible in a year. Jackie Hill Perry (via the narrator) reads from three sections:

• Old Testament: Song of Solomon 5–8
• Psalms: Psalm 80
• New Testament: Acts 3

The readings traverse themes of love and longing (Song of Solomon), lament and hope for restoration (Psalm 80), and miraculous healing with the proclamation of the gospel (Acts 3).

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Song of Solomon 5–8 (00:01 – 10:20)

Themes:

• Deep longing and pursuit between lovers
• The power and exclusivity of love
• Yearning for union and the sustaining force of romantic and covenantal love

Notable Passages and Insights:

• The Shulamite’s search for her beloved after an intimate invitation, expressing the vulnerability and desire intrinsic to romantic love.
• Descriptions of physical and emotional admiration, highlighting the poetry and lyricism that underscore the Song’s celebration of marital passion and beauty.
  • “His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend.” (05:44)
• The refrain of mutual belonging and desire:
  • “I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.” (06:36)
  • “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.” (09:12)

Memorable Moments:

• The poetic metaphors used for beauty and affection, such as “Your teeth are like a flock of ewes…” and “Your eyes are pools in Heshbon…” underscore the Song’s blend of intimacy and artistry.
• The strong affirmation of love’s resilience:
  • “If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.” (09:35)

2. Psalm 80 (10:21 – 12:25)

Themes:

• Lament over the suffering and disgrace of Israel
• A plea for God’s restoration and favor
• Remembrance of God’s past faithfulness in establishing Israel

Notable Passages and Insights:

• Consistent refrain asking for God’s face to shine for salvation:
  • “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” (11:02, repeated throughout)
• The parable of the vine symbolizes Israel’s journey from Egypt to prominence and then to vulnerability:
  • “You brought a vine out of Egypt… You cleared the ground for it, it took deep root and filled the land.” (11:27)
• Hope placed in God’s intervention and renewal:
  • “Let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the Son of Man whom you have made strong for yourself.” (12:02)
• Commitment to faithfulness:
  • “Give us life, and we will call upon your name.” (12:14)

3. Acts 3 (12:26 – 20:27)

Themes:

• The miraculous healing in Jesus’ name
• Witnessing to the resurrection and power of Christ
• The continuity of God’s promises from Abraham and the prophets, fulfilled in Jesus

Notable Passages and Insights:

• The healing of the lame man at the temple, signifying the power of faith in Jesus:
  • “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (13:57)
  • The healed man’s response: “Walking and leaping and praising God” (14:16)
• Peter’s address to the amazed crowd asserts that the miracle is by Jesus’ authority, not human piety:
  • “Why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham… glorified his servant Jesus.” (15:07)
  • Confrontation with Israel’s history:
    • “You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you. And you killed the author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” (15:49)
• The message of forgiveness and entering into God’s promised blessings:
  • “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (16:56)
• Continuity with Old Testament promises, citing Moses and Samuel, and extends the blessing to all families of the earth through Jesus:
  • “God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” (20:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Love’s Power and Permanence:
  • “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave… Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.” — Song of Solomon 8:6–7 (09:12)
• God’s Restorative Power:
  • “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” — Psalm 80, repeated refrain (11:02+)
• Healing through Christ:
  • “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” — Peter (13:57)
• Witness to the Resurrection:
  • “You killed the author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” — Peter (15:49)
• Invitation to Repentance and Hope:
  • “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” — Peter (16:56)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Song of Solomon 5–8: 00:01 – 10:20
  • Key description of mutual love: 05:44, 06:36, 09:12
• Psalm 80: 10:21 – 12:25
  • Main refrain: 11:02, 12:14
• Acts 3: 12:26 – 20:27
  • Healing of the lame man: 13:57
  • Peter’s speech to the crowd: 15:07 – 20:27

Conclusion

This episode weaves together the passionate celebration of love (Song of Solomon), a national and personal plea for God’s restoration (Psalm 80), and the hope and power found in Christ’s name (Acts 3). Throughout, listeners are invited to reflect on God’s sustaining love, restorative power, and the call to live by faith and repentance, embracing the fullness of God’s promises.