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

Episode: September 29 (Isaiah 5–7; Psalm 83; Acts 6)
Date: September 29, 2025
Host: Crossway

Overview

This episode continues the journey through the ESV Bible in a Year, guided by readings from the books of Isaiah (chapters 5–7), Psalm 83, and Acts 6. The main theme is God's holiness, justice, and faithfulness amid human sinfulness and adversity, both in ancient Israel and the early church. The readings underscore the consequences of disobedience, the call to repentance, and the provision of leaders and hope—even in turbulent times.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Isaiah 5–7: God’s Vineyard, Judgment, and Hope

A. The Song of the Vineyard (Isaiah 5:1–7 | 00:01–02:10):

• God compares Israel to a carefully tended vineyard that, despite His care, yields "wild grapes" (bad fruit).
• Key Insight: The people failed to produce justice and righteousness, replacing them with bloodshed and outcry.

B. Woes Against Social Evil (Isaiah 5:8–30 | 02:11–07:31):

• A series of "woes" denounce greed, drunkenness, moral confusion, pride, and injustice.

• Memorable Quote:
  "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness." — Isaiah 5:20 (03:54)

• God warns of judgment: “Therefore, as the tongue of fire devours the stubble . . . so their root will be as rottenness.” (05:39)

• The anger of the Lord leads to devastation and invasion.

C. Isaiah's Vision and Call (Isaiah 6:1–13 | 07:32–13:39):

• Isaiah’s vision of the Lord seated on a throne, surrounded by seraphim, shaking the temple with the cry, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory."

• Isaiah is overwhelmed by his own uncleanness but is cleansed by a burning coal from the altar.

• Notable Call and Response:
  "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am. Send me.'" — Isaiah 6:8 (10:57)

• Isaiah is commissioned to deliver a message that will harden the hearts of the people, with a remnant (the “holy seed”) remaining.

D. Ahaz's Fear and the Promise of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:1–25 | 13:40–21:39):

• Judah faces threat from neighboring kings, and Ahaz is instructed not to fear.
• God offers a sign:
  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (17:20)
• Prophecy reveals coming devastation but assures God’s provision.

2. Psalm 83: A Cry for Help Against Hostile Nations

(21:40–25:13)

• The psalmist pleads with God to intervene as Israel’s enemies conspire to wipe them out.
• Historical references (Midian, Sisera, Oreb, Zeb) evoke God’s past deliverance.
• The ultimate prayer: May their defeat lead them to seek God’s name and recognize His sovereignty.
• Memorable Prayer:
  "Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever . . . that they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth." — Psalm 83:17–18 (24:53)

3. Acts 6: The Appointment of the Seven and Stephen’s Rise

(25:14–31:10)

A. Addressing Injustice in the Early Church (25:14–27:02):

• A dispute arises as Hellenist widows are neglected in daily food distribution.
• The Apostles direct the community to choose seven men "of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom" to oversee the task, freeing the Twelve for prayer and ministry of the word.

B. The Choice of the Seven (27:03–28:00):

• Notable among those chosen: Stephen, described as "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit."
• The apostles pray and lay hands on the seven.

C. Growth and Opposition (28:01–31:10):

• The church flourishes:
  "The word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem." (28:12)
• Stephen’s ministry leads to conflict—false accusations and arrest.
• Dramatic Moment:
  "And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel." — Acts 6:15 (31:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Isaiah’s Lament:
  "Woe is me, for I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips ... for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" — Isaiah 6:5 (09:40)

• Assurance from God in Crisis:
  "Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint." — Isaiah 7:4 (14:56)

• Christ Prophecy:
  "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel." — Isaiah 7:14 (17:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Isaiah 5 & Song of the Vineyard: 00:01–02:10
• Isaiah’s Vision of God: 07:32–10:50
• Isaiah’s Commission ("Here I am. Send me."): 10:55–12:23
• Prophecy of Immanuel: 17:18–18:10
• Psalm 83: 21:40–25:13
• Acts 6 (Choosing the Seven): 25:14–28:00
• Stephen before the Council: 28:01–31:10

Episode Tone

The language is reverent, urgent, and poetic—faithful to the ESV biblical text. The episode is contemplative and devotional, moving from warnings to hope, culminating with the early church’s challenges and faith.

This episode provides a clear sweep from Isaiah’s indictment and hope, through a psalmist’s desperate appeal for rescue, to the New Testament’s portrait of faithfulness in action and the cost of gospel proclamation.