Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: September 30 (Isaiah 8–9; Psalm 84; Acts 7)
Date: September 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" guides listeners through selected passages in Isaiah, Psalms, and Acts. The central theme is God's judgment, faithfulness, and the emergence of hope and salvation, as seen through prophecy, worship, and the early Christian witness. The readings unfold dramatic moments from Israel's history, the joy of God's presence, and the powerful testimony and martyrdom of Stephen.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Isaiah 8–9: Judgment, Signs, and Prophecy of a Coming Light

[00:01 – 05:52]

• Prophetic Symbolism:
  • Isaiah is asked by God to write on a large tablet and his son’s name—Maher-shalal-hash-baz—becomes a sign forecasting the imminent Assyrian conquest (00:05).
• Divine Judgment on Rejected Ways:
  • The Lord warns Israel against false security and misplaced alliances, likening the coming Assyrian army to overflowing waters flooding Judah (00:38).
  • "Speak a word, but it will not stand. For God is with us." (00:54)
• True Fear and Honor:
  • God instructs Isaiah not to fear conspiracies or threats as the people do, but rather to fear and honor the Lord alone (01:38).
  • "Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense..." (01:40)
• Warning against Seeking the Occult:
  • The people’s tendency to consult mediums and necromancers is rebuked—encouraging a return to God's testimony and teaching (02:15).
• Prophecy of Hope:
  • The darkness of judgment is contrasted with a prophecy: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” (03:15–04:05)
  • Names for the coming child: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (03:48).
• Divine Sovereignty:
  • Despite cycles of rebellion and discipline, the Lord’s "hand is stretched out still," indicating both judgment and the possibility of mercy (04:31, 05:14).

Psalm 84: The Longing for God’s Presence

[05:52 – 07:19]

• Joy in God’s Sanctuary:
  • The psalmist expresses intense longing for the Lord’s dwelling place: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts. My soul longs, yes, faints, for the courts of the Lord" (06:01).
• Blessing of God’s Favor:
  • The soul’s satisfaction is found not in worldly comforts, but in nearness to God: “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God…” (06:53).
• Trust and Uprightness:
  • The assurance that “No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (07:05).

Acts 7: Stephen’s Testimony and Martyrdom

[07:19 – 14:00]

• Stephen's Defense:
  • Stephen recounts Israel’s salvation history—Abraham’s call and faith, the patriarchs’ troubles, God’s faithfulness through Joseph and Moses (07:28–09:45).
  • He reminds them of Moses’ role both as a redeemer and a forerunner of a coming prophet.
• Israel’s Recurrent Rebellion:
  • Stephen highlights Israel’s ongoing pattern of resistance to God, including the golden calf incident and idol worship (10:11–12:00).
• God’s Transcendence:
  • He underlines that God does not dwell in man-made temples: “Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool… Did not my hand make all these things?” (12:58).
• Prophetic Indictment:
  • Stephen calls his audience “stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears,” accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit as their ancestors did and betraying and murdering the “Righteous One” (13:16).
• Martyrdom of Stephen:
  • In a vision, Stephen sees “the Son of man standing at the right hand of God” (13:37).
  • While being stoned, Stephen prays, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and fittingly, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (13:54–14:00).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Isaiah’s Prophecy:
  • “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And the government shall be upon his shoulder…” (03:35)
    – Prophecy later echoed in Christian tradition regarding Jesus.
• Psalmist’s Lament and Joy:
  • “A day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” (06:53)
    – A poetic affirmation of the supreme satisfaction found in God's presence.
• Stephen’s Vision:
  • “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” (13:37)
    – A declaration that catalyzes the final act of martyrdom.
• Words of Forgiveness:
  • “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (13:54)
    – A Christ-like prayer, echoing Jesus’ forgiveness on the cross.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Isaiah 8–9 Reading & Prophecy: 00:01–05:52
• Psalm 84 Reading: 05:52–07:19
• Acts 7, Stephen’s Speech and Martyrdom: 07:19–14:00

Conclusion

The episode explores the weight of divine judgment and hope in Isaiah, the soul’s yearning for God in Psalm 84, and the boldness of faith and forgiveness in Stephen’s testimony. These readings together present a tapestry of God’s justice, mercy, and the promise of redemption—a narrative deeply resonant with the entire biblical arc.