Starting January 1st, listen to Scripture in the order the events occurred with the Chronological ESV Bible Plan. Read by Robert Smith, this podcast takes listeners on a one-year journey through Scripture’s historical accounts, prophetic books, and poetry.
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The episode begins with readings from 2 Kings 15, recounting the short, tumultuous, and often wicked reigns of several kings of Israel, marked by conspiracies, assassinations, and continued sin, eventually leading to Assyrian involvement. It then shifts to 2 Chronicles 27, presenting King Jotham of Judah as a righteous ruler who built extensively and gained military victories. Finally, the episode concludes with Micah 1, a powerful prophecy foretelling God's severe judgment upon Samaria and Jerusalem due to their profound transgressions.
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Amos6:1–9:15 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
The book of Amos delivers a stern message of judgment to Israel for their covenant breaking, violence, and oppression, despite God's repeated warnings through famine, drought, and pestilence. It condemns their hypocritical religious festivals, calling them to "seek the Lord and live" and establish true justice. The prophecy culminates in a declaration of exile, emphasizing God's demand for righteousness over empty rituals.
Today's reading details the reigns of King Azariah and King Uzziah, highlighting Uzziah's prosperity and subsequent fall due to pride and disobedience. It then transitions to Isaiah's awe-inspiring vision of God's holiness and his prophetic call. The episode concludes with Amos's powerful pronouncements of God's judgment against surrounding nations, Judah, and Israel for their transgressions and injustices.
The episode details the reigns of King Jehoahaz and Jehoash of Israel, focusing on their evil deeds, the oppression by Syria, and Elisha's final prophecy. It then delves into King Amaziah of Judah, recounting his initial righteous acts, his victory over Edom, and his ill-fated challenge to Israel, which led to Judah's defeat and his eventual assassination. The narrative is drawn from both 2 Kings 13-14 and 2 Chronicles 25.
The episode details the intertwined narratives from 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles regarding the reigns of Athaliah and King Joash. It begins with Athaliah's ruthless seizure of power and the miraculous hiding of young Joash, followed by Jehoida the priest's courageous plot to crown Joash and execute Athaliah. The narrative then explores Joash's righteous reign, marked by significant efforts to repair and rededicate the temple, largely influenced by Jehoida. However, after Jehoida's death, Joash succumbs to apostasy, leading to divine judgment, the martyrdom of Zechariah, and ultimately, Joash's own assassination by his servants.
This episode from 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles details the tumultuous rise of Jehu as king of Israel. Sent by a prophet, Jehu ruthlessly executes King Joram and King Ahaziah, fulfilling prophecies against the house of Ahab. He then orchestrates the gruesome deaths of Jezebel and Ahab's seventy sons before cunningly eradicating all Baal worship from Israel. While divinely blessed for his actions against Ahab, Jehu's reign is also marked by his failure to completely abandon Jeroboam's sins.
This episode covers Elisha's miraculous restoration of a woman's land and his prophecy concerning Hazael's rise to power and future actions. It then chronicles the evil reigns of King Jehoram and his son Ahaziah of Judah, detailing their ungodly alliances and actions, the revolts they faced, and the divine judgment that befell Jehoram as recorded in both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Delve into the miraculous acts of the prophet Elisha, from providing for a destitute widow and resurrecting a beloved son, to purifying poisoned food and miraculously feeding a hundred men. The episode also details Naaman the Syrian's healing from leprosy and his subsequent conversion, contrasting with Gehazi's greed and punishment. Finally, Elisha's divine intervention saves Israel from the Syrian army and ends a severe famine in Samaria.
This episode from 2 Kings details the dramatic events surrounding King Ahaziah's fatal defiance of God's prophet Elijah, leading to his prophesied death. It then chronicles Elijah's spectacular ascension into heaven and Elisha's powerful anointing as his successor, marked by initial miracles like healing water and a judgment on jeering boys. Finally, the narrative shifts to King Jehoram's reign, the Moabite rebellion, and Elisha's crucial prophetic guidance that leads the allied kings to a miraculous victory against Moab.
This episode presents a reading of three Psalms from the English Standard Version of the Bible. Psalm 92 celebrates God's greatness, His righteous acts, and the ultimate flourishing of the faithful compared to the fleeting success of the wicked. Psalm 93 extols the Lord's majestic and eternal reign over all creation. Finally, Psalm 94 is a fervent prayer appealing to God for vengeance against those who oppress the innocent, asserting His omniscience and unwavering commitment to justice for His people.
This episode chronicles King Jehoshaphat's reign, highlighting his initial faithfulness in strengthening Judah and establishing justice. It details his controversial alliance with King Ahab, leading to a perilous battle where Ahab dies despite Micaiah's prophetic warnings. Following this, Jehoshaphat institutes significant judicial reforms. The episode culminates in a miraculous divine intervention where God delivers Judah from a massive invasion after Jehoshaphat's prayer and a call to praise, before touching on a final, ill-fated alliance.
The episode begins with King Ahab's unjust acquisition of Naboth's vineyard through Jezebel's sinister plot, drawing the condemnation of the prophet Elijah. Despite a prophecy of doom, Ahab's repentance leads to a deferral of disaster to his son's reign. Later, Ahab seeks counsel for war, rejecting the truthful prophecy of Micaiah for favorable but false predictions. The narrative culminates in Ahab's death in battle, fulfilling Micaiah's warning, and concludes with the reigns of King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahaziah of Israel.
Following Elijah's challenge against Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel, where God demonstrates His power with fire, Elijah flees Jezebel's threats and experiences a profound encounter with God in a whispered voice at Horeb, receiving new prophetic instructions. The narrative then shifts to King Ahab's wars with Syria, where God grants Israel victories despite Ahab's wavering faith. The episode concludes with a prophet delivering God's severe judgment upon Ahab for his misplaced mercy toward the defeated Syrian King Ben-Hadad.
The reading from 1 Kings details the reigns of several early kings of Israel, including Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and Omri, all of whom walked in the sins of Jeroboam, provoking God's anger. It highlights the tumultuous period of assassinations and short reigns. The narrative then focuses on King Ahab, whose wickedness surpassed all his predecessors, as he established Baal worship. The prophet Elijah dramatically enters the scene, declaring a drought, and is miraculously sustained by God at Brook Cherith and by a widow in Zarephath, whose son he later resurrects.
The episode covers key events in the reigns of King Asa and King Abijah from First Kings and Second Chronicles. King Abijah's speech condemns Israel's idolatry and leads Judah to a miraculous victory against Jeroboam. King Asa's early reign is marked by significant religious reforms and a decisive victory over a massive Ethiopian army through divine intervention. However, Asa's later years show a decline in faith as he relies on a Syrian alliance and physicians, drawing rebuke from a prophet and ending his reign with judgment.
This episode covers readings from 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Psalm 91. It details the prophet's prophecy against Jeroboam's altar and the prophet's subsequent disobedience, leading to divine judgment. The narrative also explores Jeroboam's continued idolatry, the dire prophecy against his house, and King Rehoboam's evil reign in Judah, which led to an invasion by Shishak. The reading concludes with Psalm 91, a powerful declaration of God's protection and faithfulness.
This episode recounts the historical events surrounding the division of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death. Rehoboam's refusal to lighten the people's burdens, against the advice of elders, caused ten tribes to rebel and crown Jeroboam as their king. Jeroboam then instituted golden calf worship to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Rehoboam fortified Judah, attracting Levites and those seeking the Lord, strengthening his reign.
The episode details King Solomon's extraordinary prosperity, including his vast gold reserves, impressive architectural feats, and extensive military. It highlights the Queen of Sheba's awe at his wisdom and riches. However, the narrative shifts to Solomon's downfall due to his forbidden foreign marriages and idolatry, leading to God's pronouncement of judgment and the division of his kingdom. It also introduces the adversaries God raised against him and the prophecy of Jeroboam.
Exploring Ecclesiastes chapters 10-12, this episode delves into the stark differences between wisdom and folly, particularly in the context of leadership and personal conduct. It provides practical counsel on diligence, generosity, and embracing the joys of youth while acknowledging life's uncertainties. The passage culminates with a poignant reflection on the inevitability of old age and death, emphasizing the ultimate duty of humanity: to fear God, keep His commandments, and prepare for His judgment on all deeds.
The reading from Ecclesiastes 7-9 delves into contrasting life experiences, highlighting the value of a good name, wisdom, and patience over fleeting pleasures. It explores the elusive nature of true righteousness, the universality of sin, and the human inability to fully grasp God's ultimate plan. Despite life's injustices and the inevitability of death, the episode encourages enjoying life, diligently pursuing tasks, and recognizing the profound, often overlooked, power of wisdom.
This reading from Ecclesiastes delves into the pervasive vanity of human endeavors, highlighting the pain of oppression, the emptiness of solitary toil, and the fleeting nature of wealth. It advises wisdom in worship and speech before God, emphasizing the importance of keeping vows and fearing the divine. The text critically examines the sorrow of acquiring riches only to lose them or be unable to enjoy them, contrasting this with the simple joy of finding contentment in one's daily work and God-given portion.
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Ecclesiastes1:1–3:22 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
The episode presents excerpts from 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, focusing on God's second appearance to King Solomon after the temple's completion. It highlights the divine covenant, promising enduring kingship for Solomon's integrity but warning of judgment for apostasy. The narrative also details Solomon's extensive building programs, his dealings with King Hiram, the management of labor, and successful maritime ventures that brought immense wealth.
The reading opens with Psalm 88, a deep and sorrowful lament of one suffering intensely and feeling forgotten by God. It then transitions to Psalm 89, which begins with praise for God's unyielding steadfast love, faithfulness, and the eternal covenant made with David. However, Psalm 89 concludes with a renewed lament, questioning why God seems to have cast off His anointed, contrasting His promises with present perceived rejection.
Robert Smith reads from the Book of Psalms, beginning with Psalm 71, a fervent prayer for deliverance and a declaration of trust in God from youth to old age. The episode continues with Psalm 84, expressing a deep longing for God's dwelling place, followed by Psalm 85, a prayer for national restoration and the manifestation of God's steadfast love and peace. Finally, Psalm 87 celebrates Zion as the glorious city established by God.
The episode presents a devotional reading of four Psalms from the ESV Bible. Psalm 46 emphasizes God's presence as an unshakeable refuge and strength amidst global turmoil. Psalms 47 and 48 joyfully declare God's supreme kingship over all nations and His glorious dwelling in Zion. Finally, Psalm 49 warns against misplaced trust in wealth, reminding listeners of the inevitability of death and God's unique power to redeem souls.
This episode features a chronological reading of Psalms 42, 43, 44, and 45. It begins with the psalmist's personal anguish and thirst for God, intertwined with expressions of hope despite turmoil. The reading then shifts to a communal lament, recalling God's past faithfulness contrasted with present national suffering and a plea for divine intervention. Finally, it concludes with a beautiful royal wedding song celebrating the king and queen, often seen as prophetic.
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/1Kings7:1–51;2Chronicles3:15–5:1 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
This episode deeply explores the building and dedication of Solomon's Temple, drawing from both 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. It details the temple's magnificent design and materials, the sacred procession of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to its resting place, and the awe-inspiring moment when the glory of the Lord fills the house. Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication, pleading for God's presence, forgiveness, and care for Israel in various circumstances, and even for foreigners, is a central theme, followed by the joyful dedication sacrifices and the miraculous descent of fire from heaven.
