Saul Reads the Bible

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Esther 9:1-10:3
Poetry/Prophecy: Malachi 3:1-4:6
New Testament: Luke 24:33-24:53

We made it! Today we complete the reading of the Bible in one year. Thank you so much for your listenership!

In Esther, Mordecai and the Jews throughout the land receive relief from their enemies. On the very day they themselves were to be executed, the Jews [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Esther 8:1-8:17
Poetry/Prophecy: Malachi 2:1-2:17
New Testament: Luke 24:13-24:32

In Esther, all of Haman’s property is transferred to Esther, who gives it to Mordecai, including the king’s signet ring. With the king’s permission, Mordecai drafts an edict countermanding the earlier edict that had endangered the Jews.

In Malachi, God takes His people to task, starting with the Levites, [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Esther 5:1-7:10
Poetry/Prophecy: Malachi 1:1-1:14
New Testament: Luke 24:1-24:12

In Esther, King Ahasuerus grants Esther her audience. Meanwhile, he decides to reward Mordecai for foiling an earlier assassination plot – and uses Haman to confer the honors. When Esther makes the request that the king spare the Jewish people, the king becomes enraged at Haman and [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Esther 4:1-4:17
Poetry/Prophecy: Zechariah 13:1-14:21
New Testament: Luke 23:13-23:56

In Esther, Mordecai asks Esther to go before King Ahasuerus and ask the king to reconsider his edict calling for genocide against the Jews. She agrees, asking only that the Jews in the citadel fast on her behalf before she goes in, since if he refuses her in [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Esther 2:1-3:15
Poetry/Prophecy: Zechariah 12:1-12:14
New Testament: Luke 22:63-23:12

In the book of Esther, we see that Esther wins the affections of King Ahasuerus, though she does not reveal her Jewish heritage. Meanwhile, Haman and Esther’s guardian Mordecai get into a conflict after Mordecai refuses to bow down before Haman. In response, Haman persuades King Ahasuerus [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Esther 1:1-1:22
Poetry/Prophecy: Zechariah 10:1-11:17
New Testament: Luke 22:24-22:62

We begin the book of Esther and meet King Ahasuerus, who holds a half-year feast in his own honor and becomes upset when his wife, Queen Vashti, fails to appear at his summons. His advisers convince him to release an edict condemning her actions and replace her with [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Nehemiah 13:1-13:31
Poetry/Prophecy: Zechariah 9:1-9:17
New Testament: Luke 21:37-22:23

We complete the book of Nehemiah. After a short absence, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and finds that temple storeroom space has been misappropriated, the Sabbath being ignored, and the people intermarrying with foreigners. Nehemiah takes measures to stop this disobedience-at least on the surface.

In Zechariah, wealthy and [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Nehemiah 12:1-12:47
Poetry/Prophecy: Zechariah 8:1-8:23
New Testament: Luke 21:1-21:36

In Nehemiah, we read more genealogical records of those in Jerusalem at the time of the dedication of the rebuilt wall. We read about the pageantry and joy in evidence at this dedication.

In Zechariah, deliverance for Jerusalem, a new overture of peace with God, and the renewed esteem [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Nehemiah 11:1-11:36
Poetry/Prophecy: Zechariah 6:1-7:14
New Testament: Luke 20:27-20:47

In Nehemiah, we read a genealogy of those who are selected or who volunteer to live in Jerusalem, taking the risks and persevering in the hard work of rebuilding. They are described in several places as “exceptional men.”

In Zechariah, the vision comes to an end with images of [...]

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament: Nehemiah 9:32-10:39
Poetry/Prophecy: Zechariah 4:1-5:11
New Testament: Luke 20:1-20:26

In Nehemiah, the people sign a written covenant to observe the laws of God, keep themselves pure, and support the work of the temple.

In Zechariah, the vision expands to include imagery suggesting that Zerubbabel will complete his work of rebuilding God’s temple. Zechariah then sees a huge flying [...]