Podcast Summary: Day 168 – Wicked Kinds (2025)

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 21-22; Song of Solomon 7
Bible Translation: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition

Introduction

Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to Day 168 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, focusing on themes of wickedness and leadership as depicted in the Scriptures. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike guides listeners through the intertwined narratives of 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Song of Solomon, highlighting the unfolding story of salvation and its relevance today.

Scriptural Narratives

1 Kings 21: The Story of Ahab and Naboth's Vineyard

• Ahab's Desire and Naboth's Integrity (00:XX):

  • Narration: Naboth owns a vineyard in Jezreel, adjacent to King Ahab's palace.
  • Ahab's Request: Ahab asks Naboth to sell his vineyard for a vegetable garden, offering either an exchange for another vineyard or its monetary value.
  • Naboth's Refusal: Naboth declines, stating, "The Lord forbids me to give you the inheritance of my fathers" (1 Kings 21:3 MM:SS).

• Jezebel’s Machinations (05:30):

  • Intervention: Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, orchestrates Naboth's demise by writing letters in Ahab's name, manipulating elders and nobles to accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king.
  • Outcome: Naboth is falsely accused and stoned to death, allowing Ahab to seize the vineyard (1 Kings 21:16 05:45).

• Elijah’s Prophecy (08:20):

  • Divine Judgment: The prophet Elijah confronts Ahab, declaring severe consequences for his and Jezebel's actions, including the downfall of Ahab’s lineage and death for Jezebel (1 Kings 21:29-29 08:50).
  • Ahab’s Repentance: Ahab shows a moment of humility by tearing his clothes and fasting, leading God to postpone his downfall until his son's reign (1 Kings 21:29-31 12:15).

2 Chronicles 21-22: Jehoram and Ahaziah’s Reigns

• Jehoram’s Tyranny (13:10):

  • Ascension to Power: Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, becomes king at 32 and reigns for eight years, aligning himself with Ahab through marriage.
  • Abuse of Power: He murders his brothers and some Israelite princes, leading Judah into idolatry and unfaithfulness (2 Chronicles 21:4-8 15:00).

• Divine Punishment and Downfall (21:18-22:8):

  • Plague and Invasion: As punishment, God sends a devastating plague and invaders, resulting in Jehoram’s agonizing death from a bowel disease (2 Chronicles 21:16 18:45).
  • Ahaziah’s Short Reign: Jehoram is succeeded by his son Ahaziah, who continues his father’s wicked ways before dying in battle (2 Chronicles 22:1-9 20:30).

• Athaliah’s Usurpation (2 Chronicles 22:10-12):

  • Royal Coup: Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, seizes the throne by killing the royal family.
  • Joash’s Preservation: Jehoshebaoth hides Joash, Ahaziah’s son, ensuring the Davidic line survives (2 Chronicles 22:11-12 22:15).

Song of Solomon 7: Poetic Expressions of Love

• Bride and Groom’s Dialogue (25:00):
  • Imagery and Metaphors: The chapter features a rich exchange between the bride and groom, celebrating physical beauty and love through vivid metaphors.
  • Spiritual Reflection: Fr. Mike connects the poetic beauty of the Song of Solomon to themes of divine love and human relationships (Song of Solomon 7 25:40).

Fr. Mike’s Insights and Reflections

Interconnected Narratives (03:00)

Fr. Mike emphasizes the seamless connection between 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, highlighting Elijah’s role as a prophet addressing both northern (Ahab) and southern (Jehoram) kingdoms' sins.

Ahab and Jezebel: Archetypes of Evil (07:15)

• Ahab’s Character: Portrayed as the epitome of a corrupt king, whose desire for Naboth’s vineyard leads to murder and divine retribution.
• Jezebel’s Influence: Her legacy of evil is underscored by her orchestration of Naboth’s death, cementing her name as synonymous with wickedness.

The Role of Complicit Leaders (12:30)

• Elders and Nobles’ Complicity: Fr. Mike reflects on how the unnamed elders and nobles in Jezreel’s city facilitated the injustice, embodying the adage, “For evil to triumph, all it takes is good men who do nothing.”

Jehoram and Ahaziah: Continuing the Legacy of Unfaithfulness (18:00)

• Jehoram’s Tyranny: Following in Ahab’s footsteps, Jehoram’s oppressive reign and idolatry lead to widespread suffering and divine punishment.
• Ahaziah’s Short-lived Reign: His alignment with Ahab’s legacy results in his premature death, underscoring the inescapable consequences of unfaithfulness.

Athaliah’s Power Grab and the Preservation of the Davidic Line (22:45)

• Athaliah’s Usurpation: Her ruthless takeover signifies the extreme lengths to which evil can persist, yet the preservation of Joash highlights God’s commitment to His promises through the Davidic lineage.

Spiritual Lessons (30:00)

• Faithfulness vs. Unfaithfulness: The narratives contrast leaders who walk in God’s ways versus those who succumb to corruption, illustrating the profound impact of leadership on a nation’s spiritual and physical well-being.
• Responsibility of Leadership: Emphasizes the moral duty of leaders to uphold justice and righteousness, serving as a cautionary tale against the abuse of power.

Notable Quotes

• On Ahab’s Repentance:
  “Now, before the end of 1 Kings, Ahab is going to be dead at the same time.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (08:50)

• On Complicity in Evil:
  “What about the names of those elders and those nobles that we don't even know their names. But they at least cooperated, and they didn't do anything to stop the wrongful murder of this man Naboth.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (15:10)

• On Leadership and Faithfulness:
  “You are walking in faithfulness, because God is on your side. God fights for them.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (25:40)

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reflecting on the intricate connections between the biblical narratives and their timeless lessons. He urges listeners to internalize the importance of faithfulness and justice, both personally and in leadership roles. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s help in choosing and loving Him despite human weaknesses.

Key Takeaways

• Moral Corruption: The stories of Ahab, Jezebel, Jehoram, and Ahaziah illustrate the destructive nature of moral corruption and abuse of power.
• Divine Justice: Despite human wickedness, God’s justice ultimately prevails, as seen through Elijah’s prophecies and the downfall of corrupt leaders.
• Responsibility of Leadership: Leaders bear significant responsibility in guiding their people towards righteousness or leading them into sin.
• Preservation of Promise: The protection of Joash amidst Athaliah’s purge underscores God’s unwavering commitment to His promises and the continuation of His divine plan.

Further Reflections

Listeners are encouraged to ponder the parallels between these biblical accounts and contemporary societal and leadership challenges. Fr. Mike emphasizes the enduring relevance of these scriptures in understanding the dynamics of power, responsibility, and divine providence.

Join Us Tomorrow:
Stay tuned for Day 169, where we continue exploring the Bible’s rich narratives and their applications to modern life. Fr. Mike invites you to continue this transformative journey through Scripture, fostering a deeper understanding and relationship with God.

Prayer Requests:
Fr. Mike expresses gratitude for the community’s support and requests prayers for both himself and the listeners, highlighting the collective strength found in shared faith and mutual support.

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Listeners are reminded to subscribe to "The Bible in a Year" podcast on their preferred platforms and to share the journey with others seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.