Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 190: Judah Is Overrun Release Date: July 9, 2025
Introduction
In Day 190 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a pivotal moment in biblical history where Judah faces overwhelming challenges. This episode weaves together readings from 2 Kings 24, 2 Chronicles 35, and Proverbs 8:22-36, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Judah's decline, King Josiah's fervent reforms, and the enduring wisdom of Scripture.
Scripture Readings
2 Kings 24: Judah Overrun
Fr. Mike begins by reading 2 Kings 24, which narrates the dire situation in Judah under King Jehoiakim's reign. The passage highlights:
- Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion: Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, besieges Jerusalem, leading to Jehoiakim’s submission and subsequent rebellion. (2 Kings 24:1-6)
- Jehoiachin's Captivity: Jehoiachin reigns briefly before being captured and exiled to Babylon, symbolizing the beginning of Judah's downfall. (2 Kings 24:7-17)
- Zedekiah's Ascension: Mattaniah is installed as Zedekiah, who continues the legacy of his predecessors by turning away from God, setting the stage for further calamities. (2 Kings 24:18-20)
2 Chronicles 35: Celebration of the Passover
Next, Fr. Mike reads 2 Chronicles 35, focusing on King Josiah's revitalization of worship in Jerusalem:
- Passover Observance: Josiah reinstates the Passover with grandeur, demonstrating his commitment to God's commandments. (2 Chronicles 35:1-19)
- Josiah's Battle and Death: Despite his reforms, Josiah meets his end in battle against Pharaoh Necho, marking a tragic turn for Judah. (2 Chronicles 35:20-27)
Proverbs 8:22-36: The Wisdom of God
The final reading is from Proverbs 8:22-36, where Wisdom personifies divine guidance:
- Creation and Presence: Wisdom declares her existence before creation, emphasizing her integral role in God's work. (Proverbs 8:22-30)
- Call to Listen: A call for humanity to embrace wisdom, highlighting its connection to life and favor from the Lord. (Proverbs 8:31-36)
Reflection
Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a profound reflection on the readings, tying together the historical narrative with spiritual insights:
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Wisdom and Leadership: He underscores how true wisdom, as depicted in Proverbs, is essential for righteous leadership and societal well-being. Referring to Josiah, Fr. Mike notes, “Josiah was able to value the Lord properly... he reestablished this worship” (15:30).
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Consequences of Unfaithfulness: The episode emphasizes the repercussions of turning away from God. Fr. Mike points out, “Nebuchadnezzar... brought Jerusalem into the hand of the Babylonians” as a divine response to persistent unfaithfulness (12:45).
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The Role of Prophets: Looking ahead, Fr. Mike mentions the transition to prophetic books, indicating that prophets like Isaiah will soon address the nation's moral and spiritual failings (18:20).
Key Themes
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Divine Justice and Mercy: The narratives illustrate God's justice in response to Judah's sins, yet they also set the stage for eventual redemption.
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Importance of True Worship: Josiah's actions serve as a reminder of the significance of sincere and heartfelt worship.
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Enduring Wisdom: Proverbs 8 reinforces that wisdom is a divine attribute, essential for personal and communal harmony.
Notable Quotes
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Fr. Mike on Wisdom: “Proverbs is all about wisdom. How essentially connected to God is wisdom... Those who are wise, wisdom” (25:15).
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On Josiah’s Reforms: “None of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as was kept by Josiah” (19:50).
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Transition to Prophets: “We are launching into the prophets... when Isaiah was preaching” (28:40).
Prayer
The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, where Fr. Mike and the listeners seek God's wisdom and guidance:
“Father in heaven, we thank you and give you praise. Thank you for your wisdom... Help us to hear instruction and be wise... We pray this all in Jesus' name. Amen.” (30:00).
Conclusion
In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines historical events with spiritual lessons, urging listeners to reflect on the importance of wisdom and faithful leadership. As Judah grapples with external threats and internal decline, the enduring message of Proverbs serves as a beacon, guiding believers towards a life grounded in divine wisdom and righteous living. Looking forward, the podcast promises an engaging exploration of the prophets, offering further insights into God's unfolding plan of salvation.
For those interested in following along or starting their own journey through the Bible, Fr. Mike encourages downloading the Bible in a Year reading plan from ascensionpress.com/bibleini and subscribing to the podcast for daily inspiration and reflection.