Episode Overview

Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 287: Eleazar's Sacrifice
Date: October 14, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Scripture Readings: 1 Maccabees 6; Sirach 16-18; Proverbs 22:17-21

In this episode, Fr. Mike guides listeners through a climactic chapter of 1 Maccabees, reflecting on Eleazar’s heroic sacrifice, the ongoing struggles of the Jewish people against their persecutors, and the enduring lessons of wisdom literature in Sirach and Proverbs. He highlights both the historical and spiritual significance of these passages, urging listeners to see their relevance for personal faith and perseverance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Waning of Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Maccabees 6)

• King Antiochus’s Downfall: Antiochus attempts to plunder Elymas for riches but is defeated; he soon learns of setbacks in Judea and succumbs to grief and illness.

• Spiritual Realization in Suffering: Antiochus reflects on his past evils against Jerusalem and Judah, recognizing their current woes as consequences of his actions.

  “Now I remember the evils I did in Jerusalem. I seized all her vessels of silver and gold, and I sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judah without good reason. I know that it is because of this that these evils have come upon me. And behold, I am perishing of deep grief in a strange land.” (Antiochus, ~06:30)

• Power Struggles and New Leadership: Antiochus makes Philip guardian to his heir, Eupator; further turmoil as leadership changes hands.

2. Eleazar’s Heroic Sacrifice (Battle at Bet Zechariah)

• The Threat of War Elephants: The new king’s forces include large mercenary armies and war elephants—portrayed in cinematic detail.

• Eleazar’s Act of Valor: Eleazar (Avaron) gives his life, attacking a royal elephant in the thick of battle, believing the king is atop it, and is crushed in the process.

  “He gave his life to save his people and to win for himself an everlasting name…He got under the elephant, stabbed it from beneath and killed it. But it fell to the ground upon him, and there he died.” (Scripture, summarized by Fr. Mike, 19:55)

  “You guys, this is like not Lord of the Rings. This is actually history. They’re fighting against elephants! … I mean, you guys, you can picture this in your mind’s eye, I imagine, when you hear these words.” (Fr. Mike, 20:00)

3. The Growing Complexity of Jewish-Greek Relations

• Terms of Peace and Betrayal: After military stalemate due to famine and the sabbatical year, the Greeks offer peace but break their oath, tearing down Jerusalem’s defenses before retreating.

  “They offered terms…that was great. It’s going to be fine. But when the Greeks entered into Jerusalem…and they saw how strong Judas Maccabeus…had built it up, what did they do? They…tore down the wall all around it…And you think, that’s a little dirty, dirty trick, dirty pool…” (Fr. Mike, 21:00)

• Wider Historical Context: Fr. Mike connects present events to the prophetic vision in Daniel, predicting the succession of empires—Babylonian (gold), Persian (silver), Greek (bronze), and Roman (iron)—now coming to pass.

  “Think about this…in terms of the prophecy Daniel described to the king…You’re the head of gold…then Persians…then the Greeks, bronze…then the Romans, the iron kingdom. And so we can see this being played out here in Maccabees.” (Fr. Mike, 22:00)

4. Themes & Wisdom from Sirach 16–18

• The Value of Righteousness Over Quantity: Sirach warns that ungodly children, despite numerous, are a cause for sorrow—not pride—for believing parents.

  “Do not desire a multitude of useless children, nor rejoice in ungodly sons if they multiply…For one is better than a thousand, and to die childless is better than to have ungodly children.” (Sirach 16, quoted/paraphrased by Fr. Mike, 23:00)

• Pastoral Empathy: Fr. Mike acknowledges the pain many listeners feel for loved ones who don’t walk in faith, affirming that spiritual legacy matters most.

  “You can hear the parent saying, the one thing I want more from you than anything is…I want you to be holy. I want you to belong to the Lord. To be ungodly is worse than if you never existed.” (Fr. Mike, 23:45)

• God’s Awareness and the Call to Repentance: The text repeatedly affirms that nothing is hidden from God; each person will be judged for their deeds, but God’s mercy is available to those who repent.

  “He will make room for every act of mercy; everyone will receive in accordance with his deeds…Do not say, ‘I shall be hidden from the Lord…’” (Sirach 16–17 summarized by Fr. Mike, 25:00)

• Encouragement for the Weary: Even those losing hope are invited to return to God, who always welcomes repentant hearts.

  “Yet to those who repent, he grants a return, and he encourages those whose endurance is failing…” (Fr. Mike, 25:20)

• Wisdom for Daily Living: Sirach 18 offers practical advice—give graciously, learn before speaking, care for health, examine yourself before judgment, and restrain appetites.

  “When you give a gift, let it be consistent—let that word and that gift both be a gift…Listen before you speak. Learn.” (Fr. Mike, 26:30)

5. Proverbs: Wisdom for Trust (22:17-21)

• Emphasizes true wisdom as a foundation for trust in the Lord and right speech.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Fr. Mike Painting the Scene:

  “This is like not Lord of the Rings. This is actually history. They’re fighting against elephants!” (20:00)

• Empathy for Listeners with Loved Ones Far from Faith:

  “I know that so many of us in this community have family members…who don’t walk in the Lord…You realize the pain…We keep praying for those family members, keep praying for ourselves and for each other.” (24:15)

• Encouragement to Keep Going:

  “Here we are. It is day 287, and I gotta say, it’s been a gift. It’s been a grind in so many ways, right?...I just want to let you know that I’m praying for you. Please pray for me that we continue to say yes to the Lord.” (27:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:04 Introduction and reading plan summary
• 01:10–14:00 1 Maccabees 6: The death of Antiochus, Eleazar’s sacrifice, siege of Jerusalem, and peace terms
• 14:01–17:45 Sirach 16–18: The importance of righteousness, God’s mercy and judgment, wisdom advice
• 17:46–18:00 Proverbs 22:17-21: Wisdom for living
• 18:01–21:10 Fr. Mike’s commentary: Historical context, Daniel’s prophecy, parallels to Jesus’ time
• 21:11–26:50 Reflection: Power of faithful living, parental longing for godly legacy, recognition of God’s mercy
• 26:51–27:30 Final encouragement and prayer for perseverance

Episode Takeaways

• Courageous Sacrifice: Eleazar’s story serves as a reminder of the cost—and value—of self-sacrifice for one’s people and for God.
• Faithfulness Above All: Legacy and success are measured not in numbers or worldly achievements, but in righteousness and relationship with God.
• God Sees and Forgives: No action is hidden from God, and his mercy is always available to those who repent.
• Live Wisely and Pray: Wisdom literature gives practical guidance for daily living and honors the necessity of humility, discipline, and timely generosity.

Host’s Final Blessing:
“I’m praying for you. Please pray for me that we continue to say yes to the Lord. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (27:15)