The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 291 – The Rise of King Alexander
Date: October 18, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Key Readings: 1 Maccabees 10, Sirach 26–27, Proverbs 23:5–8

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike leads listeners through 1 Maccabees 10, which centers on the shifting political landscape following the rise of Alexander Epiphanes and the shifting alliances within the Jewish people’s struggle for autonomy. Reflections delve into the theme of discernment—how to judge character based on actions, not just words—and the value and wisdom imparted in Sirach and Proverbs, especially regarding relationships, integrity, and speech. Fr. Mike offers both theological context and personal insights while drawing connections between the ancient text and listeners’ daily lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historical Drama and the Rise of King Alexander

• Fr. Mike emphasizes the dramatic, almost epic, storyline unfolding in 1 Maccabees 10:

  “The whole thing has been just drama, mama. It has been not just drama like soap opera drama, more like epic battle. One king succeeds the next king. Here's this marriage that tries to shore up the alliance.” (21:23)

• Alexander Epiphanes vs. Demetrius: Two contenders for the throne seek Jewish allegiance, using very different strategies:

  • Alexander’s Approach: Short, flattering, respectful:

    “We've heard you're amazing, you're incredible. And I declare you, Alexander, declare you a priest.” (22:08)

  • Demetrius’ Approach: A “deal of a lifetime”—lavish promises of canceled taxes, debts erased, freedom, and more (23:25).

• Judgment and Wisdom: Fr. Mike highlights the discernment required by Jonathan and the Jewish people, who ultimately side with Alexander, recognizing Demetrius’ history of betrayal:

  “Even though Alexander only says a few things that are complimentary…when you know that the person offering all the sweet deals is not reliable…It is not wise to trust that person. And Jonathan does not trust Demetrius.” (24:40)

2. Political Alliances and Their Consequences

• Marriage to Cleopatra:

  • Alexander strengthens his position with a diplomatic marriage to Cleopatra, daughter of King Ptolemy of Egypt, securing an alliance and regional stability.
  • Fr. Mike foreshadows further political intrigue with Cleopatra’s successive marriages after Alexander’s death (25:45).

• International Politics:

  • Alexander appears to have the upper hand: alliance with Egypt, peace with Rome, and Jewish support.

3. Battle and Honor

• Jonathan’s Triumph:
  • Despite being outnumbered, Jonathan’s forces defeat Apollonius (under Demetrius II), earning further honor and recognition from Alexander.
  • Alexander rewards Jonathan not with empty words, but substantial honors—including a golden buckle, symbolic of kinship (27:02).

4. Sirach’s Reflection on Relationships and Integrity

• Fr. Mike navigates Sirach’s (sometimes uncomfortable) commentary on wives and relationships, emphasizing the broader principle of seeking virtue in any partner, male or female (28:15).

  • “…The warning here is marrying someone who ought not to marry, someone who is immodest, someone who doesn't watch their mouth, someone who doesn't really treat people with kindness. Then it goes on to say…a wife who has charm is a gift, and…a disciplined is a gift...” (28:50)

• Universal Wisdom:

  • Extends the message to husbands as well, underscoring that disciplined, chaste, and modest behavior is a gift in any spouse (29:45).

• Reflection on Thought and Speech:

  • Sirach’s analogy:

    “When a sieve is shaken, the refuse remains, so a man's filth remains in his thoughts…The kiln tests the potter's vessels, so the test of just men is in tribulation.” (31:00)

  • Fr. Mike urges careful attention to “what kind of stuff we take in,” since unfiltered content can corrupt the mind. Tribulation and suffering reveal the true value of a person’s heart (31:35).

  • Wisdom in speech and justice:

    “Do not praise a man before you hear him speak, for this is the test of men.” (32:01)

5. Proverbs: Wealth, Generosity, and Integrity

• Warns against toiling for fleeting wealth:

  • “Do not toil to acquire wealth. Be wise enough to desist. When your eyes light upon it, it is gone, for suddenly it takes to itself, wings…” (Proverbs 23:4–5, 33:00ish)

• Cautions regarding the intentions of others’ generosity:
  • Appearances can mask ulterior motives—“his heart is not with you.” (33:30ish)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On discerning trustworthy leadership:

  “When you know that the person offering all the sweet deals is not reliable…It is not wise to trust that person.” (24:45 – Fr. Mike Schmitz)

• On the meaning of true honor and kinship:

  “Alexander…sends to Jonathan a golden buckle such as it is the custom to give to the kinsmen of kings…not just giving him lip service, but, you know, this real movement of honor.” (27:10 – Fr. Mike Schmitz)

• On Sirach’s wisdom for all relationships:

  “All these pieces, they're not just about wives, obviously. They're specifically in the context of Sirach writing to his son…But there's this other piece that is talking about men. Well, any human being, but also men.” (29:10 – Fr. Mike Schmitz)

• On the importance of filling our hearts and minds with goodness:

  “Fill my heart with abundance of goodness…so that when I speak, it's not evil words…everything that comes out of my mind or my mouth is good.” (32:55 – Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:04 – Opening and introduction to today’s readings
• 01:20–14:50 – Scripture readings: 1 Maccabees 10, Sirach 26–27, Proverbs 23:5–8
• 16:00 – Prayer and invocation for understanding
• 21:10 – Fr. Mike’s reflection: the epic drama of the Maccabees and rival kings
• 22:20 – Alexander and Demetrius’ competing letters to Jonathan
• 24:40 – Discernment and the dangers of placing trust in the untrustworthy
• 25:45 – Alexander’s marriage to Cleopatra and regional alliances
• 27:02 – Jonathan’s victory, honor, and elevation by Alexander
• 28:15 – Sirach and the qualities of worthy marriages
• 31:00 – On thoughts, speech, and the test of suffering
• 33:00 – Proverbs warnings about wealth and insincere generosity
• 34:00 – Closing remarks, prayer for fruitful hearts and speech

Episode Takeaways

• Discernment is key: Evaluate promises and people by their integrity, not their offers or flattery.
• Honor and virtue in relationships: Seek and be grateful for virtue in others—and strive for it oneself.
• Our inner life matters: The content we consume shapes our thoughts and ultimately, what we say and do.
• Suffering reveals character: Tribulation is where the true substance of one’s character is tested and shown.

Final Thoughts:
Fr. Mike urges listeners to fill their hearts and minds with goodness so that goodness, wisdom, and truth flow out in their relationships and speech—encouraging ongoing prayer and grappling with Scripture as a means of personal transformation.

“Keep praying for each other. I’m praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (35:00 – Fr. Mike Schmitz)