The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 52 – Israel Continues to Journey (2026)
Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Episode Overview

In Day 52, Fr. Mike guides listeners into a transitional moment in Israel’s salvation history: the beginning of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, leaving behind the events of Exodus and embarking on the "desert wanderings" period. The episode introduces the Book of Numbers (focused initially on Israel’s census) and Deuteronomy (Moses’ recounting and teaching of the “second law”), grounding these readings in the context and timeline of Israel’s journey. The episode also includes Psalm 84, reflecting on the joy of being in God's presence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Transition: Exodus to Desert Wanderings

• Context Setting (00:18 – 03:50)
  • The Israelites have just left Egypt and are now entering the wilderness period.
  • "Today is going to be a little bit—well, I've got some good news for you and some bad news for you..." (01:40)
  • Good news: Entering Numbers and Deuteronomy, which mark a fresh period and are significant for understanding Israel's journey.
  • Bad news: The first chapters may seem tedious as Numbers starts with a literal numbering (census) of Israel.

2. Purpose & Structure of the Books

• Numbers (03:51 – 06:55)

  • The English title "Numbers" is due to the opening census, whereas the Hebrew name means "Into the Wilderness"—a more epic framing.
  • The numbering isn’t mere bureaucracy: "God knows his people and he numbers his people." (04:38)
  • Numbers covers three wildernesses:
    • Chapters 1–10: Sinai
    • Chapters 13–19: Paran
    • Chapters 22–36: Moab
  • The Levites are set apart, not counted among the fighting men, and their special role is introduced.

• Deuteronomy (06:56 – 08:57)

  • Deuteronomy means “second law” (Deutero = second, Nomos = law).
  • It’s essentially Moses’ long sermon at the end of Israel’s wanderings; he recounts and interprets Israel’s story before they enter the Promised Land.
  • Deuteronomy especially addresses the next generation, the children of those who left Egypt, underscoring the importance of both memory and renewal in covenant life.

3. Today’s Readings: Content Highlights

• Numbers 1 (08:58 – 19:30)

  • The census: Each tribe (except Levi) is counted—men aged 20+ able to go to war.
  • The total is 603,550 men (plus the uncounted Levites and families), suggesting 1.2–2 million people.
  • Levites are excluded to serve duties for the tabernacle—God’s presence at the center of camp.

• Deuteronomy 1 (20:20 – 34:30)

  • Moses recounts the journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai), the appointment of leaders, the scouting of the Promised Land, and Israel’s fear and refusal to go up—the consequence being their 40 years’ wandering.
  • Quote: "You are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. May the Lord...make you a thousand times as many as you are, and bless you as he has promised you." (Deuteronomy 1:10–11; 22:40)
  • Only Caleb and Joshua permitted to enter the land as a result of Israel’s rebellion; even Moses excluded due to the people’s conduct.

• Psalm 84 (34:31 – 36:00)

  • A poetic hymn longing for God’s presence: "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalm 84:10; 35:12)
  • The psalmist expresses the joy and blessing found in trusting and worshipping the Lord.

4. Reflection and Applications

• Numbers’ Relevance (36:01 – 40:00)

  • "At the heart of everything is the very presence of God, that tabernacle, his presence." (36:45)
  • The structure of Israel’s camp (with the tabernacle in the center, Levites around it, and tribes outward) prefigures the way ancient monasteries and Christian cities grew—centering life around God’s presence.

• The Mercy of the Law (40:01 – 41:55)

  • The law is given as an act of mercy: "God gives us the law as a mercy, knowing our hearts are fickle...so when we fail, we can see it and turn back to him." (41:07)
  • Deuteronomy will teach that failure is expected—but so is the possibility of repentance.

5. Closing Prayer & Encouragement

• Fr. Mike prays, connecting the episode’s biblical themes to gratitude for Scripture, for God’s mysterious and constant presence, and for faithfulness even in the midst of human unfaithfulness (36:05 – 38:55).
  • "Your faithfulness to them in the midst of their unfaithfulness gives us the certainty that you will remain faithful even when we are unfaithful." (prayer; 37:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Bible translation that is best to use is the one that you will use.” (01:20)
• "God knows his people and he numbers his people." (04:38)
• "You are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. May the Lord…bless you as he has promised you." (Deuteronomy 1:10–11; 22:40)
• "At the heart of everything is the very presence of God, that tabernacle, his presence." (36:45)
• "God gives us the law as a mercy, knowing that our hearts are fickle, ... so when we fail, we can see it and turn back to Him." (41:07)
• Prayer: "Your faithfulness to them…gives us the certainty that you will remain faithful even when we are unfaithful." (37:58)
• "That first chapter of Numbers is to be a doozy. And it was. Quite the doozy, as they say." (39:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18 – Setting the scene, intro to today's readings and importance of translation
• 03:51 – Overview of Numbers and Deuteronomy; timeline context
• 08:58 – Reading of Numbers 1: the census
• 20:20 – Reading of Deuteronomy 1: Moses’ historical retrospect
• 34:31 – Psalm 84: longing for God's house
• 36:01 – Reflection: The centrality of God's presence, camp structure analogy
• 40:01 – Reflection: The law as mercy and Deuteronomy's purpose
• 41:20 – Final encouragement and reminders

Episode Takeaways

• Numbers begins with a census signifying God's intimate knowledge and order over his people; the camp's structure (God’s presence at the center) offers a spiritual lesson.
• Deuteronomy provides a reflective retelling of Israel’s journey—summoning listeners to remember God’s faithfulness and the necessity of repentance.
• Scripture’s structure and content, even when seemingly dry (like lists of numbers), reveal deeper spiritual truths and patterns.
• Faithfulness and repentance are continual themes: humanity is prone to wander, but God’s mercy and faithfulness are steadfast.

Fr. Mike’s Closing Words:
"I am praying for you. Keep praying for me...It is day 52. Done. Check it off the list and let the Lord continue to speak to you. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." (41:55)