Podcast Summary

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

Episode: Day 54: The Tribe of Levi
Date: February 23, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Overview of the Episode’s Theme

This episode guides listeners through Numbers 3, Deuteronomy 3, and Psalm 87. Fr. Mike Schmitz focuses on the appointment and unique role of the Tribe of Levi among the Israelites, God’s allocation of land east of the Jordan, and Moses’ poignant personal story of longing and loss. The reflection explores how God sets apart people for service and the sometimes difficult consequences of leadership, while encouraging listeners to persevere and support one another in faith.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Tribe of Levi and Temple Service

Scripture: Numbers 3

• The Levites are set apart from the other tribes to serve at the tabernacle.
• Detailed duties are assigned by family groups within the tribe:
  • Gershonites: West side of the tabernacle, responsible for the screen, tent, and coverings.
  • Kohathites: South side, tasked with the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and sacred vessels.
  • Merarites: North side, in charge of the frames, pillars, bases, and related accessories.
• Important Distinction: Not all Levites are priests, but all priests (the sons of Aaron) must be Levites.
  • “All priests have to be Levites, but not all Levites are priests. That just is an important note because I think that sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that, oh, if you serve in the tabernacle, if you're a Levite, you're therefore a priest. That's not exactly the case.” (24:04)

2. Redemption of the Firstborn

Scripture: Numbers 3

• God takes the Levites in place of all firstborn sons of Israel, highlighting their role as a substitute and a people wholly belonging to Him.
• An exact census is taken, with any excess firstborns (beyond the number of Levites) redeemed with a special silver payment, signifying the sacred exchange and God’s ownership.

3. Land Grant East of Jordan and Continued Responsibility

Scripture: Deuteronomy 3

• The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh are allocated land in the Transjordan region before entering the Promised Land proper.
• These tribes are obligated to fight alongside the rest of Israel in conquering Canaan, even though their own inheritance has already been provided:
  • “Here's your home. Oh, great. This is our land. Yes, it is. But keep moving with us, because we are not done yet.” (27:50)
• Fr. Mike likens this to the spiritual life: sometimes we glimpse or even receive God’s promises, but we must keep moving forward in faith for the sake of others.

4. Moses’ Plea and Leadership Consequences

Scripture: Deuteronomy 3

• Moses recounts his request to enter the Promised Land and God’s firm “no,” after Moses’ earlier act of striking the rock in Numbers 21.
• This high standard for leaders is highlighted:
  • “It is true, isn't it, that the leaders among us and the teachers among us are held to a higher standard. And Moses is one of those... Not a standard of perfection, but a higher standard nonetheless.” (29:32)
• God’s love for Moses remains, even in discipline—a reminder of the weight of responsibility and God’s faithful love even when prayers are not answered as desired.

5. Psalm 87: The Joy of Zion

Scripture: Psalm 87

• The psalm celebrates God’s choice of Zion as His dwelling and the joy of belonging to the City of God.
• Concludes with a prayer of praise and trust in God’s faithfulness through difficulties.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Levites and Priests:
  “All priests have to be Levites, but not all Levites are priests.” (24:04)

• On Communal Responsibility:
  “This is your home, but you can't be here yet.” (27:38)

• On Moses’ Consequence and Leadership:
  “Not a standard of perfection, but a higher standard nonetheless.” (29:32) “Sometimes the answer to our prayer is no. And today, the answer to Moses' prayer was no. And yet, God is faithful. And God still loved Moses.” (30:14)

• Closing Encouragement:
  “I'm praying for you. As we continue this journey through the Bible. We are going step by step, just like the children of Israel, through the wilderness. And yeah, we need. We can only do this if we pray for each other.” (31:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:04 – Introduction and reading plan explanation.
• 00:54 – Numbers 3: Census and duties of the Levites.
• 09:02 – Redemption of the firstborn and allocation of Levite service.
• 11:22 – Deuteronomy 3: Defeat of Og and division of Transjordan land.
• 17:06 – Moses’ plea to enter the Promised Land and God’s response.
• 20:14 – Psalm 87: Praise for Zion and trust in God.
• 22:20 – Fr. Mike’s Reflection: The Levites’ calling and the structure of Israelite worship.
• 24:04 – The role distinction: Levites and priests clarified.
• 27:38 – The challenge of holding onto God’s promise while continuing the journey.
• 29:32 – Moses’ example: Leadership, consequences, and God’s love.
• 30:14 – The sometimes-difficult “no” from God in answered prayer.
• 31:08 – Closing encouragement and prayer.

Conclusion

Day 54 of The Bible in a Year masterfully explores what it means to be set apart for holy service, the often heavy mantle of leadership, and the spiritual call to keep moving forward with and for each other. Fr. Mike’s warm and heartfelt reflections offer listeners both theological clarity (“not all Levites are priests”) and deeply relatable encouragement for their own faith journey.