The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 67: God's Justice and Refuge (2025)
Release Date: March 8, 2025

Introduction

In Day 67 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into significant passages from the Old Testament, focusing on themes of justice, refuge, and the responsibilities of priests and Levites. This episode interweaves readings from Numbers 18, Deuteronomy chapters 19 and 20, and Psalm 99, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of God's directives and their implications for the Israelites.

Scriptural Readings

Numbers 18: Duties of Priests and Levites

Fr. Mike begins with Numbers 18, outlining the specific roles and responsibilities assigned to Aaron, his sons, and the tribe of Levi. The passage emphasizes the Levites' unique position within the Israelite community, highlighting their dedication to serving in the sanctuary and the temple.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [02:15]: "You are to serve the Lord as priests, and you and your sons shall have no inheritance among the Israelites; I am your inheritance."

Key points include:

• Priestly Duties: Aaron and his descendants are tasked with performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the altar.
• Levites' Role: The tribe of Levi supports the priests by attending to the tent of meeting, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals approach the sacred vessels.
• Provision for the Levites: Unlike other tribes, Levites do not receive land inheritance. Instead, they are sustained by the tithes and offerings from the Israelites, ensuring their livelihood.

Deuteronomy 19: Cities of Refuge

Transitioning to Deuteronomy 19, the discussion centers on the establishment of cities of refuge. These cities serve as sanctuaries for individuals who commit manslaughter, protecting them from avengers seeking retribution.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:40]: "These are places where someone who kills unintentionally can flee to save their life, ensuring that justice is administered fairly."

Highlights include:

• Purpose of Refuge Cities: To differentiate between intentional murder and accidental killing, preventing cycles of vengeance.
• Number of Cities: Initially three cities are designated, expanding to six as the Israelites' territory grows.
• Legal Safeguards: Emphasis on fair trial procedures, requiring multiple witnesses to sustain a charge, thereby minimizing false accusations.

Deuteronomy 20: Rules of Warfare

Deuteronomy 20 addresses the conduct of warfare among the Israelites, outlining when and how battles should be fought.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [45:10]: "When you approach a city to fight, offer terms of peace. If they accept, they become your subjects; if not, proceed with battle as commanded."

Key aspects include:

• Peace Offerings: Before engaging in battle, Israelites must attempt to make peace with the opposing city.
• Exceptions: Certain hostile nations practicing abominable rites, such as child sacrifices to Molech, are to be completely destroyed to prevent the Israelites from adopting these practices.
• Conduct in War: Guidelines prohibit unnecessary destruction, such as sparing food-producing trees during sieges, promoting restrained and purposeful warfare.

Psalm 99: Praise to God

The episode culminates with Psalm 99, a hymn extolling God's holiness, justice, and kingship.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [60:05]: "Holy is He, mighty King, lover of justice; you have established equity. You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob."

The psalm reinforces the themes of divine justice and righteous governance, serving as a reflective conclusion to the day's readings.

Reflections and Insights

Support and Role of the Levites

Fr. Mike elaborates on the symbiotic relationship between the Levites and the other tribes of Israel. While the Levites forgo land inheritance, they receive provisions through tithes, emphasizing their dedication to spiritual service over earthly possessions.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:30]: "The tribe of Levi doesn't have an inheritance, but they receive tithes from the people, ensuring they can dedicate themselves fully to worship and service."

This arrangement underscores the community's commitment to sustaining those who serve in sacred capacities, reflecting a collective responsibility towards spiritual leadership.

Understanding Biblical Justice

The concept of justice in these passages is multifaceted, balancing divine mandates with compassionate safeguards. The cities of refuge represent an early form of legal protection, ensuring that justice is tempered with mercy.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [30:50]: "Justice in the Bible isn't merely retribution; it's about maintaining order and preventing cycles of vengeance through structured legal provisions."

This perspective challenges modern perceptions of justice by highlighting its foundational role in preserving societal harmony and individual dignity.

Contextualizing Warfare Commands

Deuteronomy 20 presents challenging directives regarding warfare, prompting reflections on their historical and theological contexts. Fr. Mike emphasizes that these commands were specific to the Israelites' covenant with God and the unique challenges they faced.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [50:20]: "These were wars of judgment against nations entrenched in practices that directly opposed the Israelites' covenant with God, aiming to preserve their faith and societal integrity."

Understanding the circumstances—such as the need to prevent idolatry and moral decay—provides clarity on why such stringent measures were deemed necessary at that time.

Trusting God's Justice

A recurring theme in Fr. Mike's reflections is the call to trust in God's justice, even when His commands seem harsh or unfathomable. He encourages listeners to view these passages through the lens of divine wisdom and ultimate benevolence.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [55:15]: "Even when we struggle to comprehend, we must trust that God's justice is perfect and His intentions are rooted in love and preservation of righteousness."

This assurance aims to strengthen believers' faith, encouraging reliance on God's overarching plan and moral authority.

Conclusion

Day 67 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast offers a profound exploration of justice, service, and divine mandates within the Israelite community. Through meticulous examination of Numbers and Deuteronomy, Fr. Mike Schmitz illuminates the intricate balance between mercy and judgment, the sacred duties of religious leaders, and the importance of upholding righteousness. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to internalize these lessons and apply them to their spiritual journeys.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [59:55]: "He cares for justice, He cares for us. We give you praise, Lord God, and thank you."

Listeners are left with a reinforced understanding of how these ancient texts continue to inform and shape contemporary faith and ethics.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [02:15]: "You are to serve the Lord as priests, and you and your sons shall have no inheritance among the Israelites; I am your inheritance."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:40]: "These are places where someone who kills unintentionally can flee to save their life, ensuring that justice is administered fairly."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [45:10]: "When you approach a city to fight, offer terms of peace. If they accept, they become your subjects; if not, proceed with battle as commanded."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:30]: "The tribe of Levi doesn't have an inheritance, but they receive tithes from the people, ensuring they can dedicate themselves fully to worship and service."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [30:50]: "Justice in the Bible isn't merely retribution; it's about maintaining order and preventing cycles of vengeance through structured legal provisions."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [50:20]: "These were wars of judgment against nations entrenched in practices that directly opposed the Israelites' covenant with God, aiming to preserve their faith and societal integrity."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [55:15]: "Even when we struggle to comprehend, we must trust that God's justice is perfect and His intentions are rooted in love and preservation of righteousness."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [59:55]: "He cares for justice, He cares for us. We give you praise, Lord God, and thank you."

Final Prayer

The episode concludes with a solemn prayer that encapsulates the themes discussed:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Lord, make our hearts like yours. Make our hearts the kind of hearts that desire justice, that run away from vengeance, but pursue after what is true and what is good and what is beautiful. Fill our minds with what is true, fill our hearts with what is good, and fill our lives with what is beautiful. We give you praise, Lord God, and thank you. Be with us today and every day. In Jesus name we pray. Amen."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Day 67's episode, providing listeners and readers alike with a clear understanding of the discussions on priestly duties, cities of refuge, rules of warfare, and the overarching theme of divine justice.