Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 72: The Plains of Moab (2025)

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Published by: Ascension
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Duration: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Introduction

In Day 72 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a pivotal moment in Israel's journey as they reside in the Plains of Moab, shortly before entering the Promised Land. This episode covers readings from Numbers 24-25, Deuteronomy 26, and Psalm 107, providing insightful commentary, reflection, and prayer to help listeners understand the complexities of faith, obedience, and community responsibility.

Scripture Readings

Numbers 24-25: Balaam’s Oracles and Israel’s Unfaithfulness

Fr. Mike begins by reading Numbers 24 and 25, focusing on the interactions between Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, and Balak, the king of Moab. Despite Balak's intentions to curse Israel, Balaam, guided by God's Spirit, repeatedly blesses Israel instead. This divine intervention underscores God's favor and protective stance over Israel.

Key Highlights:

• Balaam’s Third Oracle (Numbers 24:15-17): Balaam prophesies the supremacy of Israel, speaking of a future leader who will crush Israel's enemies.

  "A star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel... Blessed be everyone who blesses you, and cursed be everyone who curses you." ([00:04] Numbers 24:17-19)

• Balak’s Frustration (Numbers 24:20-23): Balak confronts Balaam for blessing Israel instead of cursing them, to which Balaam responds that he can only speak what God ordains.

• Worship of Baal of Peor (Numbers 25): Amidst Balaam’s blessings, the Israelites succumb to idolatry and immorality by engaging with Moabite women and worshipping Baal of Peor. This leads to divine wrath, resulting in a devastating plague that claims 24,000 lives.

• Phinehas’ Righteous Act (Numbers 25:7-10): Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, zealously defends God’s holiness by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaged in immorality within the Tent of Meeting. This act of zeal stops the plague, prompting God to establish a covenant of peace with Phinehas and his descendants.

Deuteronomy 26: First Fruits and Tithes

The reading from Deuteronomy 26 focuses on the Israelites' instructions regarding the offering of first fruits and tithes upon settling in the Promised Land. These practices are not merely ritualistic but serve as tangible expressions of gratitude and social responsibility.

Key Highlights:

• First Fruits Offering: Israelites are commanded to present the first yield of their land to God as an acknowledgment of His provision and sustenance.

  "You shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given to you and to your house." ([00:04] Deuteronomy 26:11)

• Tithing and Social Justice: Every third year, the tithe is designated for the Levites, sojourners, fatherless, and widows, ensuring that the vulnerable in society are cared for.

  "It shall be to him and to his descendants after him the covenant of a perpetual priesthood." ([00:04] Numbers 25:13)

Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of these commandments, highlighting their role in fostering a supportive and just community.

Psalm 107: Thanksgiving for Deliverance

In Psalm 107, the theme of thanksgiving permeates the narrative, celebrating God’s deliverance from various afflictions and adversities. The psalmist recounts stories of redemption, urging the faithful to offer gratitude for God's enduring mercy and steadfast love.

Key Highlights:

• Deliverance from Troubled Waters: God rescues the psalmist's people from perilous situations, including desert wanderings, captivity, sickness, and storms.

  "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress." ([00:04] Psalm 107:19)

• Call to Praise: The psalm repeatedly calls for thanksgiving, encouraging believers to acknowledge God's mighty works and compassionate nature.

  "Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men." ([00:04] Psalm 107:8)

Reflections and Insights by Fr. Mike Schmitz

Fr. Mike offers profound reflections on the juxtaposition of divine blessings and human unfaithfulness illustrated in Numbers 24-25:

1. Divine Favor Amidst Human Failure:

   • While Balaam is constrained by God to bless Israel, the Israelites themselves falter by turning to idolatry and immorality. This contrast highlights God's unwavering commitment to His people despite their shortcomings.

   "Here is God, who is telling this soothsayer, telling this individual Balaam what to say. And the words that God speaks are blessings." ([00:04])

2. Phinehas’ Zealous Protection of Holiness:

   • Phinehas' decisive action serves as a powerful example of upholding God's holiness. His zeal stops the plague, demonstrating that righteous indignation aligned with divine will can avert disaster.

   "Phinehas… has turned back my wrath from the sons of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them." ([00:04])

3. Social Responsibility Through Tithing:

   • Fr. Mike underscores the dual purpose of tithing: worshiping God and supporting the marginalized. This practice fosters a community where the needs of the vulnerable are met without reliance on external systems.

   "Imagine how different our parishes would be… if just on a regular basis, we gave our first fruits of worship to God and first fruits of tithe to take care of those who could not take care of themselves." ([00:04])

4. Personal Reflection and Prayer:

   • He invites listeners to introspect on their commitment to these commandments and to seek divine conviction or consolation in their efforts to live out these principles.

   "Whether to console or convict, Lord God, you have my permission. Whatever I need, I will receive from your hand." ([00:04])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Podcast’s Mission:

  "The Bible in the Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history." ([00:04])

• On Balaam’s Oracles:

  "Balaam says words of blessing over the people of Israel. This is remarkable not only because here is God… telling Balaam what to say." ([00:04])

• On Israel’s Idolatry:

  "The people of Israel are being false to the Lord, their God. They are playing the harlot… hooking up with the daughters of Moab." ([00:04])

• On Phinehas’ Action:

  "Phinehas… made atonement for the sons of Israel." ([00:04])

• On Tithing and Social Responsibility:

  "If all of us actually gave 10% of our yield… we would look to ourselves. We would look to our community. We would look to our parish." ([00:04])

• Closing Prayer Invitation:

  "Let's keep praying for each other, because the word of God convicts us. And the word of God moves us to more belong more and more to him." ([00:04])

Conclusion

Day 72 of "The Bible in a Year" poignantly captures a moment where divine blessing intersects with human frailty. Through the narratives in Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Psalm 107, Fr. Mike Schmitz elucidates themes of faithfulness, the importance of communal responsibility, and the transformative power of God’s word. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, embrace gratitude, and commit to actions that honor both God and their fellow human beings.

Fr. Mike concludes with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's blessings and urging listeners to allow His word to convict and console them as they continue their spiritual journey through the Bible.

Final Prayer:

"Lord God, you fight for us. And while others may desire to curse us, Lord Jesus Christ, in your name, you bless us in your own name… Send your word of blessing into our lives, into our hearts, into the people that we love… We make this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."

Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding and to accompany your daily walk through the Scriptures.