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

Episode: Day 73: Inheritance of Land
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 73 of The Bible in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, listeners delve into a significant transition period in the Israelites' journey toward the Promised Land. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike navigates through the complex genealogies and pivotal events recorded in Numbers 26 and Deuteronomy 27, culminating in a prayerful reflection on Psalm 111.

Census of the Israelites (Numbers 26)

Overview: Fr. Mike begins by highlighting the importance of the second census in Numbers 26, conducted after 40 years of wilderness wandering. This census aimed to enumerate the men eligible for military service, ensuring a clear understanding of the Israelite population poised to enter the Promised Land.

Key Points:

• Purpose of the Census:
  “This is another census of Israel. So just get your census caps on, get your names cap on, and some numbers...” (00:04)

• Tribal Listings and Numbers:
  The transcript details extensive genealogies of the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing their family lines and population counts. For instance, the tribe of Judah is noted to have “76,500” members, while Levi is marked distinctly without an inheritance (00:04 - 00:05).

• Significance of the Numbers:
  Fr. Mike explains that these numbers were crucial for the allocation of land based on tribal size. “To a large tribe you shall give a large inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a small inheritance.” (00:04)

Notable Insight: Fr. Mike underscores the notion of divine providence in the land distribution process. “...inheritance is given by lot... you can say chance, but also we would say as believers that God is involved in everything by providence.” (00:04)

Allocation of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 27)

Overview: Transitioning to Deuteronomy 27, Fr. Mike discusses Moses' commands regarding the establishment of altars and the inscription of the law on stones. This segment emphasizes obedience and the communal commitment to uphold God's commandments.

Key Points:

• Setting Up Altars:
  “You shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster, and you shall write upon them all the words of this law...” (00:05)

• Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal:
  Moses assigns specific tribes to declare blessings and curses, symbolizing the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. “Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali... Cursed be the man who makes a graven or molten image...” (00:05)

• Importance of Obedience:
  Fr. Mike emphasizes the collective responsibility to adhere to God's laws. “You shall confirm the words of this law by doing them.” (00:05)

Notable Insight: The establishment of altars without the use of iron tools highlights a return to purity and simplicity in worship. “You shall build an altar to the Lord your God of unhewn stones... You shall lift up no iron tool upon them.” (00:05)

Reflection and Insights

Understanding the Census: Fr. Mike reflects on the cyclical nature of the censuses in Numbers, drawing parallels to the Israelites' enduring faith despite setbacks. “...just like in the beginning... 40 years later... taking possession of the land...” (00:05)

Tribal Dynamics: He notes the minimal change in population, stressing the importance of unity and preparedness for the imminent battles ahead. “...some of the tribes grew... Overall... little change.” (00:05)

Levites' Unique Role: The Levites are highlighted for their distinct inheritance—God Himself—underscoring their role as spiritual leaders. “They do not have any inheritance except for God himself...” (00:05)

Divine Fairness in Land Distribution: Fr. Mike admires the fair and impartial method of land allocation by lot, reinforcing trust in divine justice. “...divided up the property according to the size... according to the lot...” (00:05)

Prayer and Spiritual Application (Psalm 111)

Prayer Components: The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer inspired by Psalm 111, focusing on worship, obedience, and love for one another.

Key Elements:

• Worship as an Expression of Love:
  “We can show you our love by worshiping you.” (00:05)

• Obedience to Commandments:
  “We can show you our love by obeying your commandments.” (00:05)

• Love and Care for Others:
  “We can show you our love by loving and caring for our brother and our sister.” (00:05)

• Petition for Strength:
  “Help us to be people who love you with everything we have and everything we are.” (00:05)

Spiritual Insight: Fr. Mike connects the themes of Psalm 111 to the Israelites' journey, encouraging listeners to internalize God's laws and love in their daily lives.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay committed to their spiritual journey. “We are continuing this journey every single day... Keep praying for each other... Don't give up. I am praying for you, but please pray for me.” (00:05)

Final Thoughts: He reassures the audience of the ongoing nature of God's guidance and the importance of perseverance. “...God continues to speak to us... He continues to shape our minds, our hearts...” (00:05)

Key Takeaways

1. Census and Preparation: The second census in Numbers 26 serves as a preparatory step for entering the Promised Land, highlighting the importance of enumeration and organization within the Israelite community.

2. Fair Allocation of Land: Deuteronomy 27 outlines a just and divine method for land distribution, emphasizing equality and trust in God's providence.

3. Role of the Levites: The Levites are set apart with a unique inheritance, reinforcing their role in spiritual leadership and worship.

4. Commitment to Obedience: The inscriptions and curses in Deuteronomy 27 underscore the necessity of adhering to God's commandments for communal well-being.

5. Spiritual Application: Psalm 111 inspires listeners to express their love for God through worship, obedience, and care for others, mirroring the Israelites' covenantal relationship.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “To a large tribe you shall give a large inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a small inheritance.” (00:04)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111 Reflection)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Help us to be people who love you with everything we have and everything we are.” (Prayer Segment)

Conclusion

Day 73 of The Bible in a Year offers a profound exploration of the Israelites' final preparations before entering the Promised Land. Through meticulous readings and thoughtful reflections, Fr. Mike Schmitz bridges ancient scripture with contemporary faith, encouraging listeners to embrace God's plan and remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.

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This summary captures the essence of Day 73, providing listeners and newcomers alike with a comprehensive understanding of the episode's key themes and spiritual insights.