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

Episode: Day 80: Cities of Refuge (2026)
Date: March 21, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode Overview

Today’s episode marks a significant transition: it is the final day of the Desert Wanderings period, concluding the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. Fr. Mike explores the establishment of the Levitical cities (including the cities of refuge), inheritance laws concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, and the death of Moses. He emphasizes the practical wisdom of biblical justice, the complexity of inheritance within tribes, and the enduring lesson about communal belonging. A spirit of gratitude permeates as listeners are reminded of their journey thus far and encouraged to continue supporting and praying for the community.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge

(Numbers 35) | [11:00–18:30]

• Levite Land Distribution:
  Levites, designated as priests and temple caretakers, receive 48 cities throughout Israel rather than a contiguous territory. Of these, six are set aside as cities of refuge.

  • "Remember that the Levites don’t get any land. And so they’re given 48 cities. Six of those cities were what they call cities of refuge." (Fr. Mike, 11:10)

• Purpose of Cities of Refuge:
  These cities serve as sanctuaries for those who commit manslaughter—unintentional killings—so they can escape retaliation and receive a fair trial before community judgment rather than being subject to vengeance.

  • “Those cities of refuge were there because…if someone had accidentally killed another person…someone could seek out vengeance. And yet here’s God who says: No, not vengeance, but justice.” (Fr. Mike, 11:50)

• Practical legal wisdom:
  The passage distinguishes intentional murder from accidental killing, providing guidelines (such as the type of instrument used) for judgment, and requiring at least two witnesses in capital cases.

  • “If you struck them down with iron or a rock or wood…they probably were intending to kill the person. There’s something really practical about that.” (Fr. Mike, 13:25)
  • “No person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.” (Numbers 35:30–paraphrased, 14:15)

2. Inheritance of the Daughters of Zelophehad

(Numbers 36) | [18:30–21:20]

• Inheritance Dilemma:
  The daughters of Zelophehad, whose father died without sons, are allowed to inherit his land. However, if they marry outside their tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe, potentially disrupting tribal boundaries.

  • "Earlier…the daughters get the land…but what if they marry someone from a different tribe? …That is a messy, messy situation." (Fr. Mike, 18:55)

• Resolution and Wisdom:
  God, through Moses, instructs that the daughters can marry whomever they choose—but only within their tribe. This honors their agency and protects tribal inheritance.

  • “The ingenious solution is…they get to marry whomever they want, but from their tribe.” (Fr. Mike, 19:50)
  • “It’s not perfect…but it’s a really wise and intelligent compromise.” (Fr. Mike, 20:30)

• Broader Lesson on Community:
  Fr. Mike draws out how these inheritance laws reflect the necessity for individuals to belong not just to themselves but also to family and community.

  • “One of the reasons we don’t have peace is that we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” (Mother Teresa, quoted by Fr. Mike, 21:15)
  • “I belong to the Lord, and I belong to my family, my people, and the community.” (Fr. Mike, 21:30)

3. The Death of Moses

(Deuteronomy 34) | [7:10–10:50]

• Moses' Final Moments:
  Moses ascends Mount Nebo, glimpses the Promised Land, and dies at 120 years old, still strong and perceptive. The Lord buries him in a secret place, and Israel mourns for 30 days.

  • "Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." (Scripture, 10:02)

• Transition of Leadership:
  Joshua succeeds Moses, filled with the spirit of wisdom. Scripture affirms that no prophet had arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew “face to face.”

  • “And Joshua, the son of Nun, was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him. So the sons of Israel obeyed him…” (Scripture, 10:40)

4. Psalm 121 – Assurance of God’s Help

[10:50–11:00]

• Promise of Divine Protection:
  The Psalm reminds listeners that God is their constant guardian, protecting them day and night, and keeping them from evil.
  • "The LORD is your keeper... He will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." (Psalm 121:5–8, paraphrased)

5. Reflections and Applications

[21:20–End]

• Gratitude for the Journey:
  Fr. Mike acknowledges the group’s perseverance on day 80 and encourages continued daily faithfulness.

  • “This is day 80 of this journey through the Bible. And I’m so grateful, Lord, we are all so grateful that you continue to guide us on this journey.” (Fr. Mike, 21:40)

• Importance of Community:
  He highlights mutual prayer and encouragement, reminding listeners they’re part of a larger community.

  • “We belong in some ways to each other. And that’s why I keep asking us…to pray for each other. Please pray for me. I am praying for you.” (Fr. Mike, 22:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Justice vs. Vengeance:
  “Not vengeance, but justice.” (Fr. Mike, 11:55)

• On discernment in judgment:
  “Is it 100% foolproof? Absolutely not. But is it a beginning? …It’s a beginning of being able to learn how to discern [accident from intent].” (Fr. Mike, 13:50)

• On community obligation:
  “I don’t just belong to myself. I belong to the Lord and I belong to my family, my people, and the community.” (Fr. Mike, 21:30)

• On mutual prayer:
  “Please pray for me. I am praying for you. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (Fr. Mike, 22:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Start of Episode, Announcements: 00:00–03:10
• Scripture Readings (Numbers 35–36, Deuteronomy 34, Psalm 121): 03:11–11:00
• Cities of Refuge Explanation: 11:00–13:50
• Murder and Justice Laws: 13:50–15:40
• Witness Requirement in Capital Cases: 14:15
• Inheritance of Zelophehad’s Daughters: 18:30–21:20
• Reflections on Community: 21:20–22:15
• Conclusion/Blessing: 22:15–End

Tone and Style

Fr. Mike’s tone is pastoral, practical, and conversational. He celebrates the collective progress, invites ongoing reflection, and integrates theological insights with everyday life lessons, using anecdotes and quotes (notably from Mother Teresa) to emphasize points about justice, prudence, and community.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode completes the Israelites’ wilderness journey and delves into foundational laws that combine practicality with deep spiritual lessons about justice and belonging. It’s a turning point—both in the biblical narrative and in this learning journey—capturing the weight of Moses' legacy and setting the stage for entry into the promised land. The communal and personal nature of faith comes through strongly, as Fr. Mike encourages both continued study and mutual prayer.