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

Day 83: The Gibeonite Trickery (Released March 24, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz continues the journey through the Book of Joshua, focusing on chapters 8 and 9, and prays through Psalm 126. The main theme explores Israel's conquest of Ai, the subsequent renewal of the covenant at Mount Ebal, and the story of the Gibeonites who deceive Israel into making a covenant with them. Fr. Mike reflects on the consequences of decisions made without seeking God's counsel, the unexpected inclusion of outsiders into God's family, and the enduring importance of covenant fidelity.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Capture and Destruction of Ai

• Summary of Events:
  • God commands Joshua to take Ai using a new strategy: an ambush (00:45-03:30).
  • Joshua orchestrates a feigned retreat to lure Ai’s army out, allowing Israel’s ambush party to capture and burn the city (03:30-05:40).
  • Utter destruction follows, with the population of Ai killed, the king executed, and the city left in ruins (05:40-07:20).
• Notable Insights:
  • The Lord’s guidance is key in devising Israel’s military strategies.
  • After victory, Joshua builds an altar at Mount Ebal, renews the Law, reads blessings and curses, and unites all people present in covenant observance (07:20-09:20).

“So it's kind of this, basically this military strategy that gets revealed to us in chapter eight…”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (22:12)

2. The Gibeonite Deception and Its Consequences

• Summary of Events:
  • The surrounding kings unite against Israel, but the Gibeonites opt for deception (09:21-10:00).
  • Disguised as distant travelers, the Gibeonites request a covenant with Israel (10:00-12:00).
  • Israel, without consulting God, agrees—later realizing they have been tricked when the Gibeonites turn out to be nearby neighbors (12:00-14:10).
• Fr. Mike's Commentary:
  • Fr. Mike highlights the significance of verse 14:

    “...the men partook of their provisions and did not ask direction from the Lord.”
    — Joshua 9:14, read by Fr. Mike Schmitz (12:54)

  • He unpacks the seriousness of covenant, noting it’s “a family bond...not just a contract.”
  • Israel honors the covenant despite the deception, imposing servitude on the Gibeonites (woodcutters and water carriers), emphasizing integrity and the gravity of oaths (14:15-18:10).

“...even a covenant that we were tricked into, we're going to honor it...”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (18:01)

3. Covenant, Mercy, and Unexpected Inclusion

• Rahab Parallel:
  • Fr. Mike draws a comparison between Rahab and the Gibeonites; both are outsiders absorbed into the story of salvation through unlikely means.
  • Gibeon’s later history (e.g., becoming a priestly city, site of the Ark, Gibeonites among David’s mighty men) reinforces how even “sideways” entrants to the people of God can become central in salvation history (18:10-19:02).
• Spiritual Application:
  • Fr. Mike reflects that many come to God not out of pure love, but for fear of the alternative—much like the Gibeonites.
  • Over time, God invites all (even the initially reluctant) to deeper intimacy and belonging in His family.

“So often the reason we say yes to Jesus is because, like, well, it's better than going to hell, I guess...But the more and more we get to know his heart...we're drawn to be living as full members of his family...”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:53)

4. Prayer and Reflection on Psalm 126

• Summary:
  • Psalm 126 (“A Harvest of Joy”) is read and prayed, celebrating God’s restorative power and expressing hope amid tears.
• Reflection in Prayer:
  • Fr. Mike asks for God’s help in seeking His counsel, practicing obedience, and living freely as members of His family (20:44-22:10).

5. Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On the Dangers of Acting Without God’s Guidance:

  "They partook of their provisions and did not ask direction from the lord.”
  — Fr. Mike quoting Joshua 9:14 (12:54)

• On Covenant and Integrity:

  “Without even asking the Lord, is this a good idea or is this a foolish idea, they just do it...even a covenant that we were tricked into, we're going to honor it…”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (18:01)

• On God's Desire for True Belonging:

  “What God wants for us is not simply, ‘I want to spare you from eternal separation’...but that you live as my sons and daughters, as family...”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:57)

• Encouragement to Listeners:

  “Please, keep praying for each other. Pray for me. I'm praying for you.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (22:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:45-03:30] – God’s instructions and Joshua’s ambush strategy at Ai
• [05:40-07:20] – The judgment on Ai; altar built at Mount Ebal; reading the Law
• [09:21-12:00] – Gibeonites’ ruse begins; approach Israel with a plea
• [12:00-14:10] – Israel’s leaders duped; realization and response
• [14:15-18:10] – Reflection on covenants, faithfulness, and oaths
• [18:10-19:53] – Parallel with Rahab; Gibeonite integration; God’s mercy
• [19:53-22:10] – Personalizing the lesson: why we come to God, deeper belonging, Psalm 126 prayer

Structure and Tone

Fr. Mike’s tone throughout the episode is engaging, thoughtful, and pastoral—blending Scriptural exegesis, relevant examples, and warm encouragement. He draws listeners to reflect on their own spiritual motivations and invites them into deeper relationship with God through honest self-examination, prayer, and fidelity.

Conclusion

This episode is rich in narrative drama and spiritual insight. It highlights Israel’s tactical and moral challenges, the fate of outsiders within God’s plan, and the critical importance of always seeking God’s guidance—especially in matters as weighty as covenant and inclusion. Fr. Mike’s reflections encourage listeners to trust God’s mercy, grow in genuine belonging, and maintain integrity no matter the circumstances.

If you’re following along with the podcast, take away the lesson to always seek God’s counsel in your decisions, honor your commitments, and remember that even the most unlikely can become part of God’s family story.