Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 85: Fighting for Each Other

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Release Date: March 26, 2025
• Episode: Day 85: Fighting for Each Other (2025)

Introduction

In Day 85 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the intricate narratives of Joshua chapters 12, 13, and 14, alongside Psalm 129. This episode emphasizes understanding the historical and spiritual contexts of the Israelites' conquests and the moral imperatives behind them. Fr. Mike aims to unravel the complexities of warfare in the Bible, providing listeners with profound insights into God's overarching plan for humanity.

Scripture Readings: Joshua 12-14 and Psalm 129

Fr. Mike commences the episode by reading from Joshua 12-14 and Psalm 129, utilizing the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition. He highlights the significance of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, developed by Jeff Cavins, which offers a chronological framework for understanding salvation history. This approach aids listeners in grasping how various biblical events interconnect to narrate the story of salvation.

Key Readings:

• Joshua 12: Details the kings defeated by Moses and Joshua, listing 31 kings whose territories were conquered by the Israelites.
• Joshua 13: Discusses the remaining lands that the Israelites had yet to possess, emphasizing the ongoing process of settlement and conquest.
• Joshua 14: Focuses on the distribution of territories among the tribes of Israel, highlighting Caleb's inheritance of Hebron as a reward for his unwavering faith.
• Psalm 129: A prayer for the downfall of Israel's enemies, expressing trust in God's righteousness and justice.

Reflections and Insights

Historical Context of the Conquests

Fr. Mike provides a comprehensive overview of the territorial expansions described in Joshua. He explains how Moses and Joshua led the Israelites in conquering lands beyond the Jordan River, referencing specific regions and their respective kings. This conquest narrative underscores the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of the Israelites as a nation in the Promised Land.

Moral Corruption of the Canaanites

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding the moral decay of the Canaanite populations. Fr. Mike references Leviticus 18 and Deuteronomy 12 to elucidate the various forms of corruption, including sexual immorality and the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice. He emphasizes that these heinous acts were primary reasons for God's directive to cleanse the land, ensuring the Israelites did not succumb to similar corruptions.

Notable Quote:

"There's a bit of hyperbole here, that no man was left alive, no woman was left alive, no children were left alive. That is hyperbole." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [14:00]

Understanding Divine Commands and Hyperbole

Fr. Mike addresses the apparent brutality in the biblical accounts, particularly the commands for total destruction of enemy populations. He posits that such descriptions may employ hyperbole—a rhetorical device exaggerating for emphasis. By analyzing passages like Joshua 10 and 15, he illustrates discrepancies that suggest not every individual was eradicated, pointing towards a more nuanced interpretation of these events.

Key Points:

• Hyperbolic Language: The absolute terms used in scripture may not always reflect literal historical events but serve to convey the severity of divine judgment.
• Selective Memory of Battles: Instances where survivors are acknowledged (e.g., Joshua 15) imply that total annihilation was not always achieved, supporting the hyperbolic interpretation.

God's Ultimate Plan for Harmony and Reconciliation

Transitioning from historical analysis, Fr. Mike delves into the theological implications of these conquests. He asserts that God's ultimate vision is not one of perpetual warfare and division but of unity and reconciliation among all peoples. This perspective is rooted in the belief that God's desire is harmony within individuals, between communities, and with the divine.

Notable Quote:

"God's ultimate plan is not the destruction of the world. God's destruction plan is not the destruction of anyone who's different. God's will is not the destruction of someone who believes something differently, but God's plan, His will is the union of people, harmony back with each other." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [23:45]

Supporting Scriptures:

• Deuteronomy 20: Limits the scope of warfare, emphasizing that the commands are specific to the inhabitants of Canaan.
• Leviticus 18 & Deuteronomy 12: Highlight the moral reasons behind the eradication commands, aligning them with broader divine justice.

Contemporary Applications and Encouragement

In contemplating the historical accounts, Fr. Mike draws parallels to modern societal divisions and conflicts. He encourages listeners to embody the principles of fighting for one another, fostering unity, and praying for mutual understanding. By reflecting on Caleb's steadfast faith and dedication, Fr. Mike inspires the audience to persist in their spiritual journey, despite challenges.

Notable Quote:

"We are not divided, but united. We are not fighting against each other, but we are fighting for each other. Let us keep fighting for each other. Let's keep praying for each other. Let's keep holding each other up." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [24:30]

Conclusions

Day 85 of The Bible in a Year podcast offers a profound exploration of Joshua's conquests, intertwined with theological reflections on divine justice and ultimate reconciliation. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly balances historical narrative with spiritual insights, guiding listeners to comprehend the complexities of biblical warfare within the broader context of God's redemptive plan. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness, unity, and the transformative power of God's word in contemporary life.

Notable Quotes

1. On Perseverance in Faith:

   "I am still as strong to this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me. My strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [14:30]

2. On God's Righteousness:

   "The Lord is righteous he has cut the cords of the wicked." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [10:15]

3. On Unity and Peace:

   "God's desire is not the reconciliation and union of all people. And so that's what God's promise is, and that's what he's revealing on the way." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [22:00]

Prayer

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, where Fr. Mike invites listeners to express gratitude for God's guidance through the Bible and seeks continued divine revelation of God's heart. The prayer emphasizes mutual support, unity, and the transformative influence of God's word in believers' lives.

Prayer Excerpt:

"We ask you to please continue to reveal your hearts to us that we can reveal our hearts to you. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [19:50]

The Bible in a Year podcast continues to guide listeners through an enriching journey of biblical exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of scripture and its application in daily life. Day 85 stands as a testament to the intricate balance between historical context and spiritual introspection, encouraging believers to navigate their faith with both knowledge and compassion.