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

Episode: Day 91: Gideon’s Story
Date: April 1, 2026

Overview of the Episode

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through pivotal events from Judges 6–8 (the story of Gideon), Ruth 3, and Psalm 135. The primary focus is on Gideon’s unlikely rise as a judge in Israel, his battle against Midian, the temptation toward idolatry even among the faithful, and themes of redemption and faithfulness. Fr. Mike weaves in insightful commentary, emphasizing how these events lay groundwork for understanding God’s relationship with His people and, ultimately, the coming of Christ as “kinsman redeemer.”

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Gideon’s Calling and Reluctance

• Israel had again “done what was evil in the sight of the Lord,” leading to oppression by the Midianites (Judges 6).
• God calls Gideon, who is unimpressive by human standards (“my clan is the weakest…and I am the least,” Judges 6:15).
• Gideon’s initial response is fearful and full of doubts, seeking signs from God (the angel’s visit, the offering consumed by fire, and later, the fleece miracles).
  • Fr. Mike’s insight [18:28]:
    “Even good judges, even judges who seem to have some honor to them, also are tempted by the same thing that every one of us is tempted by. And that’s idolatry.”

2. Idolatry: Destruction and Temptation

• Gideon is tasked to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole (Judges 6:25-27).
  • He obeys, but out of fear, does it by night.
• Despite starting with zeal for the Lord, the narrative later records Gideon inadvertently fostering idolatry when he creates a golden ephod from the spoils of war (Judges 8:27).
  • Fr. Mike [19:10]:
    “He doesn’t make a Baal…He actually makes a symbol of what is used to worship the living and true God. And yet what happens is the people turn to it instead of turning to God.”
• After Gideon’s death, Israel quickly lapses back into Baal-worship, symbolized by their devotion to “Baal Berit,” meaning “Baal of the covenant,” a tragic distortion of Israel’s true covenant with YHWH.

3. Gideon’s Battle Against Midian

• God intentionally reduces Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men to ensure victory is attributed to Him, not human strength.
• The victory comes through unorthodox means (trumpets, torches in jars, and psychological warfare rather than sheer force).
  • Memorable moment [14:20]:
    “The Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow,” causing the enemy to destroy itself in confusion.
• The 300 are victorious, but subsequent chapters detail Gideon’s shifting attitude: though he refuses kingship, his later actions (the ephod, and accumulation of 70 sons) introduce seeds of spiritual and social disorder.

4. Ruth and the Kinsman Redeemer

• Ruth 3 shifts tone: Naomi counsels Ruth to approach Boaz, their kinsman, for protection and possibly marriage through the institution of the “goel” (kinsman redeemer).
  • Ruth’s boldness and Boaz’s integrity are highlighted.
  • Boaz blesses Ruth for her loyalty and promises to resolve the matter justly, setting up the resolution in the next episode.
• Fr. Mike explains the “goel” [21:42]:
  “There was a specifically defined role in Israel’s family life…the kinsman redeemer…like if someone was enslaved, or had lost land, or if a widow was left childless.”

5. Psalm 135: Praise for God’s Power and Goodness

• Echoes the themes of faithfulness and idolatry present in Judges and Ruth.
• Contrasts the living God, who delivers and redeems, with the inert idols worshipped by the nations:
  “They have mouths, but they speak not. They have eyes, but they see not…Like them be those who make them.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Tenderness to Listeners [00:50]:
  “You belong here…and the Lord does want to speak to you today. He is proud of you and he loves you very much.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz

• On the Trap of Idolatry [19:27]:
  “We can take our version of God…whatever version of Jesus we like the most, and we can twist the true and living God…No, I like this version…I like this little part. And that is always a snare.”

• On the Goel and Jesus [22:25]:
  “That’s why [Jesus] is the kinsman redeemer—selling himself into slavery so you and I can have life.”

• On the Enduring Cycle [20:25]:
  “The land was given rest, but then they turned once again away from true and living worship, and they turned it into idolatry.”

• On God’s Word [23:43]:
  “It is God’s word and it is so, so good. I am praying for you. Please keep praying for me.”

Important Timestamps

• 00:50 – Encouragement to listeners: “You belong here…He is proud of you…”
• 07:00–13:30 – Full narrative of Gideon’s call, doubts, and faith-building encounters
• 14:20 – The unconventional battle scene, victory over Midian
• 18:28 – Reflection on idolatry and human temptation (Fr. Mike commentary)
• 19:10 – The ephod and lessons about good intentions gone astray
• 21:42 – Explanation of the kinsman redeemer (“goel”) and Old Testament parallels to Christ
• 22:25 – Jesus as kinsman redeemer
• 23:43 – Final words of encouragement and prayer request

Episode Flow & Tone

Fr. Mike’s tone is warm, conversational, and direct, at times humorous (“Jerubbabel…not as easy to say as you might think”), but always pastoral. He blends detailed biblical explanation with frequent reminders of God’s love and calls to faithfulness, making Old Testament narratives accessible and relevant to today’s listeners.

Takeaways for the Day

• The story of Gideon illustrates how God calls unlikely people, works through human weakness, and warns against pride and idolatry.
• Even faithful leaders can inadvertently lead others astray; genuine worship requires constant vigilance.
• Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s integrity introduce the theme of redemption, bridging Old Testament law and the gospel fulfillment in Christ.
• Psalm 135 reminds us of the ever-present danger of idolatry versus the life-giving reality of God.
• Throughout, Fr. Mike encourages gratitude, perseverance in reading scripture, and prayer for each other as part of this journey.

For New Listeners

This episode is foundational for understanding God’s faithfulness, human frailty, and the hope of ultimate redemption—a recurring theme as the podcast unfolds the story of salvation.