Overview of Day 72: The Plains of Moab (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz leads Day 72 of the Bible in a Year (Ascension) using the Great Adventure Timeline. Readings: Numbers 24–25, Deuteronomy 26, and Psalm 107 (RSV‑2CE). The episode contrasts God’s blessing (Balaam’s oracles) with Israel’s unfaithfulness (Baal‑of‑Peor episode), reviews Deuteronomy’s first‑fruits/tithe instruction, and prays through Psalm 107’s themes of deliverance and thanksgiving. Father Mike closes with pastoral application about faithfulness, zeal, and communal care.
Readings covered
- Numbers 24–25 — Balaam’s oracles; Israel’s idolatry at Peor; Phinehas’s zealous act and God’s covenant with him.
- Deuteronomy 26 — First fruits declaration and the third‑year tithe for Levites, sojourners, widows, and orphans.
- Psalm 107 — Refrain of thanksgiving for God’s deliverance from deserts, bondage, sickness, storms, and famine.
Passage summaries
Numbers 24
- Balaam, compelled by God, lifts four oracles blessing Israel instead of cursing them.
- Poetic images of Israel’s goodness and destiny appear (tents like gardens, “a star shall come forth out of Jacob,” dominion and victory over nations). Balak is angry but cannot change God’s word.
Numbers 25
- While Balaam blesses, Israelites fall into idolatry and sexual immorality with Moabite/Midianite women (Baal‑of‑Peor).
- A public, sacrilegious act by Zimri and Cozbi in the tent of meeting prompts Phinehas (grandson of Aaron) to kill both with a spear. This act halts a plague that had already killed thousands.
- God rewards Phinehas with “the covenant of peace” and a perpetual priesthood because of his zeal for God. God commands action against Midian for their role in the seduction.
Deuteronomy 26
- Instructions for presenting first fruits: bring a basket to the chosen place, make a declaration recounting Israel’s history (from wandering Aramean to liberation from Egypt), and worship.
- Tithe practices emphasized, especially the third‑year tithe designated to Levites, sojourners, fatherless, and widows—highlighting communal responsibility for the vulnerable.
- A concluding exhortation to obedience with promised blessing and honor for Israel if they keep God’s statutes.
Psalm 107
- Refrain: “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever.”
- Six scenes of deliverance: those lost in deserts, imprisoned, ill from sin, endangered at sea, lands turned desolate then restored, and the oppressed raised up.
- Calls worshipers to thank God, offer sacrifice, and proclaim his deeds; wisdom invites attentiveness to God’s steadfast love.
Father Mike’s reflections and application
- Irony and grace: Balaam is forced to bless a people who are simultaneously being unfaithful—illustrates God’s abundant goodness despite human failure.
- Phinehas’s zeal is presented as necessary to stop sacrilege; Scripture later praises his action. The story exposes the seriousness of covenant infidelity.
- Deuteronomy’s social ethic: first fruits and tithing are concrete worship that channel care toward Levites, strangers, widows, and orphans. Father Mike emphasizes personal and parish responsibility rather than outsourcing charity solely to government.
- Pastoral invitation: allow God to either console (if you’re faithful) or convict (if you aren’t) regarding generosity and care; commit to prayer for one another.
Key takeaways
- God’s blessing can prevail even when his people are unfaithful—God’s will and purpose remain sovereign.
- Covenant infidelity (idolatry, sexual sin with pagan cults) is grave and can bring communal consequences; corrective zeal (as with Phinehas) is affirmed in the narrative.
- Worship as giving: first fruits/tithe are liturgical acts that bind praise to social justice—care for the vulnerable is integral to covenant life.
- Psalm 107 underscores recurring biblical themes: human need, cry for help, divine deliverance, and grateful response.
Practical action items & reflection questions
- Reflection: Where am I tempted to compromise faithfulness? In what ways do I need humility or zeal to protect what’s holy?
- Giving: Consider the practice of “first fruits”—how could you regularize sacrificial giving that supports your parish and those in need?
- Community care: Identify one concrete way your household or parish can better assist strangers, widows, or orphans in your area.
- Prayer: Pray Psalm 107’s refrains for people you know who need deliverance; ask God to console or convict you about generosity.
Notable lines to remember:
- “Blessed be everyone who blesses you and cursed be everyone who curses you.” (Balaam’s oracle)
- “A star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” (messianic image)
- Father Mike: “Imagine how different our parishes would be... if just on a regular basis we gave our firstfruits of worship to God and firstfruits of tithe to the care of those who could not take care of themselves.”
Episode closes with prayer and encouragement to continue the daily reading. Father Mike asks listeners to pray for him as he prays for them.