Overview of Bible in a Year — Day 73: Inheritance of Land (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reads and reflects on Numbers 26 and Deuteronomy 27, with Psalm 111 prayed. The episode covers the second census of Israel (at the end of the wilderness period), instructions for dividing the Promised Land, the special status of the Levites, the inscribed stones and altar on Mount Ebal, and the Levites’ recitation of twelve curses (with blessings to be pronounced on Mount Gerizim). Father Mike ties these passages to practical lessons about God’s providence, justice, worship, and how we love God and neighbor.
Readings covered
- Numbers 26 — Second census of Israel (preparing to enter the land)
- Deuteronomy 27 — Instructions to set up inscribed stones and an altar on Mount Ebal; Levites pronounce twelve curses
- Psalm 111 — Praise for God’s wonderful works, covenant faithfulness, and the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom
Key points and takeaways
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Purpose of the census
- The census counts fighting-age men as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land and to go into battle.
- Comparison to the first census: overall numbers changed very little (first census ~603,550; final count 601,730 — a decline of under 2,000).
- Some tribes grew, some shrank, but the overall nation remains essentially intact as it prepares to inherit land.
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Inheritance and distribution of land
- Land will be divided “according to the number of names”: larger tribes receive larger portions, smaller tribes receive smaller portions.
- Distribution is done by lot — a fair method that the text links to God’s providence (lot as both chance and divinely governed).
- The Levites receive no territorial inheritance; “God himself was their inheritance.” They are instead assigned towns and the responsibility for worship and service.
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Notable family/legal details
- Zelophehad’s daughters (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, Tirzah) are named — a reminder of inheritance cases and family rights already being addressed in the narrative.
- Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu died earlier for offering “unauthorized fire”; Levites are listed and counted separately.
- Of the generation numbered in the wilderness, only Joshua and Caleb remain to enter the land.
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Deuteronomy 27 — covenant sign and public accountability
- On crossing the Jordan, Israel is to set up large plastered stones on Mount Ebal and write the law on them; build an unhewn-stone altar and offer sacrifices.
- The Levites call out twelve curses for specific social and moral offenses (idolatry, dishonoring parents, moving boundary stones, perverting justice for the vulnerable, sexual perversions/incest, murder, bribery, and failure to obey the law). The people respond “Amen” to each.
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Psalm 111 — worship, covenant, and the fear of the Lord
- Praises God’s wondrous works, covenant faithfulness, provision, justice, and redemption.
- Concludes with: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Notable quotes and insights (from Father Mike)
- “The land shall be divided for inheritance according to the number of names.”
- “They will live in those towns. They also will lead worship … their inheritance is God himself.”
- Practical summary of loving God: worship, obey his commandments, and love/care for brothers and sisters.
Practical applications / action items
- Reflect on how God’s providence and fairness operate in ordinary decisions — and how “lot” in the Bible can signify both chance and divine ordering.
- Remember the Levites’ example: service to God can be the primary inheritance (value of vocation and spiritual service over material possession).
- Personal spiritual practice: love God in three concrete ways — worship, obedience, and active love for others (practical charity and justice).
- Read Deuteronomy 27 and Psalm 111 slowly; consider how public confession, covenant accountability, and communal assent (“Amen”) shape faith communities.
Quick summary for someone short on time
- Numbers 26: Israel is numbered again before entering Canaan (total ~601,730). Land will be allocated by tribe-size and by lot. Levites receive no land—God is their inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 27: On entering the land Israel will set up inscribed stones and an altar on Mount Ebal; Levites will pronounce twelve covenant curses and the people will affirm them.
- Psalm 111: Praise for God’s works, faithfulness, and the connection between the fear of the Lord and wisdom.
- Father Mike’s main pastoral takeaways: prepare for the next stage (battle/possession), trust God’s providence in distribution and outcomes, and live out love for God through worship, obedience, and love of neighbor.
Keep going with the reading plan—Father Mike encourages daily prayer and perseverance as the community approaches the Promised Land.