Overview of Bible in a Year — Day 82: "The Valley of Achor" (Ascension / Father Mike Schmitz)
Day 82 covers Joshua 5–7 and Psalm 125 (RSV-2CE), part of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline reading plan. Father Mike reads the passages and reflects on three linked scenes: Israel’s re‑circumcision and first Passover in Canaan, the miraculous fall of Jericho, and the sin of Achan that leads to defeat at Ai and the naming of the Valley of Achor. His reflections draw theological lessons about covenant vulnerability, the cosmic nature of spiritual battle, communal consequences of individual sin, and God’s power to transform shame into hope.
What passages are read
- Joshua 5: re‑circumcision at Gilgal; Passover at Gilgal; manna ceases; Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army.
- Joshua 6: the siege and destruction of Jericho (marching, trumpets, the herem/devotion to the Lord), Rahab spared, consecrated spoil goes to the treasury of the Lord, curse on anyone who rebuilds Jericho.
- Joshua 7: Achan’s theft of devoted spoil, Israel’s defeat at Ai, Achan’s identification and execution, the Valley of Achor (valley of trouble).
- Psalm 125: a Song of Ascents about trust in the Lord, God surrounding his people, and God’s justice/peace.
Key points & summary of events
- Re‑circumcision: Joshua orders circumcision for the new generation born in the wilderness (Gilgal), symbolizing renewed covenant membership and a break from their slavery history.
- Passover and end of manna: Israel celebrates Passover; the next day they eat Canaan’s produce and manna ceases—transition from desert provision to life in the Promised Land.
- Joshua’s vision: A “man with drawn sword” identifies himself as commander of the Lord’s army; Joshua worships and is told the ground is holy (remove sandals). The vision reframes the coming conflict as ultimately God’s battle.
- Fall of Jericho: God’s unconventional strategy—marching/priestly trumpets—results in miraculous collapse of the walls. The city is devoted (herem) to the Lord; Rahab and her household are spared for hiding the spies.
- Achan and Ai: Achan secretly takes devoted spoil. Because of this breach, Israel is routed at Ai (36 dead). Achan is identified, his household and possessions are destroyed, and the place is named Valley of Achor (trouble/shame). God’s anger is lifted afterward.
- Psalm 125 theme: Trust in God and the security of God’s protection and justice.
Main theological reflections (Father Mike’s insights)
- Covenant vulnerability: Circumcision is a symbol of trusting God and entering covenant; making oneself vulnerable is required to be “on God’s side.”
- The right question: Instead of asking “Is God for us?” the better question is “Are we on God’s side?”—we must align ourselves to God’s will rather than trying to enlist God for our preferences.
- Cosmic dimension of the conflict: The wars in Canaan signal a deeper spiritual struggle (not merely ethnic conflict), echoing Paul’s later “not against flesh and blood” (principalities and powers).
- Communal consequences of private sin: Achan’s theft shows how one person’s disobedience harms the whole community; justice in the text is painful and sober—not triumphant celebration.
- Redemption of shame: The Valley of Achor (valley of trouble) becomes, in Hosea’s later prophecy, a “door of hope.” God can transform our deepest shame and trouble into hope when we surrender them.
Notable quotes & paraphrases
- “The question really should be: are we on God’s side?” — reframing the posture toward God and spiritual battle.
- “The heart of every sin is knowing what you want and yet doing what we want in violation of that.” — about willful disobedience.
- The Valley of Achor can be “transformed into a door of hope” (prophetic promise referenced from Hosea).
Practical takeaways & action items
- Examine for hidden disobedience: be honest about private sins that hurt others and the community; confession and purification are necessary.
- Surrender your “valleys of shame” to God: offer areas of regret and trauma to God and trust in his power to transform them into hope.
- Choose alignment with God: cultivate practices (prayer, Scripture, sacrament, community) that put you “on God’s side” rather than trying to make God serve your will.
- Remember God’s providence: like manna ceasing after learning dependence, trust God’s continued provision in new phases of life.
Prayerful emphasis & pastoral tone
- Father Mike closes with a pastoral prayer asking God to meet guilt with mercy, shame with reconciliation, and to transform valleys of trouble into doors of hope. He invites mutual prayer and reminds listeners that he shares his own struggles.
Quick logistics & context
- Episode: Day 82 of the Bible in a Year podcast (Ascension), reading from the Great Adventure Bible Timeline; RSV-2CE translation used.
- Series note: Joshua readings continue through day 88; Judges begins day 89.
- Practical note: reading plan and resources available at ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year.
Short reflection question to take away: What valley of trouble or shame do you need to hand to God so it can become a door of hope?