Overview of Day 87: God Keeps His Promises (Bible in a Year — Ascension)
Father Mike Schmitz reads and reflects on Joshua 19–21 and Psalm 131 (RSV‑2CE, using the Great Adventure Bible). The episode covers the distribution of land among Israel’s tribes, the designation of cities of refuge, the allotment of 48 Levitical cities (with pasturelands), and concludes with a pastoral reflection on God’s long‑term faithfulness and the call to humble, childlike trust.
Reading summary — what’s in the chapters
- Joshua 19
- Lists the territorial allotments for the tribes: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Many cities and villages are named (counts given per tribe).
- Joshua himself receives an inheritance: Timnath‑serah in Ephraim.
- Joshua 20
- God instructs Joshua to appoint six cities of refuge for unintentional manslayers: three west of the Jordan (Kadesh in Galilee, Shechem, Kiriath‑Arba/Hebron) and three east of the Jordan (Bezer, Ramoth‑Gilead, Golan).
- These cities protect the manslayer from the avenger of blood until judgment or until the high priest dies.
- Joshua 21
- The Levites request and receive cities and pasturelands as commanded by Moses.
- Distribution by Levitical family:
- Aaron’s descendants (Kohathites): 13 cities (from Judah, Simeon, Benjamin).
- Other Kohathites: 10 cities (Ephraim, Dan, half‑Manasseh).
- Gershonites: 13 cities (Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, half‑Manasseh in Bashan).
- Merarites: 12 cities (Reuben, Gad, Zebulun).
- Total: 48 Levitical cities with surrounding pasturelands.
- Closing summary of conquest and settlement: the Lord gave Israel rest and fulfilled His promises (Joshua 21:43–45).
Psalm 131 (theme)
- A short song of humble, trusting repose attributed to David.
- Key image: the soul calmed and quieted like a child at its mother’s breast.
- Final exhortation: “O Israel, hope in the Lord, from this time forth and forevermore.”
Key takeaways and themes
- God’s faithfulness over generations: The narrative’s final emphasis is that God fulfilled the promises to Israel — not instantly or without effort, but ultimately completely.
- Cooperation and perseverance: Israel still had to obey, fight, and settle; God’s promises come to pass in partnership with human responsibility.
- Rest and trust: The distribution material culminates in rest (divine gift) and the pastoral invitation to repose in God’s care (Psalm 131).
- Practical worship: The cities of refuge and Levitical cities show God’s concern for justice, sanctuary, and the centrality of priestly service.
Notable quotes from the episode
- “Not one of all the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed. All came to pass.” (Joshua 21:45)
- Psalm 131: “I have calmed and quieted my soul like a child quieted at its mother’s breast.”
- Father Mike’s reflection: “What God has promised, he will fulfill, but it doesn't mean that he fulfills it immediately. It doesn't necessarily mean that he fulfills it without a fight.”
Practical suggestions / action items
- If the place names feel dense, use a Great Adventure Bible (maps in the back) or pull up a map online to visualize tribal territories.
- Read (or re‑read) Psalm 131 as a short practice of humble trust and quiet prayer.
- Reflect: Where are you called to patient cooperation with God’s promises rather than instant results?
- Follow the Ascension Bible in a Year reading plan (ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear) and subscribe to the podcast to continue with Joshua’s closing words tomorrow.
Listening notes and context
- Translation: Father Mike reads from the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (RSV‑2CE).
- Recommended resource: The Great Adventure Bible (maps and timeline) to accompany these territorial chapters.
- Tone: Pastoral, reflective — blending biblical narrative reading with spiritual application and prayer.
Closing pastoral point
Father Mike emphasizes entering God’s rest and abiding in God’s presence like a child in a parent’s arms: be ready for the work God calls you to, but rest in His faithfulness that unfolds across time. Tomorrow’s episode finishes Joshua with a charge reminding Israel of their dignity and calling.