The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 76: War Against Midian (2026)
29 snips
Mar 17, 2026 A close look at a brutal wartime passage and why such destruction appears in Scripture. Reflections on Israel’s failures and the call to uproot what leads us away from God. A contrast between commanded judgment and God’s desire for life and restoration. Connections between Psalm 116’s chalice imagery and Eucharistic worship.
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Why Midian Was Destroyed
- Numbers 31 recounts a divinely commanded total destruction of Midian as a response to Israel's idolatry with Midianite women and Balaam's counsel.
- Fr. Mike explains this extreme action stems from Israel's weakness and the need to remove corrupting influence before entering Canaan.
Deuteronomy Offers Restoration Not Destruction
- Deuteronomy 30 presents God's promise: return brings restoration, circumcised hearts, and life — a contrast to the destructions in Numbers.
- Fr. Mike uses this to show God's desire is life and blessing, not death and destruction.
Warfare As A Consequence Of Israel's Weakness
- Fr. Mike emphasizes that genocide is not God's ultimate plan but a tragic consequence of Israel's recurring unfaithfulness and weakness.
- He argues the warfare occurs because Israel tolerated corrupting relationships that would have undermined their covenant witness.