The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 72: The Plains of Moab (2026)
30 snips
Mar 13, 2026 A retelling of Balaam's surprising blessings contrasted with Israel's lapse into idolatry at Peor. A tense account of Phinehas' violent intervention and its lasting priestly consequence. Practical teaching on first fruits, tithing, and caring for the vulnerable. A psalm of thanksgiving that celebrates divine rescue and calls for praise.
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God Forces Balaam To Bless Israel
- God can use even a pagan prophet to bless his people despite their unfaithfulness.
- Fr. Mike explains Balaam was forced by God to pronounce multiple blessings over Israel while Balak intended curses, showing God's sovereignty.
Zimri And Cosbi Desecrate The Tent
- Israel's men engaged in sexual immorality and idolatry with Moabite women while camped in the plains of Moab.
- Fr. Mike recounts Zimri and the Midianite woman Cosbi committing sacrilege at the tent of meeting, provoking God's wrath.
Phinehas Stops The Plague With Zealous Action
- Phinehas violently stopped the desecration by spearing both Zimri and Cosbi inside the tent of meeting.
- Fr. Mike emphasizes Phinehas's act ended a plague and earned him a covenant of perpetual priesthood.