The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 83: The Gibeonite Trickery (2026)
40 snips
Mar 24, 2026 A vivid retelling of Joshua's ambush and the altar on Mount Ebal. The narrative turns to the Gibeonites' deceptive plan to secure a covenant. Reflections explore making promises without seeking God's guidance. The Psalms bring a note of joy and restoration. A final prayer urges examining motives for joining a relationship with God.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ambush Tactic Wins The Battle Of Ai
- Joshua uses a feigned retreat and ambush tactic at Ai; 5,000 men lie in ambush while the main force draws the enemy out.
- The strategy succeeds after God tells Joshua to stretch his javelin as a signal to the ambush.
Joshua Reads The Law On Mount Ebal
- Joshua publicly reads the law on Mount Ebal, fulfilling Moses’ command and establishing blessings and curses before all, including sojourners.
- The reading uses an unhewn altar and places half Israel on Gerizim and half on Ebal to pronounce the law.
Pray For Grace To Choose God Freely
- Pray with gratitude and ask God for the grace to live obediently and belong to Him freely.
- Fr. Mike's guided prayer thanks God for goodness and petitions help to choose His will in daily life.