DeepSummary
In this episode, Father Mike Schmitz provides commentary on the readings from 2 Kings 17, Micah 5-7, and Psalm 140. He explains that this represents a critical moment in the Bible's narrative, as the Assyrians conquer Samaria and exile the northern tribes of Israel. The former inhabitants of Samaria are replaced by people from other nations, laying the groundwork for the tensions between Jews and Samaritans in Jesus' time.
Father Mike highlights the prophecy from Micah foretelling the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, as well as Micah's famous declaration of what the Lord requires: "to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." He connects this to the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus in John 4, where Jesus reveals her complicated marital history as a metaphor for the mingling of nations in Samaria.
Throughout the episode, Father Mike emphasizes the importance of recognizing the traps and snares set by the world, the flesh, and the devil. He encourages listeners to pray for courage and wisdom to resist these temptations and to remain faithful to God's commandments.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The exile of the northern tribes of Israel by the Assyrians was a pivotal event in salvation history.
- Micah prophesied the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
- The Lord requires His people to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him.
- The tensions between Jews and Samaritans in Jesus' time were rooted in the events of 2 Kings 17.
- Christians must resist the snares and temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
- Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman illustrates God's desire for a covenantal relationship with His people.
- The spiritual battle Christians face is against evil spiritual forces, not merely human adversaries.
- Prayer and faithfulness to God's commandments are essential for overcoming temptation and remaining close to God.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “No longer shall you call me my Baal, my master, but now you'll call me my husband.“ by God (as referenced by Father Mike)
- “Lord God, let us never, ever just exchange comfort for truth. Let's never just try to escape discomfort by capitulating to the traps and the snares of the enemy.“ by Father Mike Schmitz
- “You, o bethlehem, Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me, one who's to be ruler of Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.“ by Micah
- “The real enemies we face are not flesh and blood, but our principalities and powers, the evil spirits that the Satan that rolls around the world seeking the ruin of souls.“ by Father Mike Schmitz
Entities
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Episode Information
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
7/1/24
Today we read about the critical moment when Assyria destroys the Northern Kingdom, and the ten northern tribes are exiled and assimilated among the nations. Fr. Mike explains how this moment and the foreign possession of Samaria is key in order to understand Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4. We also read about how the prophet Micah beautifully foreshadows the birth of Jesus. Today's readings are 2 Kings 17, Micah 5-7, and Psalm 140.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.