Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 139 of The Bible in a Year podcast, reading from 2 Samuel 21, 1 Chronicles 26, and Psalm 40 using The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press.

The episode covers David's resolution of a three-year famine caused by Saul's bloodguilt against the Gibeonites, the organization of temple gatekeepers and treasurers, and David's aging as a warrior. Father Mike draws connections between ancient temple service and modern religious vocations, emphasizing themes of obedience, humility, and faithful service regardless of one's role or limitations.

David Resolves the Gibeonite Blood Debt Crisis

A three-year famine prompted David to seek the Lord, who revealed it was caused by Saul's killing of the Gibeonites in violation of Israel's 400-year-old oath from Joshua 9.

David approached the Gibeonites humbly asking 'What shall I do for you?' rather than dictating terms, demonstrating servant leadership that foreshadows Jesus.

The Gibeonites requested seven of Saul's descendants for execution rather than monetary compensation, showing both justice and restraint in their demands.

David spared Mephibosheth due to his oath with Jonathan, but delivered seven other descendants of Saul to fulfill the blood debt.

Temple Gatekeepers and Sacred Service Organization

1 Chronicles 26 details the divisions of gatekeepers - 'able men' who served as temple bouncers to prevent unwelcome people or objects from entering.

These gatekeepers would become prominent in 2 Chronicles under kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, showing their long-term importance to temple security.

Father Mike connects this to Psalm 84's declaration: 'I would rather be the doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.'

Levites oversaw temple treasuries, managing gold and silver brought from military victories and dedicated to the house of the Lord.

Father Mike references Blessed Solanus Casey, who served as a monastery porter, showing how humble doorkeeper roles can be sanctifying when done faithfully.

David's Aging and the Limits of Human Strength

David grew weary in battle against the Philistines, nearly killed by Ishbi-benob before Abishai rescued him, showing his physical decline.

David's men told him 'You shall no more go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel' - recognizing his limitations.

Father Mike reflects: 'I can only do what I can do because I can't do what I can't do' - accepting human limitations with humility.

Despite aging, David continued fighting because 'that's what he ought to be doing,' contrasting with his earlier avoidance of battle in 2 Samuel 11.

Obedience Over Sacrifice in Psalm 40

Psalm 40 declares 'Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear' - emphasizing obedience over ritual.

Father Mike explains that when we offer sacrifice, 'it is only out of obedience' and 'simply a gift done in response to your invitation.'

The psalm emphasizes saying yes to God continually, even after moments of sin: 'help us in that moment to take the very next good step.'

Any work done faithfully becomes sanctifying 'whether that's answering the door, whether that's picking up a screwdriver' - all service matters to God.