Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 77 of The Bible in a Year podcast, reading from Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 31, and Psalm 117 using The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press.

The episode covers the final preparations before entering the promised land, including the negotiation with eastern tribes, Moses' transfer of leadership to Joshua, and God's sobering prediction about Israel's future faithlessness despite His continued faithfulness.

Eastern Tribes Negotiate Land Settlement While Maintaining Battle Commitment

The tribes of Reuben and Gad request to settle in the conquered lands east of Jordan because the territory is ideal for their large cattle herds.

Moses initially rejects their request, comparing it to the previous generation's refusal to enter the promised land at Kadesh Barnea, which led to 40 years of wilderness wandering.

The tribes agree to leave their families and livestock in fortified cities while all fighting-age men cross Jordan to help conquer the promised land before returning to their inheritance.

Father Mike emphasizes that individual decisions to avoid spiritual battles affect entire communities: 'When we're not willing to fight, people around us aren't willing to fight either.'

Moses Transfers Leadership to Joshua at Age 120

Moses announces he is 120 years old and can no longer lead, but God will go before Israel and Joshua will lead them into the promised land.

God repeatedly commands Joshua to 'Be strong and of good courage' because divine presence, not human ability, ensures victory: 'He will not fail you or forsake you.'

Moses establishes a seven-year cycle for public reading of the law during the Feast of Booths so all generations will 'hear and learn to fear the Lord your God.'

God Predicts Future Faithlessness Despite Continued Divine Faithfulness

In the tent of meeting, God tells Moses that Israel will 'play the harlot after strange gods' and break the covenant after settling in the promised land.

God commands Moses to write a song as a witness against Israel's future rebellion, knowing they will turn away when they 'have eaten, and are full, and grown fat.'

Father Mike notes that people often turn from God during prosperity rather than suffering: 'More of us turn away from God in times of prosperity.'

Despite knowing Israel's future betrayal, God promises continued faithfulness, demonstrating divine love that persists even when 'we take his love and throw it into the trash.'

Psalm 117 and Community Prayer Support

Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in The Bible, calling all nations to praise God because 'great is his mercy toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.'

Father Mike emphasizes the importance of community support in The Bible reading journey: 'I don't think any of us probably could keep up with this unless we were praying for each other.'