Father Mike Schmitz hosts this Bible in a Year podcast episode, day 86, using the Revised Standard Version 2nd Catholic Edition and the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press.

The reading covers four chapters from Joshua (15-18) detailing the territorial allotments for the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, plus Psalm 130.

Father Mike emphasizes how the Great Adventure Bible's maps help visualize these geographical descriptions, making the historical reality of these places and people more tangible for modern readers.

Judah's Extensive Territory and Caleb's Victory

Joshua 15 provides detailed boundary descriptions for Judah's territory, extending from the wilderness of Zin in the south to the Great Sea in the west, with 29 cities in the extreme south alone.

Caleb received Hebron (formerly Kiriath Arba) and successfully drove out the three sons of Anak: Shashai, Achiman, and Talmai.

Caleb's daughter Aksa negotiated for additional land, requesting 'springs of water' since she was given land in the Negev, receiving both upper and lower springs.

The Jebusites remained in Jerusalem despite Judah's efforts: 'the people of Judah could not drive out' the inhabitants, who 'dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.'

Joseph's Tribes Receive Their Inheritance

Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, received territories with Ephraim's boundary running from Ataroth Adar to Upper Bethoron.

The daughters of Zelophahad (Malah, Noah, Hogla, Milka, and Tirzah) successfully claimed their inheritance rights, resulting in Manasseh receiving ten portions total.

The tribe of Joseph complained to Joshua about receiving only 'one lot and one portion' despite being 'a numerous people,' leading Joshua to direct them to clear forest land.

Joshua encouraged them: 'You are a numerous people, and have great power. You shall not have one lot only, but the hill country shall be yours.'

Completing the Land Division at Shiloh

The congregation assembled at Shiloh where 'seven tribes whose inheritance had not yet been apportioned' remained to be settled.

Joshua commissioned three men from each remaining tribe to 'go up and down the land, writing a description of it' and divide it into seven portions.

Benjamin's territory was allocated between Judah and Joseph, including cities like Jericho, Bethel, Gibeon, and Jerusalem (called Jebus).

The Levites received no territorial inheritance because 'the priesthood of the Lord is their heritage.'

Historical Reality and Present Application

Father Mike emphasizes that Christianity is 'an historical religion' with 'God Himself who took flesh and dwelt among us at a particular time in a particular place.'

The Great Adventure Bible's maps on page 1595 allow readers to 'follow with your eyes what you're hearing with your ears' and see 'this is a real place.'

Psalm 130 provides spiritual context with its declaration: 'Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord' and 'with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.'