Father Mike Schmitz hosts the Bible in a Year podcast, reading from the Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition using The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension. On day 89, he introduces two new books: Judges and Ruth, covering Judges chapters 1-3, Ruth chapter 1, and Psalm 133.

Father Mike provides a crucial warning about the Book of Judges, describing it as a descent into increasingly dark territory with familiar stories like Deborah, Jael, and Samson containing horrific details. The book establishes a recurring cycle of Israel's disobedience, distress, repentance, divine deliverance through judges, and temporary renewal.

The reading covers Israel's incomplete conquest of Canaan, the rise of a generation that "did not know the Lord," and the first three judges: Othniel, Ehud (who assassinates King Eglon), and Shamgar. Ruth chapter 1 introduces the story of Naomi's family moving to Moab during famine, leading to Ruth's famous declaration of loyalty and conversion to Israel's covenant.

Israel's Incomplete Conquest and Spiritual Compromise

After Joshua's death, the tribes of Israel failed to completely drive out the Canaanites, instead putting them to forced labor rather than following God's command for complete removal.

"The Lord said, Judah shall go up" - Father Mike notes that Judah means "praise," emphasizing the power of letting praise go first into battle.

The angel of the Lord declares: "I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become adversaries to you, and their gods shall be a snare to you."

The Generational Failure and Cycle of Judges

"All that generation also were gathered to their fathers, and there arose another generation after them, who did not know the Lord, or the work which he had done for Israel."

Father Mike identifies the repeating pattern: "disobedience into distress, they repent, God raises up a redeemer, and then they have renewal."

The failure occurred because leaders didn't teach their children about God's works, violating Moses and Joshua's constant reminders to "never forget what God has done for you."

Judges are not courtroom officials but military redeemers - "people who are generals, people who lead into battle" serving as saviors for Israel.

The First Three Judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar

Othniel, Caleb's younger brother, defeats Cushan-rishathaim of Mesopotamia, bringing forty years of rest to the land.

Ehud, a left-handed Benjaminite, assassinates the "very fat" King Eglon of Moab with a concealed sword, leading to eighty years of peace.

"Ehud is basically an assassin" - Father Mike emphasizes these judges aren't perfect but are effective in defeating Israel's enemies.

Shamgar kills 600 Philistines with an ox goad, demonstrating the unconventional nature of these deliverers.

Ruth's Conversion and Covenant Inclusion

During the judges' era, Elimelech's family moves to Moab during famine, where his sons marry Moabite women Orpah and Ruth.

Ruth's declaration of loyalty: "Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God."

Father Mike clarifies this isn't ethnic warfare: "God is not against any people... What He is for is faithfulness, bringing people into the covenant."

Through Ruth's lineage comes King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, showing God's inclusive covenant plan.