Father Mike Schmitz hosts this Bible in a Year podcast episode, joined by Jeff Cavins to introduce the fourth biblical period called Desert Wanderings. Father Mike uses the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition and follows The Great Adventure Bible timeline from Ascension Press.

The conversation focuses on the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, covering Israel's 40-year wilderness journey after the Exodus. Jeff Cavins explains that Numbers serves as the primary narrative book while Deuteronomy contains Moses' final speech and the 'second law' given due to Israel's hardness of heart.

The discussion explores key themes including the test at Kadesh Barnea where 12 spies were sent to scout the promised land, the famous Shema prayer, and Moses' instructions for living faithfully in a culture opposed to God's message.

The Test That Led to 40 Years of Wandering

Israel was prepared to enter the promised land after receiving the tabernacle, priesthood, and law at Mount Sinai, but faced a crucial test when they sent 12 spies from Kadesh Barnea.

Only Joshua and Caleb among the 12 spies said 'we can take it,' while 10 reported giants in the land, leading God to decree one year of wandering for each day of spying - 40 years total.

The number 40 represents testing throughout Scripture, as seen in Lent and Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness - 'It's a number of finding out who you really are' - Jeff.

The older generation over 20 would die in the wilderness, with only those under 20 eventually entering the promised land under Joshua's leadership instead of Moses.

The Shema: Foundation for Living in Hostile Culture

The Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4 - 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord' - is 'the most famous verse in the entire Bible for the Jewish people' and was said daily by Jesus and even at Auschwitz.

The first key to success in a land of many gods is living as though there's only one God, requiring examination of whether our lives suggest we serve 'money, technology, sports, and oh yeah, church, God' - Jeff.

The second key is diligently teaching children, with Moses commanding parents to 'talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.'

The Mezuzah (doorpost boxes with Scripture) represents making the home 'a mikdash ma'at' - a small temple where God is worshiped and children are taught.

Prophetic Warnings and Blessings in the Desert

Deuteronomy 17 warns future kings against multiple horses, many wives, and much gold - 'these typically are related to foreign alliances' and will become the downfall of Saul, David, and Solomon.

The priestly blessing in Numbers 6 - 'The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you' - becomes central to worship and is the final blessing at Mass.

Balaam's prophecy in Numbers 24:17 declares 'I see him, but not now... A star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel' - pointing to Christ.

The tzitzit (tassels) commanded in Numbers are 'tied in such a way as to represent the 613 commandments of the Torah' and serve as constant reminders of covenant identity.

Moses' Final Speech and Desert Lessons

Deuteronomy is structured with the first part looking back at where they came from, the middle addressing their current situation, and the end looking forward to where they're going.

Moses teaches that 'man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God' - the fundamental lesson of the wilderness experience.

Numbers 33 provides 'a mini story of the story' by listing all stages of Israel's journey from Egypt, serving as a comprehensive summary of their travels.

The desert experience serves as both testing and training in trust, with Jeff encouraging listeners to 'listen to what the Lord is saying to you in a time of silence, in a time of being quarantined, in a time of being formed.'