Day 95: The Sin of Benjamin (2026)
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On Day 95 of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the book of Judges with a harrowing exploration of Judges 19–21, detailing the brutal rape and murder of a Levite's concubine in Gibeah, the subsequent war against the tribe of Benjamin, and the tragic aftermath of mass slaughter and forced marriages. The episode confronts the moral decay of Israel during the period of the judges, emphasizing how 'every man did what was right in his own eyes'—a theme Fr. Mike links directly to modern cultural relativism. He underscores the catastrophic consequences of rejecting God's clear moral order, especially in family and sexual ethics, while also highlighting the redemptive arc of repentance and divine intervention that leads into the next phase of biblical history: the rise of Samuel and the transition to monarchy. The episode closes with a call to prayer and reflection, urging listeners to recognize their own spiritual condition in light of this ancient story.
The breakdown of moral order begins when people reject God's truth and follow their own desires.
God's design for marriage and family—'one flesh'—is foundational; breaking it leads to societal collapse.
Relativism ('every man did what was right in his own eyes') is not a neutral stance but a path to destruction.
Even in the midst of horror, God hears the cries of His people and provides redemption.
The story of Benjamin’s near-extinction and eventual restoration points to God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Introduction and Mission Update
Fr. Mike begins by thanking listeners for their support of the 'Bible in a Year' mission, highlighting efforts to expand access through YouTube and language translations. He emphasizes the need for donations to keep the podcast free and accessible to all.
The Horrific Story of the Concubine in Gibeah
“This is literally from a horror movie.”
The War Against Benjamin and Its Consequences
“They then go to Jabesh Gilead and they kill everybody... and they basically kidnap 400 women who had not been married before.”
The Tragic Resolution and Moral Paradox
“If you took your daughter, that's okay because they just took her. You didn't break your vow by giving her to these men as their wives.”
The Theological Conclusion: Relativism and Redemption
“This sums up just so much. And that's one of the reasons why I love the book of Judges.”
“In those days there was no king in Israel. Every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
“They then go to Jabesh Gilead and they kill everybody... and they basically kidnap 400 women who had not been married before.”
“If you took your daughter, that's okay because they just took her. You didn't break your vow by giving her to these men as their wives.”
Host
Judges 19–21
other
Benjamin
other
Fr. Mike Schmitz
person
Concubine
person
Levite
person
Gibeah
place
Ascension
organization
Jabesh Gilead
place
Great Adventure Bible Timeline
other
Shiloh
place
Day 90: Ruth and Boaz (2026)
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) • 20m • 3/31/2026
Day 91: Gideon's Story (2026)
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) • 27m • 4/1/2026
Day 92: Jephthah's Vow (2026)
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) • 27m • 4/2/2026
Day 93: Strengths and Weaknesses (2026)
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) • 20m • 4/3/2026
Day 94: Samson and Delilah (2026)
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) • 24m • 4/4/2026
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