Day 98: Israel Asks for a King (2026)

On Day 98 of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores 1 Samuel 6–8, focusing on the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Israel after seven months in Philistine hands. The Philistines, suffering from plagues including tumors and mice, send the Ark back with golden offerings as a guilt offering, testing whether its return is divine or coincidental—a method that mirrors the Catholic Church’s cautious approach to miracles. The Ark is received in Beth Shemesh, but God strikes down 70 men for looking into it, prompting the people to send it to Kiriath-Jerim, where it remains for 20 years under the care of Abinadab and his son Eleazar. During this time, Israel turns back to the Lord under Samuel’s leadership, repents, and defeats the Philistines in battle, with Samuel establishing a cycle of annual judicial visits. However, as Samuel ages, his sons prove corrupt, leading the elders of Israel to demand a king 'like all the nations.' God tells Samuel this is not rejection of him, but of God Himself. Fr. Mike reflects deeply on the spiritual tragedy of generational faith failure and the human tendency to reject God’s kingship in favor of worldly authority, even as God uses such broken desires for redemptive purposes. The episode closes with a call to prayer for those struggling with loved ones who have turned from faith, and a preview of tomorrow’s shift into the Gospel of John. Key takeaways include: (1) God’s sovereignty is affirmed even when people reject His kingship; (2) Generational faith requires personal, not inherited, commitment; (3) The Church’s rigorous approach to miracles reflects wisdom seen even in pagan nations; (4) True leadership involves serving others, not exploiting them—highlighted by Samuel’s warning about the oppressive nature of earthly kingship; (5) The Ark’s journey symbolizes God’s presence and holiness, demanding reverence; (6) Prayer is essential for parents and spiritual leaders facing faithlessness in loved ones; (7) Even human failures and broken desires can be used by God for greater good; (8) The transition to the Gospel of John marks a pivotal moment in the salvation narrative, where Jesus is revealed as the true King.