Day 280: The People of the Covenant (2026)
October 7, 2026
AI Summary
5 min readOn day 280 of the Bible in a Year, Father Mike Schmitz reads Nehemiah 12, Esther 9–11, and Proverbs 21:21–24, closing the book of Esther and setting the stage for the end of the return from exile. The episode is not a debate or interview but a guided reflection on how the story of God’s covenant people has unfolded—and what that means for a listener who is also waiting for God to act.
The central question Father Mike poses is quietly urgent: after centuries of exile, division, and foreign rule, how could God possibly fulfill the promises he made to Abraham? The Jewish people had been waiting for hundreds of years—through Babylon, Persia, and soon Greece and Rome—with no visible kingdom restored. Father Mike uses the day’s readings to show that the waiting itself is part of the story, and that the people’s restraint and faith in that waiting is a model for Christians today.
The Feast of Purim and the restraint of the Jews
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:03) **Episode Opening & Scripture Introductions** - Fr. Mike sets up Day 280, introduces the readings (Nehemiah 12, Esther 9–11, Proverbs 21:21–24), and notes the transition toward the Maccabean Revolt.
- 2 (06:52) **Esther 9: The Destruction of the Jews’ Enemies** - The narrative recounts how the Jews, given permission to defend themselves, strike down their attackers across the Persian empire, including the ten sons of Haman in Susa.
- 3 (09:02) **The Feast of Purim Inaugurated** - Mordecai and Esther establish the annual celebration of Purim on the 14th and 15th of Adar, commemorating the Jews’ deliverance from Haman’s plot.
- 4 (11:48) **Esther 10–11: Mordecai’s Dream Fulfilled & Postscript** - The book concludes by noting Mordecai’s high rank and interpreting his earlier dream as a prophecy of God’s deliverance, followed by a postscript about the letter of Purim being brought to Egypt.
- 5 (13:48) **Proverbs 21:21–24** - A short passage on pursuing righteousness and kindness, the wisdom of scaling a city, guarding one’s mouth, and the danger of pride.
- 6 (14:19) **Closing Prayer** - Fr. Mike prays, thanking God for His word and asking for the Holy Spirit to help listeners know that God has chosen, fights for, and covenanted Himself to them.
- 7 (14:57) **Commentary: Purim Customs and the Shoah** - Fr. Mike explains Purim as a still-celebrated Jewish feast, draws a weak analogy to Christmas and Halloween, and reflects on how Jews throughout history (including the Shoah) have looked to Esther for hope.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Fr. Mike concludes the book of Esther and the book of Nehemiah by reflecting on the journey and resilience of the Jewish people thus far in the story of salvation.Fr. Mike explains how, in our lives, we don’t always know how God is going to show up, but we know that he will be faithful. Today’s readings are Nehemiah 12, Esther 9-11, and Proverbs 21:21-24.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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