Day 255: God Is Good (2026)

Father Mike Schmitz begins Day 255 of the Bible in a Year podcast, noting that there are only 110 days left in the year-long reading plan. Today's readings include Jeremiah chapters 49 and 50, Lamentations chapter 3, and Proverbs chapter 18, verses 5 through 8. He warns listeners that Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51 are particularly long and encourages them to "buckle in."

Judgment Against Nations

The reading from Jeremiah 49 details God's judgment against several nations. First, judgment is pronounced against the Ammonites. God questions if Israel has no sons or heirs, implying that the Ammonites have unjustly taken their land. He promises to bring a battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites, turning it into a desolate mound and burning its villages. The Ammonites are told to wail, clothe themselves in sackcloth, and lament, as their god Milcom will go into exile with his priests and princes. God condemns their pride and trust in their treasures, promising to bring terror upon them from all sides. However, God also offers a glimmer of hope, stating that he will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites afterward.

Next, judgment is declared against Edom. God asks if wisdom is no more in Teman, and if counsel has perished from the prudent. He commands the inhabitants of Dedan to flee and dwell in the depths, as he will bring calamity upon Esau (Edom). God explains that unlike grape gatherers who leave gleanings or thieves who only take what they need, he has stripped Esau bare, uncovering their hiding places. Their children, brothers, and neighbors will be destroyed, leaving no one. Yet, God assures that he will protect their fatherless children and widows. He swears that Bozrah will become a horror, a taunt, a waste, and a curse, with all its cities becoming perpetual wastes. God will make Edom small among the nations and despised among men, bringing them down from their lofty dwelling places. Edom will become a horror, and everyone who passes by will be horrified and hiss because of its disasters, just as Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown. No one will dwell or sojourn there. God promises to come against Edom like a lion from the Jordan, making them run away and appointing whomever he chooses over them. He challenges anyone to be like him or to stand before him, emphasizing his power and sovereignty. The little ones of the flock will be dragged away, and their fold will be appalled at their fate. The sound of their fall will make the earth tremble and be heard at the Red Sea. One will mount up and fly swiftly like an eagle, spreading his wings against Bozrah, and the hearts of Edom's warriors will be like a woman in labor pains.

Judgment then turns to Damascus. Hamath and Arpad are confounded by evil tidings, melting in fear and troubled like the restless sea. Damascus has become feeble, turning to flee as panic, anguish, and sorrows seize her like a woman in labor. The famous, joyful city is forsaken. Her young men will fall in her squares, and her soldiers will be destroyed. God will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, devouring the strongholds of Ben-hadad.

Finally, judgment is declared against Kedar and Hazor. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, is commanded to rise up and advance against Kedar, destroying the people of the East. Their tents, flocks, curtains, goods, and camels will be taken, with terror on every side. The inhabitants of Hazor are told to flee and wander far away, dwelling in the depths, because Nebuchadnezzar has made a plan and formed a purpose against them. God will scatter to every wind those who cut the corners of their hair and bring calamity from every side. Hazor will become a haunt of jackals, an everlasting waste, where no man shall dwell or sojourn.