Daily GNT Bible Reading Podcast · Phil Fields

GN-Day103 Deuteronomy 21-22; Psalm 60; Acts 14

April 12, 2026·21 min·2 clips

What ancient ritual cleanses a community when a murdered body is found in a field?

The episode begins with the host welcoming listeners to day 103 of the Bible reading plan. The reading starts with Deuteronomy 21, which opens with a ritual for an unsolved murder involving measuring distances, breaking a young cow's neck, and a ceremonial handwashing to absolve the community. It then covers laws about marrying a beautiful woman taken as a prisoner of war, including a mourning period. Next, it discusses inheritance rights for the firstborn son, even if not from the favorite wife. A severe law commands stoning a stubborn, rebellious son who is a drunkard. The chapter concludes with instructions to bury an executed body the same day. Deuteronomy 22 includes miscellaneous laws: returning lost livestock, helping fallen animals, prohibitions against cross-dressing, and a rule to let a mother bird go when taking eggs or young. It also covers building safety with roof railings, agricultural mixing prohibitions, and wearing tassels. The chapter then details laws on sexual morality, including procedures for a husband falsely accusing his bride of not being a virgin, requiring proof via a blood-stained wedding sheet, with penalties of beating and fines. It outlines death penalties for adultery and rape, with distinctions based on location and the woman's engagement status. Psalm 60 is read as a lament where David feels rejected by God, describes national suffering, recalls God's promises of territory, and pleads for divine help in battle, asserting that human help is worthless. Acts 14 continues the story of Paul and Barnabas, who face opposition in Iconium but perform miracles. In Lystra, Paul heals a lame man, leading the crowd to believe they are gods—calling Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes—and attempting to offer sacrifices, which the apostles vehemently reject. They preach about the living God but face persecution from Jews who stir up crowds. They travel to Derbe, make disciples, then return to strengthen churches, teaching that troubles are necessary to enter God's kingdom. They appoint elders and return to Antioch in Syria to report. The episode ends with the host reading Isaac Watts' 1721 hymn 'Am I a Soldier of the Cross?', which questions Christian commitment and endurance in spiritual warfare.

As heard by us

A plainspoken daily reading that handles difficult Scripture with steady reverence.

Day 103 moves through Deuteronomy 21 and 22, Psalm 60, and Acts 14 with a steady, devotional pace. It keeps the reading moving and gives enough framing to stay oriented, but never drifts into lecture mode.

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Why you'd press play

You want Deuteronomy 21-22, Psalm 60, and Acts 14 read straight, with a prayerful close.

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