Who does not want to “conquer the world” and overcome life’s challenges? Moses had been faithful. He had led the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, parted the Red Sea, endured the plagues and more. He died. God needed a successor to continue leading and guiding the Israelites through the wilderness and to the “Promised Land.”
Even today “the land” is a controversial topic. Groups are fighting over whose land is it, where is it, and what are the boundaries.
What does the Bible say about “the land” that is promised to the Israelites? There are other biblical places where the “promised land” boundaries are defined. Joshua 1:1-7 says, “Moses my servant is dead.”
God commissioned Joshua to be Moses’ successor. “Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
“4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
This passage explains the words on the banners you have seen being carried in recent days which say “from the river to the sea.” He goes on to define the borders of “the land” in verse 4: “From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. The Borders of the Promised land are: west, the Mediterranean seacoast; east Euphrates River far to the east; south the wilderness over to the Nile of Egypt; north Lebanon.”
God has divinely empowered Joshua to follow through on His promise as He had sworn to the Fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God is preparing Joshua to perform a miracle of parting the Jordan as he did with Moses when he parted the Red Sea when leading the children of Israel from captivity in Egypt.
The question now arises why is “the land” so important for discussion? “The land” is to be taken possession of and occupied by the Israelites. Many other groups are to be driven out of “the land.” God empowered them to do it. One might well understand better what is going on now and why.
In ancient times, the renowned forebearers – Abraham, Sarah, handmaid Hagar, who bore Ishmael, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Rachel and Leah, whose names are known far and wide. Here in Joshua, we’re coming to a very exciting account of one event in pursuit of possession of “the land.”
Joshua gives the command to the officers. God has assured them of prosperity if they obey His orders, be strong and courageous, and go in and possess “the land.” You will make your way prosperous and have good success. In order to possess the land, they must fight, win wars and drive out those idolatrous who occupy the land.
At the same time, God is cleansing the land preparing to be occupied. Now they move toward Jericho with the thought to take possession.
Today is another great day to do good and be successful! Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043, 323-293-9826, www.todaysfreshstart.org, (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Errors? Or Questions? Please let me know. Join Sundays for music and message at 11:30 a.m. by calling (712) 775-8971, code 266751. References: The Holy Bible.
