Topical Bible: Israel: Arrive at the Border of Canaan

◄ Israel: Arrive at the Border of Canaan ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The arrival of the Israelites at the border of Canaan marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, representing the culmination of the Exodus journey and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This event is primarily chronicled in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, where the narrative unfolds with both divine instruction and human response.

Background and Context

Following their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the subsequent covenant at Mount Sinai, the Israelites embarked on a journey through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. This journey was characterized by divine guidance, as the LORD led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). The Israelites' arrival at the border of Canaan was not merely a geographical transition but a significant spiritual milestone, as they stood on the brink of entering the land promised to their forefathers.

The Spies' Expedition

Upon reaching the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh, Moses, at the LORD's command, sent twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:1-2). The spies were tasked with assessing the land's fertility, the strength of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities. After forty days, they returned with a report that highlighted both the land's abundance and the formidable nature of its inhabitants. "We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey! Here is its fruit" (Numbers 13:27). However, ten of the spies instilled fear among the Israelites by emphasizing the strength of the Canaanites and the presence of giants, leading to widespread doubt and rebellion (Numbers 13:31-33).

The People's Rebellion and God's Judgment

The negative report led to a crisis of faith among the Israelites, who lamented their situation and expressed a desire to return to Egypt (Numbers 14:1-4). In response, Joshua and Caleb, the two faithful spies, urged the people to trust in the LORD's promise and power: "If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us" (Numbers 14:8). Despite their plea, the congregation's rebellion prompted God's judgment. The LORD declared that the current generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, would not enter the Promised Land, and the Israelites would wander in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 14:29-34).

Renewed Hope and Instruction

As the forty years of wandering drew to a close, the new generation of Israelites once again approached the border of Canaan. In the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho, Moses delivered a series of speeches, reiterating the law and God's covenant with Israel. This is recorded in the book of Deuteronomy, where Moses emphasized obedience, faithfulness, and the importance of loving the LORD with all their heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

Moses also appointed Joshua as his successor, charging him with the task of leading the people into the land. The LORD encouraged Joshua with the promise of His presence: "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Deuteronomy 31:7).

Significance

The arrival at the border of Canaan serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of trust and obedience in the life of His people. It underscores the consequences of unbelief and the necessity of relying on divine promises, setting the stage for the subsequent conquest and settlement of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 12:16
And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter xii
... Some arrive at three parts, some at four, some at five. ... Why should Israel have deemed
the failings of its ... and to escort Abram to the border (yeshallech?� means ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xii.htm

Chapter xlix
... To arrive at this result he reconstrues a number of these ... than is the other common
phrase: "the Rock" of Israel. ... Even unto the border of the everlasting hills; ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... reply'd again, Thy servants are Inhabitants of Canaan, and declare ... Then Israel said,
Why were you so unkind To say you ... as soon as e'er they did arrive, They said ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... promised them that they should occupy Canaan so long ... The unfaithfulness of Israel,
the corruption of its cities ... hand on its north-eastern border, the Assyrian ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... What is Jerusalem that stood in Canaan, to that new Jerusalem that shall come down
from ... upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel' (Isaiah 43 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Dush is the Kushit of the hieroglyphs, the Kysis of Graeco-Roman times, and is situated
on the southern border of the Great Oasis, about the latitude of Assuan ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... and they were unable to arrive at even ... the necessity for repressing troublesome border
tribes than ... not prevented the subjugation of Damascus, Israel, Tyre, the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... Tenth Privilege.-The Advocate is judge in the client's cause.-Joseph's exaltation
was Israel's advantage.-God's care of his people's welfare. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm