Topical Bible: Israel: The People Receive It and Covenant Obedience to It

◄ Israel: The People Receive It and Covenant Obedience to It ►

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Introduction

The nation of Israel holds a central place in biblical history as the chosen people of God, through whom He revealed His laws, covenants, and ultimately, His plan for redemption. The reception of the land of Israel and the covenantal relationship between God and His people are pivotal themes throughout the Scriptures. This entry explores the biblical narrative of Israel receiving the Promised Land and the call to covenant obedience.

The Promise of the Land

The promise of the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham is a foundational element of God's covenant with Israel. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation. The land is further promised in Genesis 15:18, where God makes a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates."

The Exodus and Wilderness Journey

The fulfillment of this promise begins with the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The journey to the Promised Land is marked by God's miraculous provision and guidance. In Exodus 19:5-6, God establishes a covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, declaring, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine."

Entering the Promised Land

Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites enter the Promised Land. The book of Joshua details the conquest and division of the land among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 21:43-45 emphasizes God's faithfulness: "So the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers."

Covenant Obedience

The reception of the land is intrinsically linked to the call for covenant obedience. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. The Israelites are repeatedly reminded to follow God's commandments to maintain their place in the land. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 exhorts them, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him."

The Cycle of Obedience and Disobedience

The history of Israel in the land is marked by cycles of obedience and disobedience. The book of Judges illustrates this pattern, where Israel repeatedly turns away from God, faces oppression, and is delivered by judges when they repent. This cycle underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness.

The Prophets and the Call to Return

Throughout Israel's history, the prophets play a crucial role in calling the people back to covenant obedience. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel warn of the consequences of disobedience and call for repentance. Jeremiah 7:23 captures this call: "But this is what I commanded them: Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. Walk in all the ways I have commanded you, that it may go well with you."

The New Covenant

The promise of a new covenant is introduced in the prophetic writings, particularly in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people. This new covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who establishes a new relationship between God and humanity, transcending the limitations of the old covenant.

Conclusion

The narrative of Israel receiving the land and the call to covenant obedience is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of living in accordance with His will. The history of Israel serves as a profound lesson on the blessings of obedience and the consequences of turning away from God.

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Exodus 24:3,7
And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD has said will we do.
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Library

The Chosen People
... Had Israel been true to God, He could have accomplished His purpose through ... face
with kings and rulers, that they and their people might receive the light ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 2 the chosen people.htm

"The House of Israel"
... wrath of her fornication;" and to spiritual Israel is given the message, "Come out
of her, My people, that ye ... partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... be called effectually, and thus brought to receive the promise ... To the condition of
a people keeping covenant, the seed ... in part is happened to Israel, until the ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

His Holy Covenant
... our whole religion must be an unceasing dependence to receive it direct ... Blessed be
the Lord, the God of Israel, who bath visited His people, to remember ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xvii his holy covenant.htm

The Book of the Covenant
... Book of the Covenant, and obtained the people's acceptance of ... It is so much easier
to receive the instruction from ... to be as fruitless as was Israel's at Sinai. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xii the book of.htm

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
... divine presence; and the encircling stones, Israel gathered around ... and a witness
to the people,"and a ... at the threshold of the covenant, receive an expiatory ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the love of thine espousals.htm

The New Covenant
... I will make with the house of Israel; After those ... the wonderful privilege of every
member of the New Covenant people. ... Him, the child of God will receive by the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter iv the new covenant.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... I will make with the house of Israel; after those ... their God, and they shall be my
people." Signally contrasted ... chisel, but made soft to receive impressions of ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience.
... God here asks in the first place from His people when He ... not fear to make his own
the words of Israel at Sinai ... must be gradual, as man is prepared to receive it ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/seventh day holiness and obedience.htm

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
... through his servants the prophets, we should receive it as ... him shall the gathering
of the people be."[764 ... uttered concerning the restoration of Israel, refer to ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xiii covenanting predicted in.htm