Topical Bible: Holy Land: Called: Land of Israel

◄ Holy Land: Called: Land of Israel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Holy Land" refers to the geographical region that holds significant religious importance in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is often synonymous with the "Land of Israel," a designation that underscores its centrality in biblical narratives and its role as the Promised Land given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Biblical Promises and Covenants

The Land of Israel is first promised to Abraham in the book of Genesis. God makes a covenant with Abraham, assuring him that his descendants will inherit this land. Genesis 12:7 states, "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him." This promise is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a divine commitment to the patriarchs and their lineage.

Geographical Boundaries

The boundaries of the Land of Israel are described in various passages throughout the Bible. In Numbers 34:1-12, God provides Moses with specific borders for the land that the Israelites are to inherit. These boundaries encompass a region that includes parts of modern-day Israel, the Palestinian territories, and surrounding areas. The land is characterized by its diverse topography, including mountains, valleys, and fertile plains.

Historical Significance

The Land of Israel is the setting for many pivotal events in biblical history. It is where the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, entered and conquered the land as described in the book of Joshua. The land served as the backdrop for the reigns of King David and King Solomon, during which Jerusalem became the political and spiritual center of the Israelite kingdom.

Spiritual and Theological Importance

Theologically, the Land of Israel is seen as a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and promises. It is a land set apart for His people, a place where they are to live according to His laws and commandments. Deuteronomy 11:11-12 emphasizes the land's uniqueness: "But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end."

Prophetic and Eschatological Views

Prophets in the Old Testament often spoke of the Land of Israel in terms of restoration and future hope. Despite periods of exile and dispersion, the prophets foretold a time when God would gather His people back to their land. Ezekiel 36:24 declares, "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all the countries, and bring you back into your own land."

In eschatological terms, the Land of Israel holds a significant place in Christian theology concerning the end times. Many Christians believe that the land will play a crucial role in the fulfillment of biblical prophecies related to the second coming of Christ and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.

Cultural and Religious Heritage

The Land of Israel is home to numerous sites of religious and historical importance, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee. These locations are integral to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and are revered by Christians worldwide. The land's rich cultural and religious heritage continues to draw pilgrims and scholars, serving as a living testament to its enduring significance in the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 13:19
Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 2:20,21
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He Division of the Land.
... the rites of that dispensation, which the Holy Scripture doth ... nature (which are commonly,
and not improperly, called "Statutes appendant to ... "The land of Israel ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 1 he division of.htm

Why Jesus came to this World
... It was called the Land of Canaan at the first, then the Land of Promise, and then
the Land of Israel. But we call it the Holy Land, or Palestine. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter i why jesus came.htm

The Land and the People.
... the classic battle-ground of Israel"and westward ... Caesarea Philippi, formerly and
now called Banias (or Paneas ... the northern termination of the Holy Land and of ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ...
... heathen, since the dedication of the so-called Terumoth, or ... brought from what had
grown on the holy soil itself ... Babylon took possession of, in the land of Israel ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in palestine -.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... and its outer courts made ready, he called all the ... of the law, was carried into the
most holy place, and ... be, at home, or captives in a strange land, that the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Child Jesus Brought from Egypt to Nazareth.
... more than seven months] into the land of Israel.22 But ... is the northern of the three
divisions of the Holy Land. ... he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; ^c ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xv the child jesus brought.htm

The Rejuvenation and Restoration of Israel.
... In other chapters we have called attention to ... significant and portentous episode
in Israel's history since ... its ultimate object the purchase of the Holy Land. ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/8 the rejuvenation and restoration.htm

The Story of Israel Crossing Jordan under Joshua is Typical of ...
... by what we find in the book called Joshua, [4938 ... from off you." Then the children
of Israel kept the ... unleavened bread of the corn of the holy land, and fresh ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/26 the story of israel.htm

The Mountainous Country of Judea.
... Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah ... To whom he replied, That
land is called 'the land of ... does not contain his flesh: so the land of Israel ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 11 the mountainous country.htm

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
... the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel existed no ... of their principal cities was Caesarea
Philippi (called after the ... Samaria as belonging to the Holy Land, but as ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 1 palestine eighteen centuries.htm