Topical Bible: Holy Land: Extent of As at First Divided

◄ Holy Land: Extent of As at First Divided ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Holy Land" refers to the geographical region that holds significant religious importance in the biblical narrative, particularly for the Israelites. The initial division of this land is a pivotal event in the history of the Israelites, as it marks the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the inheritance of Canaan.

Biblical Context and Promise

The promise of the land to the descendants of Abraham is a central theme in the Old Testament. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates." This promise is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a divine assurance of a homeland for the Israelites.

Conquest and Division under Joshua

The actual division of the land occurs after the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, conquer Canaan. The Book of Joshua details the conquest and subsequent allocation of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joshua 13:1-7 outlines the territories yet to be conquered, while Joshua 14-19 provides a detailed account of the division.

The land is divided by lot, as instructed by God, ensuring that each tribe receives its inheritance. Joshua 14:2 states, "Their inheritance was assigned by lot to the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses." The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River, as described in Numbers 32.

Geographical Boundaries

The extent of the Holy Land as first divided is defined by several key geographical markers. The southern boundary is marked by the Wilderness of Zin and the border of Edom, extending to the Salt Sea (Dead Sea). The western boundary is the Mediterranean Sea, while the northern boundary reaches to Lebanon and Mount Hermon. The eastern boundary is less clearly defined but includes the Jordan River and the territories east of it, as allocated to the two and a half tribes.

Tribal Allocations

Each tribe receives a specific portion of the land, with notable allocations including:

· Judah: Occupying a large portion in the south, including Jerusalem.
· Ephraim and Manasseh: Receiving central territories, with Manasseh also having land east of the Jordan.
· Benjamin: Situated between Judah and Ephraim.
· Dan: Initially located in the west, later migrating northward.
· Naphtali, Zebulun, Issachar, and Asher: Occupying northern regions.
· Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh: Settled east of the Jordan River.

Significance of the Division

The division of the Holy Land among the tribes of Israel is not merely a historical event but a theological affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant. It establishes a tangible connection between the Israelites and the land, serving as a foundation for their identity and relationship with God. The land is seen as a divine gift, a place where the Israelites are to live according to God's laws and commandments, as outlined in the Torah.

The division also sets the stage for future events in Israel's history, including periods of unity and division, conquest and exile, all of which are deeply intertwined with the land's spiritual and historical significance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 34:1-12
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... or less influential number of foreign settlers, but the Holy Land itself was a ... few
in number, and confessedly did not occupy the land in its former extent. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

The Inroads of Mahometanism
... [Sidenote: Present extent of Mahometanism.]. ... in Europe, of Arabia, Persia, the Holy
Land, Asia Minor ... Palestine and Asia Minor witnessed the first foundation of ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter viii the inroads of.htm

On Confession
... are obliged to do so in the following circumstances: First. ... In our time pilgrimages
to the Holy Land, to Rome ... We have been relieved to some extent of doing the ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 19 on confession.htm

'In the Holy Mount'
... ritual, and other critical, and, to some extent, historical, questions. ... the grave
and appeared in the Holy City unto ... out of the slaves from the land of bondage ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/in the holy mount.htm

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
... And thus, although the growth and extent of His ... were soon afterwards exterminated
from their land, their constitution ... to them the knowledge of our holy religion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvii the extent of.htm

Second Address.
... to want to be in the good land; they want ... the whole man"YOU, "a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto ... won't forego their conformity to the extent of giving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/second address.htm

Innocent iii
... The extent of land was defined as including not only ... But from the first everything
seemed to go contrary ... Instead of going directly to the Holy Land, the barons ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter ix innocent iii.htm

Author's Preface.
... The land of Canaan. ... Time and extent of Paul's journeys ... forth by every Christian leader
in every realm is to get the people to read and to know the Holy Scripture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tidwell/the bible period by period/authors preface.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... Euphrates flowed through the entire extent, from north ... kings of western Asia, also
invaded the Holy Land. ... of these ancient monarchies were, at first, no more ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Second Trumpet.
... being already laid waste as to its land, assails the ... by its founder Lysimachus, yet
the Holy Spirit defined ... find to have been of very moderate extent, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the second trumpet.htm