6 - The Promised Land

Introduction

We are now going to consider the period in Israel’s history from the crossing of the River Jordan into The Promise Land through to The Exile to Babylon – circa 1400 to 590 BC.

Moses had been Israel's leader during the time of the Ten Plagues, the Passover and the Exodus and throughout the forty years in the desert. However, God prohibited Moses from entering the Promised Land because of his disobedience at the waters of Meribah, recalled in Deuteronomy 32 v 51.

Deuteronomy 34 v 1-4

Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho

There the LORD showed him the whole land – from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, the Negev and the whole region from the valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar.

Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

God used Moses to lead his people out of Egypt following the ten plagues and the dreadful Passover. He then used him to lead Israel through the Red Sea in dramatic fashion.

It was also Moses who was used by God to provide water and manna for 40 years in the desert. Think of it; over 2 million people were sustained with food and water for forty years in the desert!

Finally; it was Moses whom God used to give the Law and the Tabernacle to his people Israel. Deuteronomy 29 v 5 tells us that during the 40 years in the desert, even their clothes and sandals didn’t wear out.

None of these events were natural, they were all supernatural. This can only be understood and believed because the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was in the midst of Israel.

Now, however, Moses was dead; they would enter the Promised Land without him. A new leader would emerge, he had been Moses' aide - his name was Joshua.

Having defeated the kings that ruled East of the Jordan; the campaign would commence proper with the destruction of Jericho and Ai to the West of the Jordan. Fifteen years of war lay ahead before the Israelite's would start to settle into their new homeland - The Promised Land.

This circa 800 year period now under consideration is divided into two distinct periods. During the first 300 years they would be ruled by various Judges that God raised up from among them - this period is outlined in the book of Judges leading into 1 Samuel. During the second period lasting circa 500 years, the people would ask for a King - this period is outlined in the books of 1&2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles.

Regarding the Promised Land...

This timeline covers circa 6000 + years of human history and delves into a wide spectrum of subjects, some of which have proved to be controversial over many years. You might not agree with every detail.

It is my hope that you will be challenged to consider this subject and how it impacts your life both now and in the future. I hope that you will learn something new about 'The Promised Land' and perhaps be inspired to read the bible for yourself in order to shape your views on this interesting subject.

On this page we will discuss the following topics; The 'Pentateuch' - Genesis to Deuteronomy. Joshua succeeds Moses. Israel's 'Golden Age' - the reign of King Solomon. Israel's prophets. The 'Divided Kingdoms' of Israel and Judah and the 'Exile to Babylon'.