August 17, 1999.
It is called the “Promised Land.” God promised it to the descendants of Abraham (starting in Genesis 12:7). Has God kept His promise, or is He waiting for “the millennium” to do it? What does the Bible say?
Joshua 21:43-45: “And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he swore to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein… There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.”
But confusion may be caused by Judges 1:18-36, where the author details the remnant of the nations which Israel did not drive out. The solution is found in Joshua’s warning to Israel: “Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that you love the LORD your God. Else if you do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you… Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you” (Joshua 23:11-13).
God Himself later announced Israel’s failure: “Because that this people has transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice; I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died” (Judges 2:20,21).
God is righteous. He promised Israel land; and He gave Israel land. Nevertheless, God’s promise had a condition. Israel would not receive 100% occupancy unless they faithfully served Him. Israel failed. God does not fail.