Land(conveyance, seizin, to real estate title)
Summary
In Scripture, particularly the Promised Land of Canaan given to Abraham's descendants, central to God's covenant promises.
☩The Promise
God promised Abraham, 'Unto thy seed will I give this land' (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21). This covenant was renewed to Isaac and Jacob, defining the boundaries from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates. The land was to be Israel's inheritance, the place where God would dwell among His people. The promise sustained the patriarchs as strangers and pilgrims, and motivated the Exodus generation during their wilderness wanderings.
☩Conquest and Possession
Under Joshua, Israel entered and conquered Canaan, fulfilling the promise (Joshua 21:43-45). The land was divided among the twelve tribes, with the Levites receiving cities throughout all territories. Possession was conditional upon obedience—the people could be expelled for unfaithfulness (Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 28:63-64). Both exiles (Assyrian and Babylonian) demonstrated this principle.
☩Spiritual Significance
Beyond its physical reality, the Promised Land carries typological meaning. Hebrews presents Canaan as representing spiritual rest (Hebrews 3-4), with the 'better country' being heaven itself (Hebrews 11:16). The patriarchs looked for a 'city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God' (Hebrews 11:10). Yet many also see continued significance for the physical land in God's purposes for ethnic Israel.
Related Verses1554 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Land," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Land," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).