Borders

Numbers 34:1–2 (ESV) The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the people of Israel, and say to them, When you enter the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, the land of Canaan as defined by its borders),

The Lord promised this land and the Lord outlined the borders for them. It was to be a sizable piece of land as well as a good land. It even came with ocean front property.

What do we learn from a text that seems so void of spiritual insight? A lot.

First we learn that God knows exactly where we are to go and what we are to do. Will we listen to Him? He has outlined for His people the places He wants them. He determines our steps. You are not aimless if you are walking with Christ. You have a specific destination in Him.

Second we learn that God believes in us. There were many different typographical areas for Israel to conquer in that land. Some seacoast, some desert region, some lush and fertile, others marshy. The land was a challenge and the people in the land were all different with unique fighting capacities. God believed they could do it. With Him, there was not a single battle, no matter how distinct the challenge that could stop them.

Third, we learn that God's desire is for us to take all that He has promised us. He maps out the land for Israel to let them know - "this is yours, take all of it." I wonder if we often make the same mistake as Israel in forfeiting what is ours by divine directive.

You see, the most important lesson for knowing the boundaries of the land God promised is that we learn also what Israel failed to take.
Joshua 15:63 (ESV) But the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out, so the Jebusites dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.

Joshua 16:10 (ESV) However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor.

Joshua 17:11–13 (ESV) Also in Issachar and in Asher Manasseh had Beth-shean and its villages, and Ibleam and its villages, and the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its villages, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages; the third is Naphath. 12 Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities... (read it for more sad news of their uncompleted mission).

Sadly, we get to see through the unfolding of Israel's history how far short they came to God's plan and purpose for them in the land. It is a warning to us. Our God wants to give us victory in every area of our lives. Will we drive out the inhabitants? Will we fight for the complete victory we so earnestly need?

The rest of Numbers 34 outlines the names of the tribal leaders entrusted with designating the land assignments. Twelve tribal leaders will apportion the land according to God's directive. There is a principle here we shouldn't miss. Leadership sets the tone for taking hold of the promises of God for His people. These leaders should have led their tribes well until the job was done.

In the absence of obedience we are left looking for someone who will do what Israel did not do.

There is one who came and did all that God required. There is one who left no enemy undefeated. There is one who did not fail to take all that God had promised Him and make them His own. Jesus Christ is true Israel for you and for me. He is the true champion who drives out the inhabitants and we walk in His victory.