Depending on how the term is used, the Promised Land represents either a physical location in Israel or “a place or situation where someone expects to find great happiness.” The problem with the latter definition is that it’s lacking in depth—selling the Promised Land short.
The Promise of Land… What Does the Bible Say About the Promised Land?
When you examine the true meaning and origin of the Promised Land, you will find it first referenced in Genesis 12. This is the introduction of God’s involvement and movement in the Promised Land. He instructs Abram (before God renamed him Abraham) to leave what is familiar to him and go to a land that God predestined for he and his descendants.
“…Get out of your country,
from your family
and from your father’s house,
to a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
and make your name great;
and you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and I will curse him who curses you;
and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” —Genesis 12:1-3
God promises Abram land that is later described as, “flowing with milk and honey.” It must be a significant and plentiful land!
God also promises Abram that he will be made into a great nation, that his name will be great, and that blessings will flow from him. God was also sure to inform Abram of the outcome for those who cursed his nation. Knowing God had his back, Abram could rest in God’s strength and plan for him, and the land.
No doubt Abram had some challenges in his travels, but nevertheless… God kept His promises. In fact, we see a confirmation of the promise through a covenant (see Genesis 15)—often referred to as the Abrahamic Covenant.
Keep in mind that God didn’t stop the promise with Abram, as He also declared that the land was to be inherited by his decedents. And God was very specific about the land’s boundaries:
“…To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”—Genesis 15:18-21
Sometime later, Abram’s faith waned, and he wondered if God’s promise of a son (making a great nation) would be fulfilled. We see that it is in Genesis 21.
Take Notice
The story of Abram illustrates that obedience comes before understanding, and that blessing comes after obedience. What we can make a note of here is that God’s timing is not our timing, but He always fulfills His promises.
We see this throughout biblical accounts of Israel’s restoration. As Believers, we are part of Abraham’s family. Therefore, we need to have an investment in the Promised Land.
The Promised Land… the Desired Outcome of a Better Life
Today’s more modern definition of the Promised Land speaks about a better life, situation, happiness, and success… but can you see where this definition comes from? It all leads back to Israel!
It’s not necessarily tied to the physical land, but perhaps it should be. Those who view the Promised Land as a more metaphorical place are missing out on having a physical tie to something tangible and greater than they could imagine.
Is it possible that the abstract thought of “longing for something greater” could be connected to something visibly evident? Imagine… a Promised Land that you can sink your toes into with soil that yields a harvest for generations.
This “longing,” that so many describe, is attributed to success and happiness. But think of it this way: Success and happiness are often defined as prosperity and hope… and the Bible is clear that when we bless Israel, we will be blessed.
Sowing physical seeds into Israel’s soil plants a better life for those who live there today. It also comes back to you with a promise…
Remember the Lord’s words to Abraham:
- “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you…”—Genesis 12:3
Jesus expounds on this idea:
- “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”—Luke 6:38
The Takeaway
In summary, we find:
- There are two definitions of the Promised Land…
- The physical land in Israel that God promised to Abraham and his decedents
- A place or situation through which someone expects to find great happiness
- The two definitions tie together more than you might expect…
- When you look at the origin of the more abstract modern meaning, it connects directly with the physical location of Israel
- It is wise for Believers to take an interest in the physical Promised Land, because they are decedents of Abraham…
- If we want a better life, we need to understand we reap what we sow…
Instead of asking yourself what the Promised Land represents, ask yourself how you will choose to invest in your Promised Land.
If you want to know more about the lives that we invest in through the soil of the Promised Land, go [HERE] to download our FREE Investment Guide today!
We want to change lives, and as a result, we are blessed to have ours transformed.