Taking Possession of the Promise

​“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you cross over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images and demolish all their high places; and you shall take possession of the land and live in it, for I have given the land to you to possess it.’” Numbers 33:51-53

The Lord gave Moses instructions on how to posses the land of Canaan. The Israelites were to cross over the Jordan into the land of Canaan and then drive out all of the inhabitants, destroy all of their figured stones, molten images, and high places. The Israelites would then take possession of the land and inherit the land based upon the tribes of their fathers and the size of their families.

Although the Israelites were given an inheritance, we read that the Israelites had a responsibility prior to receiving and taking possession of Canaan. The land was already inhabited, which included the inhabitants’ belongings as well. In order for the Israelites to inhabit the land as their own, they were required to do a number of things that involved major challenges as they drove out the inhabitants just before inheriting the Promised Land.
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​As you read this passage, think of the journey, difficulties, and obstacles that you may have to encounter before receiving a promise from the Lord. It may require that you conquer a number of challenges and responsibilities so that you can possess the promise. God will give you the wisdom, guidance, strength, and the ability as you lay hold of His promises for you.