God’s land promise was originally made to Abraham in roughly 2,000BC. The Bible first tells of the land promise in Genesis 12:1-3 and it is repeated several more times to Abraham and descendants Isaac and Jacob (aka Israel). As a result, the “Promised Land” became the great quest of the tribes of Israel.
“On November 29, 1947 the United Nations adopted Resolution 181 (also known as the Partition Resolution) that would divide Great Britain’s former Palestinian mandate into Jewish and Arab states in May 1948 when the British mandate was scheduled to end.” (U.S. Sec of State)
Many evangelical Christian leaders today teach that the land promise was only, finally fulfilled in this 1948 action by the UN that established the modern day nation of Israel. Was it really roughly 4,000 years later that the land promise was fulfilled? What does Scripture say?
how Scripture answers "Was the land promise fulfilled in 1948?"
an answer short on commentary and long on Scripture as footnoted1 | please contribute with your comment at the bottom
The land promise was fulfilled long ago (approx 1,300 BC) when the twelve tribes of Israel, led by Joshua, conquered the land1,2 – all of it3. It’s not only explicitly stated at the time, but repeated by God4 and written into Israelite history by subsequent Bible writers5,6,7,8,9 spanning more than 1,000 years following. God fulfilled a promise that was conditional on their obedience1,3,4,7,8, and it was their disobedience that caused them to lose the land7,8.
the answer above is based on and footnoted with the following passages and their BSF application
God is recalling a promise from about 700 years prior, reminding a new generation – the generation that would actually see and have opportunity to enter the Promised Land.
Does it apply? Yes
The closing of the book of Joshua following the detailed accounting of the distribution to the land to each of the twelve tribes.
The writer of Joshua believed the land promise was fulfilled in his day.
Does it apply? Yes
And now I am about to die, and you all know to a truth that not one word of God’s promises have failed concerning you. All has come to pass; not one has failed.
Joshua believed the land promise was fulfilled in his day. In his final words, he also warns them to remain faithful or they will be case out of the land.
Does it apply? Yes
God believed the land promise had been fulfilled, but reminds them it is conditional.
Does it apply? Yes
A song sung by the nation of Israel, recounting and summarizing their history.
Around 1,000BC, The Israelites believed the land promise had been fulfilled.
Does it apply? Yes
A prayer by Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, when he was afraid (vs 3) of a mounting force coming against him for battle (vs 1-2) and was seeking God’s help.
At around 850BC, King Jehoshaphat believed the land promise had been fulfilled.
Does it apply? Yes
The message from God through Jeremiah – a message he personally had been giving for 23 years at this point (vs 3). The northern ten tribes have already been taken away by Assyria for their disobedience. Now, the southern two tribes will follow suit at the hands of the Babylonians.
At around 580BC, Jeremiah believed the land promise had been fulfilled but was jeopardized by their disobedience. His personal sentiment about God having fulfilled his promise (the land) and their disobedience is repeated again in his prayer (Jeremiah 32:22-23).
Does it apply? Yes
You [God] multiplied their [Israelites] children as the stars of the heaven and brought them in to possess the land you had promised to their fathers. So their descendants went in a possessed it and you subdued the inhabitants and delivered them over to the Israelites – their kings and their people – that they might do with them as they pleased.
A great scene of repentance and confession by the people that had returned to the land after seventy years of captivity in Babylon. It was led by several Levites (vs 5).
At around 450BC, the Levites and the people believed the land promise had been fulfilled, while acknowledging their loss of the land due to their disobedience.
Does it apply? Yes
After destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he [God] gave them their land as an inheritance.
Paul’s gospel sermon while in the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia on the Sabbath day.
In the first century, Paul believed the land promise had been fulfilled.
Does it apply? Yes
Do you agree? If so, share this question and the Bible Study Framework with others.
If you know of some other verses or you have something to add to the verses already listed for this question please leave a comment below! We welcome the public discussion and will incorporate your input into the Framework above. We have nothing to hide and invite your help in considering all that God’s word has to say.
Leave A Comment