Possessing Our Promised Land
"And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land." - Deuteronomy 2:31
Deuteronomy 2:31 (KJV) states, "And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land." This verse is a profound declaration of God’s promises and His invitational call to His people to embrace what He has prepared for them.
As we delve into the context of this scripture, we find the Israelites on the brink of entering the Promised Land after years of wandering in the wilderness. Throughout their journey, God has constantly reassured them of His presence, guidance, and provision. However, the reality of entering Canaan was not just a change in geography, but a transformative step into their inheritance. In Deuteronomy 2:31, God not only assures Moses that He has already initiated the process of giving the land of Sihon to them but also commands them to begin possessing it.
The phrase, "I have begun to give," is crucial. It signifies that God is active and working ahead of us, preparing our paths and gifts long before we reach them. Much like the Israelites, we often find ourselves at the threshold of our promised lands—situations, opportunities, or spiritual breakthroughs that God has ordained for us. It is a reminder that while God holds the promise, He also expects us to take a step of faith into those promises.
The act of possessing requires initiative, courage, and faith. God’s command to "begin to possess" implies that the land was not just going to fall into their laps without action or intent. The Israelites had to engage in what God had already declared as theirs. Similarly, we are urged to step into our promised lands with intentionality. What does this look like in our lives? It might be pursuing a calling, starting a new ministry, healing relationships, or overcoming personal struggles. Each situation requires ownership and action.
Furthermore, the language in this verse underscores a relationship of both gift and responsibility. God gives us many ‘lands’—blessings, opportunities, and responsibilities—each requiring our active participation. The land of Sihon represented not just territory but the victories, growth, and inheritance that come with trusting and following God’s lead. We must not overlook the biblical principle that our inheritance is often intertwined with the battles we must fight. Joshua 1:3 reminds us, "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you…" Possession often comes with the prospect of facing adversaries, just as the Israelites faced Sihon and his people.
In the New Testament, this theme of spiritual inheritance continues. Believers are called heirs of Christ, with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). However, inheriting these blessings will require us to engage actively with our faith and the challenges that may come our way. We are encouraged to take hold of the promises of God, much like the Israelites were called to take possession of their inheritance, which was full of potential but also trials.
In personal reflection, consider what areas in your own life God may be asking you to possess. What land has He said is yours to take? Are there mountains that appear too high, giants that seem too mighty? Remember, God has gone before you and prepared the way. It is vital to maintain a posture of faith and courage as we step into what God has begun to give. Let us trust in His promises, knowing that with each bold step towards possession, we shall inherit His land—full of purpose, blessing, and peace.
In conclusion, as we embrace God’s invitation to possess our promises, let us go forward with the confidence that we do not journey alone. He has begun to give, and it is now time for us to act, to engage, and to inherit all that He has prepared for us. May we be inspired by the faithful perseverance of the Israelites as we too claim our inheritance in Christ.
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Deuteronomy 2:31 - "And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land."
"And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land." - Deuteronomy 2:31
deuteronomy 31 8
Deuteronomy 31:8
Deuteronomy 31:1 - "And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel."
Deuteronomy 31:2 - "And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan."
Deuteronomy 32:31 - "For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges."
Deuteronomy 31:22 - "¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel."
Deuteronomy 31:25 - "That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,"
Deuteronomy 31:15 - "And the LORD appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle."
Deuteronomy 31:30 - "And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended."
Deuteronomy 31:10 - "And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,"
Deuteronomy 31:26 - "Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee."
Deuteronomy 31:24 - "¶ And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,"
"And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel." - Deuteronomy 31:1
Deuteronomy 31:18 - "And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods."
Deuteronomy 31:4 - "And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed."
Deuteronomy 31:9 - "¶ And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel."
Deuteronomy 31:8 - "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
Deuteronomy 31:19 - "Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel."
Deuteronomy 11:31 - "For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein."
Deuteronomy 31:28 - "¶ Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them."
"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8
Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
"For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges." - Deuteronomy 32:31
Deuteronomy 4:31 - "(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them."
"¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel." - Deuteronomy 31:22
"That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying," - Deuteronomy 31:25
Deuteronomy 31:5 - "And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you."
Deuteronomy 31:11 - "When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing."