Today our Text reads:  “And he (the Lord) brought them (Israel, the Jews) to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.” Psalm 78:54-55

Wow! The Bible just called the Land of Israel, that piece of Real Estate, “His Sanctuary,” God’s Property! God eventually led Israel to the very boundary line of Canaan! It took the people 40 years (due to their sins) to make what was originally an eleven day journey!

The Verses here actually say God “purchased” that land for His people.

“This mountain” likely refers to Mount Zion, the Jerusalem area. The place where worship would be centered for many, many years.

But getting them there was only part of God’s Goal!

Next he expelled the wicked inhabitants of the territory. The verb “cast out” is “garish” in Hebrew, meaning “to thrust away,” even “to divorce” twice in the Old Testament. This process is described in the Book of Joshua largely.

Next God allotted to each family in Israel their own land, a farm, really. All but the children of Levi, that is. They were to be salaried in another way.

Then God made Israel “dwell” in their homes, tents, using “shakan” as the verb, “to settle down, abide, be at rest.”

What provision!

By the way, as Christians today God is still caring for us.

Paul promised so. “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19, it’s true!

Absolute Faithfulness … that’s God’s Record.

Being true to His Word, His Promises.

Both in days long past and yet to this very hour!

Tomorrow as well.

In fact, for eternity!

Praise His Name.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

The Lesson is a little shorter this morning. I have a full day of driving in order to preach tonight and tomorrow night in one of our “end-of-week” Revivals. Pray for my safety please.