Abram and Sarai Standing in the Fruitful Land of CanaanBible World
13:17Genesis 13:17
Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
After Abraham separated from Lot, God promised him the whole land of Canaan and directed him to arise and walk through its length and breadth, confirming that it would belong to him. The command to traverse the country was the seal of that gift, that all he surveyed was to be his.
Yet neither Abraham nor his descendants received the promised inheritance in their lifetime, but lived as pilgrims, strangers and sojourners. Abraham possessed not even a foot of it during his life and had to purchase land to bury his dead, Sarah. The promise did not mean immediate possession of all its benefits, but pointed beyond present possessions to immortal life and the purified earth made new. Then, after the earth is purified, Abraham and his children, the children of Abraham, will receive title to their possessions in the earth made new.
The verse therefore illustrates trusting God's promised reward even when its fulfillment is not seen in this life. The present earth is not the permanent home, and Abraham could live as a pilgrim looking forward to his heavenly home while waiting for that future inheritance.
After Abraham separated from Lot, God promised him the whole land of Canaan and directed him to arise and walk through its length and breadth, confirming that it would belong to him. The command to traverse the country was the seal of that gift, that all he surveyed was to be his.
Yet neither Abraham nor his descendants received the promised inheritance in their lifetime, but lived as pilgrims, strangers and sojourners. Abraham possessed not even a foot of it during his life and had to purchase land to bury his dead, Sarah. The promise did not mean immediate possession of all its benefits, but pointed beyond present possessions to immortal life and the purified earth made new. Then, after the earth is purified, Abraham and his children, the children of Abraham, will receive title to their possessions in the earth made new.
The verse therefore illustrates trusting God's promised reward even when its fulfillment is not seen in this life. The present earth is not the permanent home, and Abraham could live as a pilgrim looking forward to his heavenly home while waiting for that future inheritance.