Israel has always been the Promised Land ever since God promised it to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 15;13-21; 26:3; and 29:13). God divinely mandated the land to them in 1913 BC. However, they did not begin to possess it until 1451 BC., under the leadership of Joshua, whose name means the same as Jesus (Savior). The land of promise had to be conquered.
The Bible records the many great and famous battles they had to fight in order to take all the mountains and hills, valleys and plains. The children of Israel had to fight against giants and powerfully fenced cities with high walls. They could only win these battles and take every square inch of this land by absolute dependence upon God. They fought these battles with the direction, strength, and strategies provided by God as the leaders sought Him.
As New Testament believers in our heavenly Joshua (Jesus Christ) we are also possessing a promised land which is heavenly and with many “exceeding great and precious promises” ( 2 Peter 1:4) that are to be claimed and appropriated even while we are here on this earth marching towards our heavenly Zion. It is a far greater type than the earthly promised land.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell