In the Promised Land

In leading the Israelites to take control of the Promised Land, God calls the people to rid the land of everything that doesn't hold up the likeness and authority of His character and word - foundational of His Kingdom. So, the Promised Land signifies God's place where His people will live under His authority and enjoy His blessing, which is to extend to the people groups that surround them.

As the people dwell in the land, God mediates His rule through chosen leaders whom He raises up and empowers with His Spirit. Each leader is to demonstrate God's character; he's to uphold God's law; he's to lead the Israelites in faithfully living as God's people. As things unfold, each leader proves to be flawed. The nation continually cycles through a pattern of following God, sinning against God, enduring God's judgment, and turning back to God in repentance.