Is God’s Promise to Abraham Fulfilled or Forever Unfilled?
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 17:8 contradicts Joshua 21:43-45 and Hebrews 11:13. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The story of God’s promise to Abraham presents an intriguing dilemma that can be compared to a house with many doors, each seemingly leading to different conclusions. In Genesis 17:8, God makes a significant covenant with Abraham, promising him and his descendants a permanent home in the land of Canaan. This promise highlights God's eternal commitment to Abraham, showcasing His love and desire to care for Abraham's lineage indefinitely.
However, as we journey through the biblical narrative, the clarity of this promise begins to blur when we encounter Joshua 21:43-45. Here, the scripture describes how the Lord fulfilled His vow by giving all the promised land to Israel. The people possess and settle in the land, signifying that the promise made to Abraham has, indeed, been realized. This conclusion might suggest that Abraham’s descendants enjoy the promised land, closing the chapter on this divine covenant. It’s like receiving a gift from a friend and using it to its fullest extent.
Yet, Hebrews 11:13 tosses another viewpoint into the mix, stating that the patriarchs, including Abraham, died without receiving the promises. They perceived these promises from afar, suggesting a distance between the promise and its fruition, akin to seeing a rainbow but never quite reaching its end. This perspective challenges the finality perceived in Joshua’s account and revives the question: If the promise is everlasting, why did these vital figures not see it fully come to pass during their lifetimes?
These contrasting visions lead us to ponder the nature and timing of God’s promises. Are they meant to be understood and fulfilled within a tangible timeframe, or do they transcend time, emphasizing faith and trust beyond immediate realizations? This multi-layered narrative invites deeper reflection on how we interpret divine promises and their fulfillment in light of human experiences.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 17:8 | And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. [wherein...: Heb. of thy sojournings] |
| 2. | Joshua 21:43-45 | And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. |
| 3. | Hebrews 11:13 | These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [in faith: Gr. according to faith] |