PREPARATION BEFORE PROMISE

Israel was in Egypt for 430 years. When they went down into Egypt, they were numbered at seventy. When they left, they numbered six hundred thousand men plus women and children. They entered Egypt, as free men they escaped as slaves. Also, during their tenure in Egypt they were governed under the customs, rules, and laws of that land.

The journey from Egypt to the promise land took approximately eleven days. However, examining the scriptures in Exodus 12 when Israel made their exit from Egypt and the actual time that God was ready for them to enter into the promise land in Numbers 10 & 13, reveals two years had passed. Why the delay? God never planned to bring Israel into the promise land without first giving them structure, instructions, and laws that would prepare them for success in Canaan. God knew left up to their own devices; every man would do what is right in their own eyes. Thus, Israel’s life in Canaan would be filled with chaos and mayhem.

God’s plan for Israel was to be a theocracy; a nation under His rule. Therefore before He brought them into the promise land, He gave them His divine laws. The Ten Commandments formed the constitutional framework for the wide variety of laws they received. God left nothing to their imagination. He gave laws on: worship, idolatry, paganism, false spiritualism, blasphemy, dedication, tithing, conquest, Sabbath observance, special feast days, sacrifices, offerings,  office of the priest, the sabbatical year, the year of jubilee, purification, persons excluded from the congregation, the Nazirite vow, vows of dedication, separation, governmental laws concerning kings, rulers, judicial system, crimes against persons,  crimes against property, restitution for loss, seduction, injuries, damages, masters, servants, credit, interest, contracts, agreements, weights, measures, inheritance, marriage, divorce, sexual violations, dress for genders, health regulations, dietary regulations, benevolence, duties of respect, support, treatment of animals, preparation for battles, rules of siege, camp regulations, soldier’s exemption, obedience, duty of promulgate, blessings, and disobedience.

Unfortunately, after receiving these laws and marching orders to go into the promise land, Israel added another thirty-nine years due to their unbelief.

What is this information saying to us? First, before we receive the promise there may be a time of preparation which will aide in our future success. God has always been a God of order and structure. He does not do things haphazardly, and He desires believers to follow His pattern. Therefore, when we receive a promise, before we take off running, it would be wise if we would take time to discover and master the tools needed for our continual success in our promise land.

Secondly, the continued delay may be hinged on our disbelief. Pray that our vision, emotion, thoughts, and actions line-up with the things God have in store for us. Hence, at the appointed time thoroughly equipped, we will move into our promise.