Reviewing of the Jewish history (2)

Paul’s sermon in Antioch of Pisidia continues: “When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land as an inheritance—all of which took about 450 years.” (1) When the period of judgment ended, God gave the land of Canaan to the people of Israel as their inheritance. This was the fulfillment of the land promise within the Abrahamic Covenant. (2) At that time, God destroyed the seven nations that lived in the land (ref. Deut. 7:1, which lists the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites). (3) The period of about 450 years is an approximation: (a) The period of sojourning in Egypt (400 years), (b) the period of wandering in the wilderness (40 years), (c) the period required for the conquest of Canaan (10 years). “After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.” (1) After giving them the land, God sent judges, appointed by Him, to lead the people. Yet, the people were not satisfied and desired a king like the other nations. (2) Therefore, God gave them a king in place of the prophet Samuel. Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, became king and ruled Israel for 40 years. However, Saul committed a grave sin, and his dynasty was cut off (ref. 1 Sam. 13:13-14). “After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.’” (1) God appointed David as king in place of Saul and made an unconditional covenant with him. This is known as the Davidic Covenant (ref. 2 Sam. 7:15-16). (2) Here, the historical review ends, and the timeline jumps 1,000 years to the present day (Paul’s time). Finally, the descendant of David, Jesus, comes into view. Let us also remember the grace we have received from God. (1) God chose someone like me and invited me into an unconditional covenant (the New Covenant). (2) God freed me from the fear of death and the bondage of sin. (3) God has patiently guided me, even in my weakness of faith. “Bless the Lord, my soul, and do not forget any of His benefits” (Ps. 103:2).