by Ram ben Ze'ev
The land of Yisrael (Israel) has always been central to the Jewish identity and destiny. Throughout the Torah and the broader Tanakh, G-D’s promise of the land to the Jewish people is reiterated multiple times, establishing it as an eternal inheritance. What follows explores the verses that confirm the divine boundaries and the promise of this sacred land, grounding the Jewish people's connection to Yisrael as part of G-D’s covenant.
The foundational promise of the land of Israel is given to Avraham in Bereshit 15:18. In this critical moment, G-D establishes a covenant, declaring:
"ביום ההוא כרת ה׳ את אברם ברית לאמר לזרעך נתתי את הארץ הזאת מנהר מצרים עד הנהר הגדל נהר פרת"
"On that day, the L-RD made a covenant with Avram, saying: 'To your descendants, I have given this land, from the river of Mitzrayim (Egypt) to the great river, the river Perat (Euphrates).'"
This verse defines the broad expanse of land that would one day be inherited by Avraham’s descendants. The river of Mitzrayim marks the southwestern boundary, while the Euphrates forms the northeastern limit. It is a bold and generous promise, setting the stage for the destiny of the Jewish people in the land that would become their eternal homeland.
As the Jewish people prepare to enter the Promised Land, G-D provides a detailed description of the land’s boundaries in Bemidbar 34:1-12. This passage offers a precise geographic outline of the land that is to be divided among the tribes of Yisrael:
"וידבר ה׳ אל משה לאמר... זאת הארץ אשר תפול לכם בנחלה ארץ כנען לגבלתיה"
"And the L-RD spoke to Moshe, saying... ‘This is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance, the land of Kena’an according to its boundaries.’"
The passage then lists the southern, western, northern, and eastern boundaries, giving the people a clear understanding of the extent of the land that G-D has designated for them. These boundaries are sacred, marked by G-D’s direct command and reflective of His divine will for Yisrael’s future.
In Devarim 32:8-9, Moshe recounts the song that reminds the people of their chosen status and the special relationship they hold with G-D, particularly concerning the land:
"בהנחל עליון גוים בהפרידו בני אדם יצב גבלת עמים למספר בני ישראל. כי חלק ה׳ עמו יעקב חבל נחלתו"
"When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided all mankind, He set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the children of Yisrael. For the L-RD's portion is His people, Yaakov is the lot of His inheritance."
Here, the Torah reinforces that Yisrael is not just any nation—it is G-D's special portion. The division of land among the nations takes place with Yisrael’s inheritance already set apart, highlighting that the Jewish people have been divinely selected to dwell in the land of Yisrael as a unique part of G-D’s eternal plan.
Before his passing, Moshe delivers a final blessing to the tribes of Yisrael, confirming the continued significance of the land as an inheritance. In Devarim 33:28, he speaks of the security and prosperity the Jewish people will enjoy in the land:
"וישכן ישראל בטח בדד עין יעקב אל ארץ דגן ותירש אף שמיו יערפו טל"
"So Yisrael will dwell securely, alone; the fountain of Yaakov in a land of grain and new wine; His heavens will drop dew."
This blessing not only reiterates the divine gift of the land but also the promise of peace and prosperity that comes with it. It reflects the fulfillment of G-D’s covenant with Avraham and the realization of the Jewish people's connection to the land of Yisrael.
The verses in the Torah and Tanakh firmly establish the divine promise of the land of Yisrael to the Jewish people. From G-D’s covenant with Avraham in Bereshit to the detailed borders in Bemidbar, and the reminder of Yisrael’s special status in Devarim, the Jewish people’s connection to the land is not merely historical—it is spiritual and eternal. It is a covenant that has endured for millennia, ensuring that the Jewish people’s relationship with their homeland remains at the core of their identity and faith.
These passages serve as a reminder that the Jewish people's bond with the land of Yisrael is deeply rooted in the promises made by G-D, and that this sacred inheritance is part of the divine plan that continues to unfold throughout history.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue