INHERITANCE

In Numbers 26-27, the concept of inheritance is developed. The Lord claimed Canaan as his own. He said "The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me". (Leviticus 25:23) He gave each tribe and family an inheritance in the land. It was a portion assigned to them. It must stay in the family, for it is their inheritance in the Lord. The daughters of Zelophedhad understood this and fought for the share of their father. If they did not get his portion, his name would be taken away, he and his family would lose their inheritance.

God kept his promise to apportion the land to the tribes of Israel. He fulfilled every promise through Joshua. (Joshua 21:43-45)

As is typical, God also had a greater fulfillment in mind. Peter told us that Christ followers also have an inheritance. It is kept for us in heaven. It is imperishable, undefiled and unfading. (1 Peter 1:4) Jesus explained it by saying the meek would inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5) We will receive our inheritance when Jesus returns: a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:11-13) The Book of Revelation comes to its grand conclusion when this new earth is revealed.

The blessing of an inheritance in the little country of Canaan is a shadow and type of the greater blessing of an inheritance in the whole earth, the new earth, where God dwells with his people and no evil exists.

I love that.