1. Introduction
Biblical covenants form a foundational framework for understanding ancient Israelite concepts of land, territory, and identity. This article examines how these covenants shaped territorial claims, land ownership, and national consciousness in ancient Israel.
2. Covenantal Foundations of Land Ownership
The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17) explicitly promises land to Abraham and his descendants, establishing a divine basis for territorial claims. This promise is reiterated in the Mosaic covenant and Joshua’s conquest narratives (Exodus 23:31; Joshua 1) (Mendenhall, 1962).
3. Territorial Division and Tribal Inheritance
The distribution of land among the twelve tribes of Israel (Joshua 13–21) reflects covenantal principles and reinforces collective identity and social organisation. Borders, cities of refuge, and Levitical towns are part of this structured territorial system (Bright, 2000).
4. Covenantal Land and Political Sovereignty
The covenant links obedience to God with possession and prosperity of the land, intertwining religious faithfulness and political sovereignty (Deuteronomy 28). Prophetic literature often frames territorial loss or restoration within the context of covenantal fidelity (Jeremiah 34:14).
5. Conclusion
Biblical covenants provide the theological and ideological basis for Israelite territorial claims, shaping national identity and political structures throughout ancient history.
References
- Bright, J. (2000). A History of Israel. Westminster John Knox Press.
- Mendenhall, G. E. (1962). The Tenth Generation: The Origins of the Biblical Tradition. Johns Hopkins Press.