God's People, Land, and Rule: A Biblical Trilogy

The concept of a true theocracy involves a people separated unto God, living in a land He has promised them, and acknowledging Him as their only King and Lawgiver. 🌿 This divine trilogy of God’s people in God’s land under God’s rule is seen most clearly in the original organization of the church in the wilderness, the settlement of Canaan under Joshua, and will find its ultimate fulfillment in the New Earth.

1. The Divine Ideal: The Church in the Wilderness

God never intended for His people to be like the nations around them; they were to be a people who dwelt alone and were not reckoned among the nations Numbers 23:9.

• God's People: The Israelites were chosen to be a "peculiar people" above all the people on the face of the earth Exodus 33:16.

• God's Rule: In the wilderness, they were under His direct rule as a family. God was their only King and Lawgiver Isaiah 43:15. He spoke His law to them directly from Sinai to guide their conduct Exodus 20:1-17.

• God's Land: He pledged to lead them safely to the land of promise, a land He had given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for an everlasting possession Genesis 17:8+1.

2. The Theocracy in the Promised Land

When Israel first entered Canaan, the system established in the wilderness was intended to be perpetual.

• God's People: By faith, even those from among the heathen, like Rahab the harlot, could unite with Israel and share in the blessings of the covenant Hebrews 11:31.

• God's Rule: God ruled through judges "until Samuel the prophet," making His will known through his chosen messengers Acts 13:20. Even when kings were later allowed, the throne was still called the "throne of the Lord," and the king was to sit there as God's representative 1 Chronicles 29:23.

• God's Land: The land was described as a "second Eden," abounding in brooks, springs, and every variety of fruit—a place where they would eat bread without scarceness Deuteronomy 8:7-9.

3. The Throne of the Lord Removed

Because of persistent rebellion and the breaking of the covenant, the earthly theocracy ended with the captivity of Zedekiah.

• The Overturn: God declared the kingdom would be overturned and "be no more" until He comes "whose right it is" Ezekiel 21:27.

• Jesus’ Declaration: While on earth, Christ clarified the nature of His rule for this present age, stating, "My kingdom is not of this world" John 18:36. Therefore, while this world stands, a true earthly theocracy cannot exist again until the end of time.

4. The Ultimate Fulfillment: The New Earth

The trilogy of the people, the land, and the rule will be perfectly restored when the earth is made new. ✨

• God's People: This includes all who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and whose names are written in the book of life Revelation 21:27. They are the "meek" who shall inherit the earth Psalm 37:11.

• God's Rule: The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in the city, and His servants shall serve Him Revelation 22:3. Christ will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end Luke 1:33.

• God's Land: We look for a "new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" 2 Peter 3:13. The Holy City, New Jerusalem, will come down from God out of heaven to be the capital of this glorified inheritance Revelation 21:1-2.

In that day, the tabernacle of God will be with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God Revelation 21:3. 📖