Canaan conquered and possessed.
Continuing the recital of the goodness of God to their nation, the people narrate how their fathers obtained possession of the promised land. All is ascribed to God.
I. HE PRESERVED THE NATION to enter the land (Nehemiah 9:23). Although those who left Egypt died, two excepted, in the desert, their children were multiplied "as the stars of heaven."
II. HE CONQUERED THE COUNTRY, AND GAVE THEM POSSESSION OF IT. First, kingdoms east of the Jordan (Nehemiah 9:22), then the rest of the land (Nehemiah 9:24). Although the inhabitants were numerous and valiant, he subdued them; through his might they took even "strong cities" (Nehemiah 9:25).
III. THE LAND HE GAVE THEM WAS OF GREAT VALUE, AND AFFORDED THEM MUCH ENJOYMENT (Nehemiah 9:25).
IV. HE THUS FULFILLED HIS PROMISES (Nehemiah 9:23).
Reflections:—
1. The perpetuation of the nation of Israel reminds us of the perpetuity of the Church of Christ. Notwithstanding the death of successive generations of Christians, the ravages of error, worldliness, etc; its continuance is guaranteed by the promise, "The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
2. The fulfilment of the promise of Canaan, after so long a period, should assure us of the fulfilment of all the promises of God. "He is faithful that promised," and be is almighty to overcome all obstacles and opposition.
3. The possession of a good land should excite our gratitude and praise. Our land is superior to Canaan in many respects, supplied with all kinds of advantages which the labours of others have created for us; and, like later generations of Israelites, we inherit it without conquest, and with far less peril of invasion than they experienced. God is the Giver of all, and should ever be praised for all; and we should be concerned lest by godlessness and unrighteousness we forfeit our inheritance.
4. Christians are heirs of "a better country." Heaven is like Canaan, as the gift of God, according to his promises; as a "rest" after much wandering and unrest, and as abounding in whatever can minister to enjoyment, and cause its inhabitants to "delight themselves in God's great goodness." But it is vastly superior, as a country never polluted by idolatry and wickedness; whose inhabitants are all holy; which no foe can invade, no sin, suffering, or death can enter; whose enjoyments are all pure, spiritual, and without peril; and from which is no expulsion. It is "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and which fadeth not away"—an eternal possession.