The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. Psalm 37:29
David repeats this theme throughout the Psalm – that the righteous will inherit the land and the wicked be cut off from it. Yet, in hindsight, we know the Hebrews were later exiled, twice! Jews once again occupy the Promised Land, even though they continue to fight for the right to live there. Seems like a lot of wickedness still dwells, doesn’t it?
So, how can we, as Christians, interpret passages such as these? Here is a thought that came to me in prayer when I asked for understanding. Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:36). And, Jesus is proclaimed to be Emanuel – God With Us.(Matthew 1:23b). So where is this kingdom- this land where the righteous are to dwell? It is in Heaven, and on earth.
Christ dwells in our hearts. (1 John 4:12) We also know, one day we will dwell with Him in eternity, because He has prepared a place for us. (John 14:2). We are made righteous through His sacrifice, and when we confess, repent and turn to God, our letter of occupancy is validated.
The land we inherit is Holy Ground because we are children of our Father in Heaven, heirs to His everlasting kingdom, and keepers of the keys of Paradise. In the meantime, the promised land is us- our souls and bodies where His Spirit dwells. He stands at the door of our hearts, knocking. If we let Him in, He will dispel the wickedness in us. He promised that. So, David is right.
