Just yesterday, I heard the theory postulated that the "promised land" is not really a "place," but rather a condition of being in relationship with God. When Moses disobeyed God and struck the rock twice, God told him he would not live to see the promised land and would instead wander in the desert for 40 years. But the "promised land" was not a place--rather, it was his relationship with God, which was impaired when he tried to take control (getting water out of the rock) from God, forgetting the Israelis' dependence on God.
fat wee robin
Maybe it is ,but what was the land used for before ,and why are Islamic states so concerned about this 'strip of land ',when there is endless land in the hands of Moslems .Would they bother at all, if the Israeli settlements did not high light the laziness ,and total inadequacy of the previous incombents to develop the land creatively ,and to work together for the higher good of their community ?
So, in looking at the promised land as a 'state of relationship,' are the Israeli's depending on God right now? Are they cooperating with God's plan? Is their possession of nuclear weapons, restricting Palestinian freedom, large standing army, etc. what God wants? Does it follow Jesus' model of servant leadership, of welcoming Samaritans and publicans?
Is the "promised land" in peril because they have ceased depending on God in favor of being a nuclear power?