19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
19 So
The word “so” indicates that the reason Israel did not enter the Promised Land was because of unbelief.
we see that they could not enter in
God did not allow the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.
because of unbelief.
The emphasis is on unbelief that resulted in disobedience.
PRINCIPLE:
Unwillingness to take God at His Word results in discipline.
APPLICATION:
Unbelief is one reason for divine discipline. It is possible to stop short of God’s best for us. Believers who fail to claim what God has for them are those who harden their hearts to His Word and promises. This forms a callousness on the soul toward both God and His Word.
Many Christians begin their Christian lives strong in faith. Their convictions at the point of their salvation are strong. As time goes on, they move into neglect and disobedience to God’s Word. Convictions become stifled. Rationalizations about sin become more abundant. Excuses abound. Conviction of sin becomes blunted. This is the hardening process. This is exactly what happened to Israel. They saw great victory at the beginning, but they would not continue to trust God through it all.
It would have taken but a couple of weeks to enter the land after crossing the Red Sea but, because of Israel’s rebellion, the people wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Unbelief made it impossible for Israel to enjoy the benefits of their deliverance. Many difficulties and much opposition will face every believer, but the way to advance is by faith, by trust in what God provides. From a Christian point of view, it is the only way to move forward.
