What land did God instruct Abraham to dwell in temporarily?

The story of Abraham, originally named Abram, is a cornerstone of the Old Testament and a significant narrative in the Pentateuch. It is a story rich with divine promises, tests of faith, and the unfolding of God’s covenant with humanity through Abraham and his descendants. One of the pivotal moments in Abraham’s journey is God’s instruction for him to dwell temporarily in a specific land, which is central to understanding God's broader plan for His people.

In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household to go to a land that He will show him. This initial command sets the stage for Abram's journey of faith and obedience. The verses read:

"The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'" (Genesis 12:1-3, NIV)

Abram's journey begins in Ur of the Chaldeans, which is in modern-day Iraq. He travels with his wife Sarai (later Sarah), his nephew Lot, and all their possessions to Haran, and from there, he continues to Canaan, the land God had promised to show him.

Upon arriving in Canaan, God appears to Abram and reiterates His promise, saying, "To your offspring I will give this land." (Genesis 12:7, NIV). This land, Canaan, is the territory that God instructs Abram to dwell in temporarily. It is significant because it is not just a physical space but a symbol of God's covenant and the future inheritance of Abram's descendants.

Canaan, in biblical geography, roughly corresponds to modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria. It was a land inhabited by various groups, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Despite its diverse and often hostile inhabitants, Canaan was the land chosen by God for Abram and his descendants.

The narrative of Abram's sojourn in Canaan is marked by several key events that underscore his faith and obedience to God. One such event is his building of altars. In Genesis 12:7-8, Abram builds an altar to the Lord at Shechem and then moves to the hill country east of Bethel, where he builds another altar and calls on the name of the Lord. These actions signify his worship and dedication to God, acknowledging God's sovereignty over the land and his life.

Another significant event is Abram's journey to Egypt due to a severe famine in the land. In Genesis 12:10, it is recorded:

"Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe." (Genesis 12:10, NIV)

This temporary departure from Canaan is noteworthy because it demonstrates the challenges and uncertainties Abram faced. Despite these challenges, God’s protection and promises remained steadfast. In Egypt, Abram encounters difficulties, including a misunderstanding with Pharaoh over Sarai, but God intervenes to protect Sarai and Abram, ensuring their safe return to Canaan.

Upon returning to Canaan, Abram and Lot separate due to conflicts between their herdsmen. Lot chooses the fertile plains of Jordan, while Abram remains in Canaan. After Lot's departure, God reaffirms His promise to Abram:

"The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, 'Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.'" (Genesis 13:14-17, NIV)

This reiteration of the promise emphasizes the enduring nature of God's covenant with Abram. It is not merely a temporary dwelling but a lasting inheritance for his descendants.

Abram's faith is further tested with the command to sacrifice his son Isaac, the child of promise. In Genesis 22, God instructs Abram to go to the region of Moriah and sacrifice Isaac on a mountain. This test of faith is profound, as Isaac represents the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abram a great nation. Abram's willingness to obey, even in this extreme test, demonstrates his unwavering faith in God's promises. God intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute for Isaac, and reaffirms His covenant with Abram:

"The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, 'I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.'" (Genesis 22:15-18, NIV)

The land of Canaan, therefore, is not just a temporary dwelling for Abram but a central element of God's redemptive plan. It is the land where God's promises to Abram begin to unfold, where his faith is tested and proven, and where the foundation for the future nation of Israel is laid.

In conclusion, the land that God instructed Abram to dwell in temporarily is Canaan. This land is significant not only for its physical location but for its symbolic representation of God's covenant, promises, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for humanity through Abram and his descendants. Abram's journey, marked by faith, obedience, and divine encounters, serves as an enduring testament to the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His promises.