The good land.
I. A LAND OF GREAT NATURAL ADVANTAGES—a wealthy possession. Wood, water, metals, a fertile soil, good pasturage, honey in the clefts of the rocks, etc. (Deuteronomy 11:11, Deuteronomy 11:12; Deuteronomy 33:13-16, Deuteronomy 33:19, Deuteronomy 33:25). Dr. Dykes remarks on it as uniting, as no other does, the two indispensable conditions of central position and yet of isolation, and points out that few regions offer so few temptations to corrupt the simplicity of their inhabitants, or better facilities for the defense of their liberties ('Abraham,' Deuteronomy 3:1-29.). A yet richer inheritance awaits the Christian, who is brought through the fire and water of tribulation to "a wealthy place" (Psalms 66:12; 2 Corinthians 4:17, 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 11:16; 1 Peter 1:4).
II. A LAND OF GREAT OUTWARD PLEASANTNESS—a beautiful possession. The speaker dwells in captivating detail on the features of its beauty—its hills and valleys, gushing with springs and cleft with innumerable water-courses; picturesque in its scenery, richly cultivated, diversified in its natural productions; blending with its agricultural and pastoral beauties the graces of the vine-clad slope, of the olive garden, of orchards of luscious fruits. A type of the fairer land beyond—the Canaan of the skies.
III. A LAND OF EXHAUSTLESS PLENTY—a satisfying possession. "Eat bread without scarceness," etc. (Deuteronomy 8:9). God was not ashamed to be called their God, having provided for them so rich a possession. Yet how poor were its satisfactions as compared with those which await believers (Revelation 21:4)!
The land was given them in fulfillment of promise; for the possession of it God had been preparing them in the wilderness; and the sharpness of the desert experience made the rest and delights of it sweeter when they came. "Trials make the promise sweet;" etc.—J.O.