The term "inhabitant of the land" is a phrase found throughout the Bible, often used to describe the people residing in a particular region or territory. This term is significant in understanding the historical, theological, and moral context of the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the "inhabitants of the land" frequently refers to the Canaanites and other indigenous peoples living in the Promised Land before the arrival of the Israelites. God commanded the Israelites to drive out these inhabitants as they took possession of the land. This command is rooted in the covenantal promise made to Abraham and his descendants, as well as the moral corruption of the Canaanite societies. In Genesis 15:16, God tells Abraham, "In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."

The Book of Exodus details the initial stages of this divine mandate. In Exodus 23:31-33 , God instructs the Israelites, "I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods."

The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a pivotal moment in fulfilling this command. Joshua 3:10 states, "Joshua said, 'By this you will know that the living God is among you, and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites.'"

Moral and Theological Implications

The command to dispossess the inhabitants of the land is often viewed through the lens of divine justice and holiness. The Canaanites' practices, including idolatry and child sacrifice, were abominations in the sight of God. Leviticus 18:24-25 warns the Israelites, "Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its iniquity, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants."

The Israelites were to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes. The presence of the Canaanites and their practices posed a threat to the spiritual purity and covenantal relationship between God and His people. Deuteronomy 7:1-2 emphasizes this separation: "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations... you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy."

New Testament Reflection

While the New Testament does not directly address the "inhabitants of the land" in the same historical context, the concept of spiritual inheritance and the call to holiness continue. Believers are called to be distinct from the world, living as citizens of God's kingdom. 1 Peter 2:11 exhorts, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul."

The New Testament also expands the understanding of God's people to include all who have faith in Christ, transcending ethnic and geographical boundaries. The spiritual conquest is now one of spreading the Gospel and making disciples of all nations, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Conclusion

The phrase "inhabitant of the land" serves as a reminder of God's promises, the call to holiness, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the pursuit of a life that reflects His righteousness and justice.