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Land of Israel and Jewish heritage
A series from the book written by Naveed Anjum
Jewish Life in the Land of Canaan, cont’d
The Promised Land, cont’d
Exodus From Egypt and Return to Canaan
The precursor to the first arrival of Israelites in what became known as the Land of Israel was when Abraham, at God’s command, took his own first step into the Land of Canaan. It was at that time that God promised Abraham that his descendants would become captives in another land, multiply, grow into a nation, and return to possess this Land of Promise. We previously saw this proven in the Holy Qur’an and declared within the Holy Bible.
Thus, Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, and his descendants migrated to Egypt, prospered, grew in numbers, were taken captive, and made slaves. After 400 years of suffering, according to the Holy Qur’an and Biblical narratives, God chose Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and take them back to the land of promise. They followed Moses for 40 years as he led them around and around the Sinai deserts. During this time, God gave them the Torah (Pentateuch), which included the 10 commandments and gave content and form to their monotheistic faith. Through these harsh conditions and God’s Torah instructions, Jacob’s descendants were forged into the nation of Israel. When they were ready, God allowed them to enter the Promised Land, which became the Land of Israel in fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham for Isaac and his descendants.
Jacob’s descendants’ traumatic exodus from Egypt around 1300 BCE caused an indelible and ineradicable impression on the general, corporate memory of the Jewish people. This memory and its telling developed into a worldwide pictogram for liberty and freedom. Every year, Jewish people rejoice during Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Succot (Feast of Tabernacles) as they venerate the events of that ancient time.
(To be continued…)