Second thought: Today at Torah study we finished reading Deuteronomy, the last book of the Torah. Deuteronomy ends with Moses ascending Mount Nebo to look over into the Promised Land before he dies. It's not until the book of Joshua (not in the Torah) that the children of Israel even possess the land promised to Abraham in the book of Genesis.
The mountain where God gave the land covenant to Moses. (taken by Jacklynn)
Does it seem amazing to anyone else that the story that many Jews read and are familiar with doesn't even include the fulfillment of the promise that is fundamental to their existence and identity? I realize that they know how the story ends, but still. Taking the land has not historically been their emphasis, yet they possess this awesome sense of the faithfulness of God. I guess I am impressed with their long-term perspective, their delayed gratification, their faith.
