Deu 1:8 | TNotes | STEP | 1:8 occupy it (literally acquire it as an inheritance ): The land was already Israel’s because God had promised it to the nation’s ancestors centuries earlier (Gen 15:18-21 ; 26:3 ; Exod 23:31 ). Israel was not seizing new territory from its rightful owners but was taking possession of land occupied by squatters.

bGen 15:18-21►

dExod 23:31►

‏ Deuteronomy 1:8

1:8 ^a occupy it (literally acquire it as an inheritance): The land was already Israel’s because God had promised it to the nation’s ancestors centuries earlier (Gen 15:18-21 ^b; 26:3 ^c; Exod 23:31 ^d). Israel was not seizing new territory from its rightful owners but was taking possession of land occupied by squatters.