They Despised the Pleasant Land

“They despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His Word” (Psalm 106:24; cf. Numbers 14).

Matthew Poole writes concerning Psalm 106:24:

“preferring Egypt and the former bondage before it, Num_14:3,4, and not thinking it worthy of a little hazard and difficulty in taking the possession of it.”

Some who initially professed the true gospel are like unto one who is very pliable. I’d rather deal with an obstinate atheist than a pliable and wishy-washy professor of the true gospel who despises the birthright and pleasant land.

“Eagerly pursue peace and holiness with all, without which no one will see the Lord, watching diligently that not any lack from the grace of God, that and through this many be defiled; that not any fornicator, or profane one, as Esau, who for one meal gave up his birthright; for you know also that afterwards desiring to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place of repentance, although seeking it out with tears” (Hebrews 12:14-17).

If the profane one cannot have this one precious and transient meal he will starve to death (or so he thinks). But recall Esau’s indifference after sating his appetite with a mess of pottage.

“And Jacob boiled soup. And Esau came from the field, and he was faint. And Esau said to Jacob, Please let me eat of the red, this red soup, for I am faint. On account of this his name is called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me your birthright today. And Esau said, Behold, I am going to die, and what good is this, a birthright to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me today. And he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave bread and soup of lentils to Esau. And he ate and drank, and rose up and left. And Esau despised the birthright” (Genesis 25:29-34).