If your whole net worth is tied up in the land you own, and if that land was given to you by God, the boundary markers become crucial.
This was true for the Israelites. God made it clear in their laws that these boundaries were his decision and should not be moved by anyone trying to take advantage of others.
“You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, set up by former generations, on the property that will be allotted to you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess” (Deuteronomy 19:14).
The wisdom of Proverbs echoes God’s command to the Israelites.
Do not remove the ancient landmark
that your ancestors set up. (Proverbs 22:28)
During Isaiah’s ministry, God’s directive about boundary markers was disregarded to such an extent that it was listed among the prophet’s catalogue of Israel’s sins.
Woe to those who join house to house,
who add field to field,
until there is room for no one,
and you are left to live alone
in the midst of the land! (Isaiah 5:8)
Micah understood that evil starts in the mind. The tenth commandment warns against coveting someone else’s belongings. When people desire other people’s property and then take it, they ignore God’s rules about property.
Woe to those who devise wickedness
and evil deeds on their beds!
When the morning dawns, they perform it,
because it is in their power.
They covet fields and seize them,
houses and take them away;
they oppress householder and house,
people and their inheritance. (Micah 2:1-2)
People who read my blog know I’ve been worried about the war between Russia and Ukraine for a long time. This injustice feels like someone trying to move boundary markers on a national level.
Over a million people have either died or been wounded because of this war over a boundary marker.
I can’t imagine how long it will take for Russia to recover its losses while trying to claim less than 20% of Ukraine’s land. Nor can I fathom how long it will take Ukraine to heal from the human, emotional, and economic toll of this terrible conflict.
This is a perfect and tragic example of why humans need to observe God’s boundary markers.
Two Witnesses
Rudy Ross has often highlighted in our YouTube videos the importance of having two witnesses and how this theme is reflected throughout the Bible.
“A single witness shall not suffice to convict a person of any crime or wrongdoing in connection with any offense that may be committed. Only on the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be sustained” (Deuteronomy 19:15).
As you read the Bible, you’ll notice that God often provides two witnesses to show his actions. This idea is also found throughout the Bible, including in Revelation, where two witnesses testify before the end.
Keep an eye out for two witnesses, and you will see the logic behind Rudy’s thoughts. You will also see how God confirms his work in the world.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 