A. God changed His mind.
B. God made a new covenant with these nations.
C. God revoked the promise because of their sin.
D. God held back the blessings, but not the promise.
The correct answer is D.
God’s promises do not change. However, the enjoyment and fulfillment of these promises often depend on obedience to His Word.
Although Israel was promised a vast territory, they were, at that time, restricted from taking the lands of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. These nations had their own allotted inheritance for a season. Deuteronomy 2:5 states: “Do not provoke them (Edom), for I will not give you (Israel) any of their land, not even as much as a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession.” In the same way as God upheld His Word in giving Mount Seir to Esau, stopping the Israelites from entering in, His promises remain firm and unmovable. We read in Romans 11:29 that “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” and so His faithfulness to Israel stands. We can therefore be confident that God is faithful to all that He promises through His Word.
The Scriptures do indicate however, that these ancient territories of Edom Moab and Ammon will ultimately be incorporated into Israel’s possession in the future (see Obadiah 19; Zephaniah 2:9).
One last note. The same principles of obedience and enjoying blessings that apply to Israel also apply to believers today. While we are co-heirs with Yeshua and have received great and precious promises, experiencing and enjoying these blessings is closely connected to our walk in obedience to the Word of God.