Acts 7:45

KJV

Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739} also {G2532} our {G2257} fathers {G3962} that came {G1237} after brought in {G1521} with {G3326} Jesus {G2424} into {G1722} the possession {G2697} of the Gentiles {G1484}, whom {G3739} God {G2316} drave out {G1856} before {G575} the face {G4383} of our {G2257} fathers {G3962}, unto {G2193} the days {G2250} of David {G1138};

Complete Jewish Bible

Later on, our fathers who had received it brought it in with Y’hoshua when they took the Land away from the nations that God drove out before them.

“So it was until the days of David.

Berean Standard Bible

And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David,

American Standard Version

Which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua when they entered on the possession of the nations, that God thrust out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:45 is a crucial part of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, where he meticulously traces Israel's history to illustrate God's consistent, yet unconfined, presence among His people. This verse specifically details the journey of the Tabernacle of Witness, which was brought into the Promised Land by the generation following Moses, led by Joshua (referred to by his Greek name, Jesus), after God sovereignly expelled the Gentile nations. It highlights the Tabernacle's significance as the dwelling place of God's presence, enduring until the time of King David, thereby underscoring God's faithfulness through various eras and challenging the rigid, localized understanding of divine presence held by Stephen's accusers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:45 is nestled within Stephen's extensive historical sermon, which spans from Abraham to Solomon's Temple. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Acts 7:44](/acts/7-44 "Acts 7:44 - The Tabernacle of Witness"), Stephen discusses the "Tabernacle of witness" (or "tent of testimony") that Moses constructed in the wilderness according to divine pattern. Verse 45 continues the narrative of this Tabernacle, tracing its journey from the wilderness into Canaan. Stephen's broader argument in this section is to demonstrate that God's presence was not limited to the Temple in Jerusalem, nor was it static; rather, it accompanied His people through various stages of their history, even before the Temple existed. This historical recounting serves to challenge the Sanhedrin's assumption that God could only be worshipped in the Temple, an assumption that fueled their opposition to Stephen's message about Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Acts 7:45 refers to the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the conquest and settlement of Canaan. After Moses' death, Joshua (whose name is transliterated as "Jesus" in Greek, G2424) assumed leadership, guiding the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This era involved significant military campaigns to dispossess the existing Canaanite inhabitants, who were polytheistic and practiced idolatry and child sacrifice, deemed abhorrent by God. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among His people. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the site for sacrifices and divine communication. Its journey into Canaan with the Israelites underscored God's active involvement in their historical and military endeavors, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan. This period of the Tabernacle's prominence continued until King David's reign, when he desired to build a permanent house for God, a task ultimately completed by his son Solomon.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Stephen's sermon and the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly the promise of the land to Abraham's descendants, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram"). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's active and sovereign involvement in history**, as He "drave out" the Gentile nations to make way for Israel. Thirdly, the journey of the Tabernacle underscores the theme of **God's dynamic and unconfined presence**; His dwelling was not initially fixed in a single location but moved with His people, foreshadowing the New Testament truth that God does not dwell in temples made with hands ([Acts 7:48](/acts/7-48 "God Does Not Dwell in Temples Made with Hands")). Finally, the mention of "Jesus" (Joshua) leading the people into "possession" subtly foreshadows the ultimate "Jesus" (Christ) who leads His people into their spiritual inheritance, a theme central to the New Covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jesus (Greek, _Iēsoûs_):** This is a direct transliteration of the Greek name Ἰησοῦς, which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua), known in English as Joshua. In this context, Stephen is unequivocally referring to Joshua, Moses' successor, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. This linguistic connection is crucial for understanding the historical accuracy of Stephen's account and distinguishes this "Jesus" from Jesus Christ, though the typological connection is significant.
* **possession (Greek, _katáschesis_):** Derived from a word meaning "to hold down" or "occupancy," this term refers to the act of taking and holding the land of Canaan as an inheritance. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants, emphasizing that Israel's claim to the land was by divine grant and conquest, not merely by human endeavor.
* **drave out (Greek, _exōthéō_):** This verb, meaning "to expel" or "to thrust out," powerfully describes God's direct and forceful action in dispossessing the Canaanite nations from the land. It underscores God's sovereignty and His active role as the divine warrior who cleared the way for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant and His power over all other nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles,"**: This clause refers to the Tabernacle (from Acts 7:44) being carried by the generation of Israelites who succeeded Moses ("our fathers that came after"). The leader of this generation was Joshua, identified here by his Greek name, "Jesus." They brought the Tabernacle into the land previously occupied by the Canaanite nations ("the Gentiles"), which was to become Israel's "possession" or inheritance. This highlights the Tabernacle's journey from the wilderness into the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership.
* **"whom God drave out before the face of our fathers,"**: This phrase clarifies that the "Gentiles" (Canaanite nations) were not merely displaced by human might but were actively and supernaturally expelled by God Himself. The divine action ("God drave out") emphasizes His sovereignty and faithfulness in clearing the land for His chosen people, demonstrating His power and commitment to His covenant promises.
* **"unto the days of David;"**: This final phrase specifies the duration of the Tabernacle's central role as the primary sanctuary. It remained the focal point of Israelite worship and the symbol of God's dwelling among them from the time of the conquest under Joshua until the reign of King David, who initiated the plans for a permanent Temple, eventually built by his son Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's sermon, including Acts 7:45, employs several literary devices. **Historical Narrative** is the overarching framework, as Stephen systematically recounts Israel's past to establish his theological points. Within this narrative, there is clear **Allusion** to specific Old Testament events, such as the conquest of Canaan under Joshua and the establishment of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's portable and active presence among His people, challenging the static, localized understanding of divine presence prevalent among the Temple-centric Jewish leaders. The use of "Jesus" for Joshua also creates a subtle **Typology**, hinting at the greater "Jesus" (Christ) who would lead His people into a spiritual inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:45 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power in fulfilling His covenant promises. It underscores that God's presence is not confined to human-made structures but actively accompanies His people through their historical journey. The expulsion of the Gentiles by divine power highlights God's justice and His commitment to preparing a place for His people, demonstrating that their inheritance was a divine gift, not merely a human conquest. This historical precedent sets the stage for Stephen's broader argument that God's ultimate dwelling is not limited to physical temples, but extends to His people through the Holy Spirit.

* [Joshua 3:14-17](/joshua/3-14-17 "Joshua 3:14-17 - Crossing the Jordan River") – Describes the miraculous crossing of the Jordan, led by the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant (within the Tabernacle), signifying God's presence leading His people into the land.
* [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - God Driving Out Nations") – Moses' prophecy regarding God driving out the nations before Israel, directly paralleling Stephen's statement about God expelling the Gentiles.
* [2 Samuel 7:1-7](/2_samuel/7-1-7 "2 Samuel 7:1-7 - David's Desire to Build a House for God") – David's desire to build a permanent house for God, marking the transition from the Tabernacle to the concept of the Temple, and God's response.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:45 invites us to reflect on the dynamic nature of God's presence and His faithfulness throughout history. Just as God led Israel into their promised inheritance, clearing obstacles before them, He continues to lead His people today into the spiritual inheritance found in Christ. This verse reminds us that our faith journey is not a solitary endeavor, but one in which God actively intervenes, removes barriers, and provides His guiding presence. It challenges any tendency to confine God to specific places or rituals, encouraging us to recognize His sovereign hand at work in our lives and in the world. We are called to trust in His providence, knowing that He is capable of overcoming any "Gentiles" or obstacles that stand in the way of His purposes for us. The historical account serves as an encouragement that God is always at work, fulfilling His promises and making a way for His people to possess their spiritual blessings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active role in dispossessing the Canaanites challenge or affirm your view of divine intervention in history?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Jewish leaders Stephen addressed, be prone to confining God's presence or work to certain structures, traditions, or expectations?**
* **How does the journey of the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's mobile presence, relate to the concept of God dwelling within believers today?**

### FAQ

**Who is "Jesus" in Acts 7:45, and why is this significant?**

Answer: The "Jesus" mentioned in Acts 7:45 is not Jesus Christ, but rather Joshua, the successor of Moses who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. The Greek name for Joshua is Ἰησοῦς (Iesous), which is transliterated as "Jesus" in the King James Version. This linguistic detail is significant because it highlights Stephen's accurate recounting of Old Testament history. While it refers to the historical Joshua, it also sets up a subtle **typological** connection: just as Joshua led God's people into their physical inheritance, Jesus Christ, the greater Joshua, leads His people into their spiritual inheritance and eternal rest. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate biblical interpretation and appreciating the depth of Stephen's sermon. For more on Joshua's leadership, see [Joshua 1:1-9](/joshua/1-1-9 "Joshua 1:1-9 - God's Charge to Joshua").

**What is the significance of the Tabernacle's journey "into the possession of the Gentiles, unto the days of David"?**

Answer: The Tabernacle's journey signifies the continuity of God's presence with His people as they transitioned from the wilderness into the Promised Land. Its entry into the "possession of the Gentiles" (Canaan) underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to give Israel the land, actively driving out the previous inhabitants. The phrase "unto the days of David" marks the duration of the Tabernacle's role as the central, portable sanctuary. This period highlights that God's dwelling place was not initially a fixed temple, but a mobile tent that accompanied His people through various historical stages. This historical detail supports Stephen's broader argument that God is not confined to human-made structures like the Temple, a point he makes explicitly in [Acts 7:48-50](/acts/7-48-50 "God's Presence Not Limited to Temples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:45, though recounting Old Testament history, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The historical Joshua, whose name is Jesus, leading God's people into their earthly inheritance, powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ, the true and greater Joshua, who leads His redeemed people into their spiritual and eternal inheritance. Just as God "drave out" the Gentile nations to clear the way for Israel's possession of the land, Christ, through His atoning work on the cross, has defeated the spiritual powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")) and cleared the way for believers to enter into their spiritual "possession" – the Kingdom of God and eternal life. The Tabernacle, a portable dwelling of God's presence, ultimately points to Christ, in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Christ")). He is the true dwelling place of God among humanity, the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to be with His people ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, God's presence is no longer confined to a physical structure like the Tabernacle or Temple but dwells within every believer, making them a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). This progression from a portable tent to a fixed temple, and ultimately to the indwelling Spirit and the New Jerusalem where God dwells directly with His people ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells Among His People")), illustrates the unfolding of God's plan for intimate communion with humanity, fully realized in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Acts 13:19

And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

Joshua 24:18

And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: [therefore] will we also serve the LORD; for he [is] our God.

Joshua 23:9

For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but [as for] you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day.

Joshua 18:1

¶ And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

Deuteronomy 32:49

Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, [unto] mount Nebo, which [is] in the land of Moab, that [is] over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

Psalms 78:55

He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.