The Conquest and Settlement of the Promised Land is a pivotal event in the history of Israel, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants a land flowing with milk and honey (Genesis 12:7, Exodus 3:8). This period is primarily chronicled in the biblical books of Joshua and Judges, with additional references in Deuteronomy and other historical books.

Divine Mandate and Preparation

The conquest begins with God's command to Joshua, Moses' successor, to lead the Israelites into Canaan. God reassures Joshua of His presence and promises success if the Israelites remain faithful to the Law given through Moses. "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6).

Before crossing the Jordan River, Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho, the first major city in Canaan. The spies are aided by Rahab, a Canaanite woman who acknowledges the God of Israel and is promised safety for her and her family (Joshua 2).

Crossing the Jordan and Initial Victories

The Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River on dry ground, reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing, signifying God's continued presence and power (Joshua 3:14-17). The fall of Jericho follows, where the Israelites, following divine instructions, march around the city for seven days, culminating in the walls collapsing after a great shout (Joshua 6:20).

The conquest continues with the defeat of Ai, after an initial setback due to Achan's sin of taking forbidden items from Jericho (Joshua 7-8). The Israelites renew their covenant with God at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, as commanded by Moses (Deuteronomy 27, Joshua 8:30-35).

Southern and Northern Campaigns

Joshua leads a southern campaign, defeating a coalition of Amorite kings with divine intervention, including the miraculous halting of the sun and moon (Joshua 10:12-14). The northern campaign follows, where Joshua defeats a coalition led by Jabin, king of Hazor, thus securing control over much of Canaan (Joshua 11).

Division of the Land

With the major military campaigns concluded, the land is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by lot, as instructed by God. The Levites, serving as priests, receive no territorial inheritance but are given cities and surrounding pasturelands (Joshua 13-21). Caleb, one of the faithful spies, is granted Hebron as his inheritance (Joshua 14:6-15).

Challenges and Incomplete Conquest

Despite significant victories, the conquest is incomplete. Several Canaanite strongholds remain, and some tribes fail to fully drive out the inhabitants, leading to future conflicts and idolatry (Judges 1:27-36). The Israelites' failure to fully obey God's command to dispossess the land's inhabitants results in ongoing struggles and the influence of Canaanite culture and religion.

Covenant Renewal and Warnings

Joshua, nearing the end of his life, calls the Israelites to Shechem for a covenant renewal ceremony. He challenges them to serve the Lord faithfully and reject foreign gods, famously declaring, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). The people affirm their commitment, but Joshua warns of the consequences of disobedience.

Legacy and Theological Significance

The conquest and settlement of the Promised Land underscore God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of obedience to His commands. It sets the stage for the period of the Judges, where Israel's cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance becomes evident. The events highlight the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, as well as the need for a faithful and obedient covenant community.