The biblical narrative of the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land is primarily found in the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges. These texts provide detailed instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding the conquest of Canaan and the subsequent settlement of the land. The instructions emphasize obedience, faithfulness, and the establishment of a society centered on the worship of Yahweh.

Divine Command and Promise

The foundation for the conquest is rooted in the divine promise made to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). As the Israelites prepare to enter the land, God reiterates this promise to Joshua, Moses' successor, assuring him of His presence and support: "Every place where the sole of your foot will tread, I have given you, as I promised to Moses" (Joshua 1:3).

Preparation and Obedience

Before entering Canaan, the Israelites are instructed to prepare themselves spiritually and militarily. In Deuteronomy, Moses delivers a series of speeches that outline the laws and commandments the Israelites must follow to prosper in the land. Central to these instructions is the Shema, a call to exclusive devotion to God: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

Conquest Strategy

The conquest strategy involves both divine intervention and human action. The Israelites are commanded to destroy the inhabitants of the land to prevent idolatry and moral corruption: "You must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy" (Deuteronomy 7:2). The fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) exemplifies the combination of divine power and human obedience, as the walls collapse following the Israelites' adherence to God's specific instructions.

Settlement and Division of the Land

Once the land is conquered, it is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. The book of Joshua details the allotment of territories, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise. The Levites, set apart for priestly duties, receive no land inheritance but are given cities to dwell in (Joshua 21:1-3).

Covenant Renewal and Warnings

The settlement process includes a renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. Joshua gathers the people at Shechem, reminding them of God's faithfulness and urging them to serve the LORD alone: "Choose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). The Israelites' commitment to the covenant is crucial for their continued prosperity in the land.

Challenges and Failures

Despite initial successes, the book of Judges records the Israelites' failure to fully obey God's commands, leading to cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance. The incomplete conquest results in the coexistence with Canaanite peoples, which becomes a source of spiritual and moral compromise. The repeated refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25), highlights the need for faithful leadership and adherence to God's law.

The instructions for conquest and settlement underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands, the dangers of idolatry, and the necessity of maintaining a covenant relationship with the LORD. These themes resonate throughout the biblical narrative, shaping the identity and destiny of the Israelite nation.