The Israelites' conquest of Canaan is a pivotal event in biblical history, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land for his descendants. This period is primarily chronicled in the books of Joshua and Judges, detailing the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.

Divine Mandate and Leadership

The conquest begins under the leadership of Joshua, Moses' appointed successor. God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into Canaan, assuring him of His presence and victory over the land's inhabitants. In Joshua 1:2-3 , God declares, "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, cross over the Jordan—you and all this people—into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses."

The Crossing of the Jordan and the Fall of Jericho

The miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, where the waters are halted to allow the Israelites to pass on dry ground, signifies God's continued support. This event parallels the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's power and faithfulness.

The first major victory is the fall of Jericho, a fortified city. The Israelites, following God's specific instructions, march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls collapse after the priests blow their trumpets and the people shout (Joshua 6:20): "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."

The Central, Southern, and Northern Campaigns

The conquest unfolds in three main military campaigns: central, southern, and northern. After Jericho, the Israelites capture Ai, despite an initial setback due to Achan's sin (Joshua 7-8). The central campaign establishes a foothold in the heart of Canaan.

The southern campaign is marked by the miraculous event at Gibeon, where God intervenes by hurling hailstones and extending the daylight to ensure victory (Joshua 10:11-14). The northern campaign culminates in the defeat of a coalition of kings led by Jabin of Hazor, further solidifying Israelite control over the land (Joshua 11).

Divine Justice and the Herem

The conquest is characterized by the herem, or the ban, where certain cities and their inhabitants are devoted to destruction. This is seen as an act of divine justice against the Canaanites' idolatry and moral corruption. The Israelites are commanded to destroy these cities completely, as in Deuteronomy 20:16-18 : "However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. For you must devote them to complete destruction—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you."

Settlement and Allotment of the Land

Following the military victories, the land is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. The allotment of land is detailed in Joshua 13-21, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs. The Levites, as the priestly tribe, receive no territorial inheritance but are given cities and pasturelands throughout Israel.

Challenges and Incomplete Conquest

Despite significant victories, the conquest is incomplete. Certain Canaanite groups remain in the land, leading to future conflicts and spiritual challenges for Israel. The book of Judges highlights the cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by surrounding nations, and deliverance by judges raised by God.

The Israelites' conquest of Canaan is a testament to God's faithfulness and sovereignty, demonstrating His power to fulfill promises and execute justice. It sets the stage for the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant, with Jerusalem eventually becoming the spiritual and political center.