What is the biblical account of Canaan's conquest?

Historical Overview

The biblical account of the conquest of Canaan centers on the narrative primarily found in the Book of Joshua, with background details in Deuteronomy and subsequent clarifications in Judges. According to the text, the tribes of Israel, having been liberated from Egypt and having wandered in the wilderness under Moses, entered and took possession of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. This land was described as Canaan, a territory promised centuries earlier to Abraham.

The timeline, as portrayed in Scripture, places the conquest around the Late Bronze Age. Many conservative scholars affirm a date in the 15th or early 14th century BC, aligning with a straightforward reading of 1 Kings 6:1 and other chronological markers in the Old Testament. Traditional timelines often reflect Archbishop James Ussher’s approach, placing the Exodus and subsequent conquest in a timescale consistent with Scripture’s internal chronology.

Key Scripture Passages

The Book of Joshua is the primary source. Chapters 1 through 12 recount the initial entering of the land and the major battles. The subsequent chapters (13–24) detail the division of the land among the tribes and covenant renewal.

• “Now therefore arise, cross over the Jordan… into the land that I am giving…” (Joshua 1:2)

• “Be strong and courageous…” (Joshua 1:9)

Both brief statements, delivered by the LORD to Joshua, emphasize God’s command and promise to grant them victory.

Preparation and Leadership of Joshua

Following Moses’ death, Joshua assumed leadership. Scripture underscores that Joshua was commissioned directly by God, ensuring continuity in divine guidance. The people were instructed to follow Joshua, and he in turn was instructed to meditate on and uphold the Law (Joshua 1:7–8).

Much of the focus in this preparation stage involves bolstering morale and trust in God’s promises. The people consecrated themselves before crossing the Jordan, symbolizing spiritual readiness as well as military readiness.

Crossing the Jordan

Joshua 3 recounts the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. The narrative parallels the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses. The ark of the covenant, carried by priests, went ahead; when the priests’ feet touched the water, the flow of the Jordan stopped, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground. This event authenticated Joshua’s leadership and showed the power of God to fulfill His word.

Fall of Jericho

Jericho, one of the oldest known fortified cities, stands out as the first major conquest. The people followed a divine strategy rather than conventional siege warfare. They marched around Jericho’s walls once per day for six days, and on the seventh day they circled the city seven times.

“Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!” (Joshua 6:16). When the people shouted, the walls collapsed.

Archaeological research at the site of ancient Jericho (Tell es-Sultan) has revealed remains of collapsed walls dating to a plausible timeframe for Joshua’s conquest. Early work done by John Garstang proposed a destruction date around 1400 BC. Later excavations by Kathleen Kenyon placed the destruction earlier, but even Kenyon’s careful stratigraphy left a window that many researchers still argue can align with the biblical timeline, pending interpretive methods and ongoing study.

Campaigns in the South

Joshua chapters 9–10 detail the southern campaign. After an initial treaty with the Gibeonites, Israel was drawn into conflict with a coalition of Amorite kings. The account mentions the miraculous prolonging of daylight (Joshua 10:12–13), ensuring victory for Israel. Although debated, some have posited that this event could be explained by atmospheric or astronomical phenomena. Others argue it was a direct supernatural act of the Creator, consistent with the biblical worldview that God intervenes in His creation as needed.

Israel’s victories in cities like Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir further established footholds in southern Canaan.

Campaigns in the North

Joshua 11 describes a final, large-scale confrontation. The northern kings, led by Jabin of Hazor, gathered a formidable army. Scripture reports that Israel prevailed decisively. Archeologists have uncovered evidence of widespread destruction at Hazor, including layers showing massive burning. Some interpret these findings as consistent with the biblical account of Hazor’s defeat and burning (Joshua 11:10–11). Additionally, various excavations at Hazor have unearthed fortifications and artifacts that reinforce its significance as a major Canaanite city.

Division of the Land

The latter chapters of Joshua (13–22) detail the tribal allotments. Each portion was assigned by lot, reflecting the belief that God directed the apportionment. Levites, being the priestly tribe, did not receive a conventional land inheritance but were given cities within the other tribal territories.

Chapter 24 concludes with a covenant ceremony at Shechem, where Joshua exhorts the nation: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15). The people reaffirm their allegiance to the LORD, marking a milestone in their establishment as a covenant nation in Canaan.

Archaeological Evidence and Corroborations

Outside of the specific sites like Jericho and Hazor, the broader Late Bronze Age context supports many details of the biblical record. The Merneptah Stele (c. 1208 BC) mentions Israel in Canaan, confirming an Israelite presence in the region. Pottery styles, architectural remains, and even references in extra-biblical documents from surrounding cultures further situate the Israelite conquest in a real historical milieu.

While some interpretations differ, a growing number of scholars—across various disciplines—note that the biblical narrative’s cultural and topographical details align well with known data from ancient Canaan. These include descriptions of city-states, fortifications, geography, and conflict patterns consistent with the Late Bronze Age.

Theological and Moral Considerations

The conquest accounts raise questions about divine justice. The biblical text presents God as judge of the nations (Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 9:4–5), emphasizing that the Canaanites had practiced moral and spiritual abominations. The narrative highlights that Rahab, a Canaanite inhabitant of Jericho who trusted in Israel’s God, was spared, illustrating that individuals who turned to the LORD received mercy.

Israel, in turn, was not above judgment. The punishment of Achan (Joshua 7) reveals that the same standard of holiness and obedience also applied to Israel. The overarching message remains that God is sovereign, just, and patient. Yet there is a point at which He judges persistent wrongdoing.

Conclusion

The biblical account of Canaan’s conquest narrates a decisive transition in Israel’s national history, from wilderness wanderers to settlers in the land promised to their ancestors. Spanning Joshua’s leadership, the miraculous crossing of the Jordan, the dramatic fall of Jericho, and the broader campaigns to subdue Canaan, this narrative stands at the junction of God’s covenant and Israel’s responsibility to obey.

Archaeological excavations at Jericho, Hazor, and other sites, along with external references like the Merneptah Stele, offer material corroboration in favor of the biblical portrayal. Interpretations vary, but the convergence of Scripture, topography, and ancient records bolster the reliability of Joshua’s account.

Ultimately, the conquest of Canaan is presented within the broader biblical framework: God acts within history, directing events and shaping His people for His sovereign purposes. The lessons from these events—faith, obedience, God’s righteousness, and His mercy—are woven throughout Scripture, shaping the biblical understanding of how God fulfills His promises.