The boundaries of Canaan, as described in the Bible, delineate the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This land, often referred to as the Promised Land, holds significant theological and historical importance within the biblical narrative. The delineation of Canaan's boundaries is mentioned in several passages, each providing a unique perspective on the extent of the land.

Genesis 15:18-21: In God's covenant with Abram, the boundaries of the land are described as extending "from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates." This passage lists the territories of various peoples, including the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites. This broad description suggests a vast territory encompassing much of the ancient Near East.

Exodus 23:31: Here, God promises to establish the borders of Israel "from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates." This description emphasizes a land stretching from the southern desert regions to the northern reaches near the Euphrates River, and from the Mediterranean coast to the eastern desert.

Numbers 34:1-12: This passage provides a more detailed account of the boundaries as instructed by God to Moses. The southern border is described as extending from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom, with the eastern border running from the Dead Sea to the Sea of Galilee. The northern border is marked from the Great Sea (Mediterranean) to Mount Hor, and the western border is the coastline of the Great Sea. This description is more specific to the land that the Israelites were to inherit upon entering Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11:24: Moses reiterates the promise of the land, stating, "Every place where the sole of your foot treads will be yours: Your territory will extend from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Western Sea." This passage highlights the vastness of the land promised to the Israelites, encompassing diverse geographical features.

Joshua 1:4: As Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God reaffirms the boundaries: "Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great river, the Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and westward to the Great Sea." This reiteration underscores the continuity of God's promise from the patriarchs to the conquest under Joshua.

Ezekiel 47:13-20: In a prophetic vision, Ezekiel describes the future boundaries of the land, which include specific geographical markers and tribal allotments. This vision reflects a restoration and idealization of the land's boundaries, emphasizing God's enduring promise to His people.

The boundaries of Canaan, as outlined in these passages, reflect both the historical context of the ancient Near East and the theological significance of God's covenant with Israel. The descriptions vary in scope and detail, yet consistently affirm the divine promise of a homeland for the descendants of Abraham.