Topical Bible: The Jews: Settled in Canaan

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The settlement of the Jews in Canaan marks a significant phase in biblical history, representing the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This period is characterized by the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled existence in the Promised Land, as well as the establishment of a distinct national identity under the covenant with Yahweh.

Biblical Promises and Preparations

The promise of Canaan as a homeland for the descendants of Abraham is a central theme in the Hebrew Scriptures. In Genesis 12:7, God declares to Abram, "To your offspring I will give this land." This promise is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a divine commitment to the patriarchs' lineage. The journey to Canaan is marked by the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, as recounted in the Book of Exodus, where God leads them through the wilderness toward the land He swore to give them.

Conquest and Settlement

The Book of Joshua details the conquest of Canaan, a pivotal event in the settlement process. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the military campaign to take possession of the land. Joshua 1:2-3 records God's command to Joshua: "Now therefore arise, cross over this 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 conquest involves a series of battles against the Canaanite inhabitants, including the famous fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the defeat of Ai (Joshua 8). The narrative emphasizes divine intervention and guidance, as seen in Joshua 10:42: "All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel."

Division of the Land

Following the conquest, the land is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, as detailed in Joshua 13-21. This distribution fulfills the promise of inheritance and establishes the tribes in their respective territories. The allocation of land is conducted by casting lots, signifying divine sovereignty over the process. Joshua 21:43 summarizes this phase: "So the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled there."

Covenant and Identity

The settlement in Canaan is not merely a geographical relocation but a reaffirmation of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Israelites are called to live according to the laws and commandments given at Sinai, which are reiterated in the Book of Deuteronomy. This covenantal framework shapes their identity as a people set apart for God's purposes.

The Book of Judges highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining faithfulness to the covenant amidst the influences of surrounding nations. Judges 2:1-2 records the angel of the LORD's reminder: "I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land I had promised your fathers. I said, 'I will never break My covenant with you, and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land.'"

Cultural and Religious Life

The settlement in Canaan also involves the establishment of religious and cultural practices that distinguish the Israelites from their neighbors. Central to this is the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that serves as the focal point of worship and the presence of God among His people. The sacrificial system, festivals, and observance of the Sabbath are integral to their religious life, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

The period of settlement in Canaan is foundational for understanding the subsequent history of Israel, including the rise of the monarchy, the division of the kingdom, and the prophetic calls for repentance and renewal. The Jews' establishment in Canaan is a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through His covenant people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 32:18
We will not return to our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 14:1-5
And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jews.
... the priesthood of Aaron: the Egyptian bondage; the conquest of Canaan, and the ... Italy,
and other parts of the Roman empire; the eastern Jews settled in Babylon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jews.htm

How Abram Our Forefather Went Out of the Land of the Chaldeans ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... the assistance of God, he came and lived in the land
of Canaan. And when he was there settled, he built an altar, and performed a ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how abram our.htm

The Gospel Feast
... Israelites in the wilderness, and of the Israelites when settled in Canaan, alike
are ... we cannot doubt that the purifications of the Jews, Naaman's bathing ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xii the gospel feast.htm

Canaan
... overran southern Canaan, Gaza still belonged to Egypt ... that the Philistines were already
settled in its ... into Judaean territory, and the Jews retaliated whenever ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... CHAPTER 8. The Polity Settled By Moses; And How He
Disappeared From Among ... over Jordan, and are in possession of the land of Canaan. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... two sons, the one of whom, Judadas, settled the Judadeans ... curse, God inflicted it
on the children of Canaan. ... from whom they originally called the Jews Hebrews. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Time, Either Return Into Egypt Or Take Possession Of Canaan. ... CHAPTER 8. The Polity
Settled By Moses; And How He ... Out Of It, And Brought In The Jews To Inhabit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... the daughter of the "woman of Canaan," the intensity ... the districts inhabited by the
Jews the country ... his successors had indeed subdued, and settled among them ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... the surroundings of the large mass of Jews settled in the ... 269] At first the Egyptian
Jews were very ... land of Egypt should speak the language of Canaan, of which ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... up his bones to the land of Canaan into which ... and accept the crucified Savior as
the Jews' Messiah; the ... always among their first acts when they settled in a ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm