Genesis book, which describes the beginning of humanity and the beginning of Israel, continuously mentions G-d’s promises regarding giving the promise land to the “Fathers” and their children. This point of view, that the land of Israel was promised to Bnei Israel before they conquer the land from the Canaan people is mentioned many times in the Torah. The people of Israel had a strong attachment to the country of Israel, therefore they settles down in the country by dividing the land to tribes spreading to different areas.

The Bible describes the land occupation in 2 steps: 1. Trans-Jordan area which occupied in Moses time. 2. In the leadership of Yehusha ben Nun, the 12 tribes conquered Canaan land. 10 tribes settled in west Trans-Jordan. On the east Trans-Jordan left 2 and half tribes (Reuven, Gad and half of Menashe). The levi tribe was dedicated to holiness purpose and didn’t get any land at all.

According to our Sages of Blessed Memory, the occupation period took only 14 years: 7 years of conquering and 7 years dividing the country. It’s important to point out that during all that period, Canaanite peoples were living in the land but the ruling regime was the Egyption Empire.