CANAAN

1. Bible History 

a) In this panoramic Bible Story, we present the important events, and gradual development of Bible History, keeping in view, throughout, the spiritual purpose of divine revelation.

b) It exhibits a part at a time, by being unrolled before the viewer. An unobstructed or complete view in every direction; hence a comprehensive presentation to aid viewer with a better understanding of Bible History.

c) It follows the stream of the Bible narrative, so as to aid viewer in visualizing and grasping the great truths of Bible History.

2. Canaan

a) The country in which the Israelites finally settled is known by various names. On the old Egyptian monuments it is called Ruthen, or Rutenna. In scripture it is called the land of Canaan before its occupation by the children of Israel, and the land of Israel afterwards. The ancient name Canaan, is derived from Canaan the son of Ham, whose descendants settled and dwelt there centuries before the children of Israel (Jacob) were born.

b) Palestine is another familiar name, derived from the Philistines, whom the Greeks and Romans called Palestines. These people settled the land which bordered the sea-coasts. "The Holy land", though occuring only once in the Bible (Zechariah 2:12) is now the name in most frequent use, because of the sacred associations with which the land is connected.

c) It is also called "the land of promise", because of God's promise to Abram and his seed that the land should be theirs for an everlasting possession.

d) After the land of Canaan had been invaded and conquered by the Israelites under Joshua, it was divided by lot among the nine tribes and a half; two tribes and a half having been located by Moses east of the Jordan (Joshua 14:2-3).

e) From the tribe of Judah, the most important of the twelve, Canaan obtained the epithet Judea, after the return of the remnant from captivity. This name was used broadly for Canaan, it was, however, the Roman name for the territory of Judah, or the southern of the three divisions, Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.