דברים, פרק ד׳, פסוק ל״ח

The historical journey of leaving Egypt and wandering through the desert culminates in the monumental entry into the Promised Land. The ultimate goal of these Divine events was not merely to release the Israelites from slavery, but to grant them a permanent inheritance. The very purpose of bringing the nation out of Egypt was to drive out the Canaanite nations and take possession of their territory as a lasting estate [ביאור יש״ר]. This specific land is unique, belonging directly to God and prepared in advance so that those who live there can achieve true spiritual perfection [ספורנו].

Taking possession of this land highlights the vast gap between limited human capability and Divine providence. The nations being driven out are described as far greater and mightier than the Israelites, surpassing them in both numbers and sheer power [רש״י, העמק דבר, ביאור יש״ר, ברכת אשר על התורה]. However, the emphasis on the immense strength of these enemies is not meant to cause fear. When God is the one driving out the inhabitants and granting the land, human power, no matter how formidable, becomes entirely meaningless [ברכת אשר על התורה].

The primary approach among commentators is that this process is not a distant future promise, but a reality unfolding right before their eyes. The Israelites are directed to look at what they have already experienced, specifically the initial conquests east of the Jordan River where the lands of the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, were given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Witnessing these tangible victories serves a clear educational purpose. The open miracles and immense kindness God has shown obligate the Israelites to recognize that He alone is God in heaven and on earth. Consequently, it is their duty to keep His laws and statutes. Furthermore, precisely because they have received such extraordinary grace in inheriting the land, they are expected to follow God's will with strict devotion. If they fail to do so, they will be judged much more severely than any other nation [אבן עזרא, בכור שור].