תהלים, פרק קל״ה, פסוק י״ב

The transfer of territory from defeated rulers like Sihon, Og, and the kings of Canaan to the Israelites was the fulfillment of a long-awaited destiny [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The miracles and conquests that took place during these battles were not merely displays of God's immense power. Rather, they were driven by a deep commitment to an ancient promise made to the forefathers of the Israelites. Out of His enduring love for them, God orchestrated these events so that the nation would finally receive their rightful ancestral property [מלבי״ם].

This ancient destiny highlights a sharp contrast between the fate of Canaan and that of Egypt. Earlier in history, Pharaoh was not killed, and the Egyptians were allowed to keep their territory. In contrast, the Canaanite kings were completely overthrown, and their territories were divided among the Israelites. This difference stems directly from the original promise. Because only the land of Canaan was promised to the Israelites from the days of their ancestors, Egypt was left intact for its own inhabitants [אלשיך].

The granting of this land was not a temporary victory but the establishment of a permanent reality. Emphasizing the land as a true heritage highlights that it was given exclusively to the Israelites [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. This designation teaches that God placed the land in their hands in a state of peace, making it a complete and absolute possession [מאירי]. Ultimately, this gift reflects a deep inner compatibility, as God carefully matched the chosen nation with a land that is itself chosen from among all other lands [רד״ק].