The Hebrews had entered Canaan, but they had not subdued it; and to human appearance the struggle to gain possession of the land must be long and difficult. It was inhabited by a powerful race, who stood ready to oppose the invasion of their territory. The various tribes were bound together by the fear of a common danger. Their horses and iron battle chariots, their knowledge of the country, and their training in war, would give them great advantage. Furthermore, the country was guarded by fortresses--"cities great and fenced up to heaven." Deuteronomy 9:1. Only in the assurance of a strength not their own could the Israelites hope for success in the impending conflict.

Om aftenen den fjortende dag i måneden blev påsken fejret på Jerikos sletter. Dagen efter påsken spiste de af landets afgrøde, usyrede brød og ristet korn; selv samme dag hørte mannaen op, da de nu spiste af landets afgrøde; israelitterne fik ikke manna mer, men spiste det år af høsten i Kanaans land. Ørkenvandringens lange år var til ende. Israelitternes fødder betrådte endelig det forjættede land.