Final answer:
The Israelites entered Canaan and under Joshua's leadership, they conducted military campaigns to settle the land. They established a kingdom for defense, led first by Saul, and over time transitioned from agriculture to urban occupations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon entering Canaan, the Israelites, led by Moses's general Joshua, embarked on several military campaigns against the inhabitants of the land. This resulted in the Israelites settling the land. Archaeological evidence suggests the Hebrews started settling in Canaan around 1200 BCE. However, the biblical narrative, including the conquest led by Joshua, does not align perfectly with archaeological findings. Despite this, during their settlement, the Israelites established a kingdom to defend against the Philistines and other threats, and they designated Saul as their first king.
The Bible narrates various drastic actions taken by the Israelites in Canaan. For instance, according to the biblical text, they destroyed existing cities and were commanded to show "no mercy" towards certain inhabitants, which included utterly destroying men, women, and children. After their military conquests, they also adapted to urban life, moving away from primarily agricultural practices to becoming craftspeople, traders, and merchants.