THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
Why did the Hebrews fail to conquer all the cities, allowing many foreign peoples to remain among them? The incomplete possession of the land can be attributed, first, to apathy and, second, to greed. It is noted, “Thou shalt make the Canaanite a tribute, but by expulsion thou shalt not drive him out.” This statement pertained to every tribe. Furthermore, having violated God's commandments and worshipped foreign deities, the Hebrews forfeited divine guidance. Thus, the all-wise Lord chose not to completely eradicate the Canaanite tribes, permitting many to coexist near the Hebrews. This was so that the Hebrews, experiencing oppression and servitude at their hands, might recognize the consequences of their unfaithfulness and turn back to the God who delivered them, seeking His assistance.
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I assert these points not merely through human reasoning but as evident from historical accounts, as illustrated in Judges 2. Additionally, there appears to be another reason why the Hebrews did not fully inherit the promised land. A territory of limited extent was necessary to uphold a life in accordance with the law, as the law instructed that all should gather three times a year at a designated location, where the divine temple would later be established. There, God mandated the offering of firstfruits, tithes, first-born lambs, and other sacrifices. Therefore, God intentionally restricted the Hebrews to a smaller area, ensuring even those who were less industrious could easily assemble at the temple dedicated to Him.