How did the 12 sons become the nation of Israel that entered the promised land?
From Jacob came twelve sons, including Joseph. Because of Joseph and the grain, they ended up in Egypt. There their families multiplied greatly, becoming the twelve tribes of Israel. Moses led them out through the wilderness, and Joshua led them into the land.
Les explains that the nation of Israel came through the covenant line: Abraham received the covenant promise, then Isaac, then Jacob, and out of Jacob came the 12 sons, one of whom was Joseph. Because of Joseph, those 12 sons ended up down in Egypt because of the grain. While the 12 sons and their families were in Egypt, they exploded in population and became the 12 tribes of Israel. Moses led them out and took them through the wilderness experience, and then Joshua led them into the land.