How did the Hebrews' belief in a Promised Land affect their actions in Egypt and Canaan?

Answer 1

If The Bible is taken either literally/historical document or literature, the following become apparent.

Egypt: The Hebrew belief in a Promised Land did not play much a role in the events taking place there other than cementing the idea that Hebrews born in Egypt were from "somewhere else". When the Hebrews left Egypt, the general location of the Promised Land gave them some direction in the wilderness (i.e. go east, not south) but not a lot.

Canaan: This is a completely different story. The Hebrew invasion and conquest of Canaan was directly predicated on the belief that this land was Promised by God. Canaanite tribes were slaughtered and eviscerated to make way for the new settlers and their holy places destroyed. It also led to the construction of Jewish Holy Sites and Hebrew Chiefdoms and then Kingdoms.

Answer 2

The Hebrews belief in a promise land had them settle in Canaan. However, due to a famine they went to Egypt. Ten a new pharaoh came to power; he enslaved them. Moses helped them leave Egypt. They went back to Canaan and formed a fighting force united by they're goal of reclaiming the promised land.