Eretz means earth, land, ground, or territory. Appearing over 2,500 times, it is one of the most frequent nouns in the Old Testament. It can refer to the whole earth, a specific country (especially the Promised Land), or ground/soil.
The land promise is central to God's covenant with Abraham and Israel. Eretz Yisrael is not mere geography but a theological concept — the place where God's people live under God's rule. The narrative moves from Eden (lost land) through Canaan (promised land) toward the new heavens and new earth (restored creation).