Why couldn't the Israelites "drive out the Canaanites" in Joshua 17:12? Verse under Spotlight “Yet the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land.” — Joshua 17:12 Canaanite Resolve vs. Israelite Resolve • “Determined to dwell” points to fierce, organized resistance. • Israel’s tribes, now settled in their allotments, showed diminishing zeal compared with earlier campaigns (cf. Joshua 11:18). • Judges 1:27-28 confirms the same pattern: when Israel grew “strong,” they settled for forced labor instead of expulsion. Heart Issues Behind Military Failure • Eroding Faith: God had guaranteed victory (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). Hesitation signaled waning trust in that promise. • Partial Obedience: The mandate was total removal (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). Compromise—keeping Canaanites as laborers (Joshua 17:13)—broke that command. • Fear of Superior Technology: Canaanites in the Jezreel Valley possessed iron chariots (Joshua 17:16). Israel looked at hardware, not at the Lord’s power (Psalm 20:7). • Comfort in Early Success: After major battles were won, the tribes dispersed to cultivate their land. Ease dulled urgency (Deuteronomy 6:10-12). Consequences of Incomplete Obedience • Persistent Idolatry: Remaining Canaanites became “thorns in your sides” (Numbers 33:55) and later lured Israel to Baal worship (Judges 2:11-13). • Stalled Inheritance: Full rest in the land was delayed (Joshua 18:3). • Cycle of Oppression: Judges records repeated subjugation that traced back to these early compromises. Lessons for Today • God’s commands are given for our protection; half-measures invite long-term struggle. • What looks formidable—“iron chariots”—remains subject to the Lord of hosts (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). • Initial victories do not excuse slackness; ongoing faith and obedience secure lasting blessing (Hebrews 10:36). |
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