Why couldn't the Israelites drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem in Joshua 15:63? Text for Study “Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites dwell with the sons of Judah in Jerusalem to this day.” (Joshua 15:63) Immediate Observation • The verse records a military failure: Judah “could not drive them out.” • The situation persisted “to this day,” the day of the writer, showing it was long-standing. Physical Factors: The City’s Strength • Location – Jerusalem sat on high ridges flanked by deep valleys, making direct assault difficult. • Fortifications – Archeology confirms thick walls and a water system (later called the “Warren’s Shaft”) that let defenders survive sieges. • Experience – The Jebusites had likely repelled attackers for centuries, refining their defenses. Spiritual Factors: Incomplete Obedience • Clear command – Deuteronomy 7:1-2; Exodus 23:27-33: Israel was to “drive out” every Canaanite group. • Partial effort – Joshua records many victories, yet pockets of resistance remained (Joshua 13:1-6). Jerusalem was one of them. • Erosion of faith – Military difficulty fed doubt, and doubt bred disobedience. Compare Numbers 13:31: “We are not able…” • Compromise forbidden – Judges 2:2-3 shows the consequence of treaties or coexistence: future thorns in Israel’s side. Tribal Complications • Boundary overlap – Jerusalem lay on the edge of Judah’s and Benjamin’s allotments (Joshua 15:8; 18:28). • Divided responsibility – Judah assaulted it first (Judges 1:8) but did not retain it; Benjamin later failed as well (Judges 1:21). • Result – No tribe took full ownership, so the Jebusites regrouped. God’s Patience and Long Game • Gradual conquest promised – Exodus 23:29-30: “I will not drive them out before you in a single year… little by little.” • Room for growth – Israel’s faith and unity had to mature; God often leaves battles unfinished to build dependence on Him. Eventual Resolution • David’s capture – 2 Samuel 5:6-7: “Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion.” • Name change – “Jerusalem” became “City of David,” a testimony that God’s promises never lapse, even if fulfillment is delayed. Takeaways • Even strongholds fall when God’s people persevere in faith and obedience. • Compromise with sin or unbelief, however small, lingers and hardens over time. • God’s timetable is perfect; what appears as defeat can become a stage for later victory and greater glory. |
    |