Thus the Israelites continued to live among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Thus the Israelites livedThe phrase "Thus the Israelites lived" indicates a settled state, suggesting that the Israelites were not merely passing through or temporarily residing but had established a more permanent presence. The Hebrew root for "lived" is "yashab," which can mean to sit, remain, or dwell. This implies a level of comfort or acceptance of their surroundings, which is significant given the context of the Israelites' call to be a distinct and holy people. Historically, this settling among other nations often led to the Israelites adopting foreign customs and practices, contrary to God's commands. among the Canaanites
The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan, a region promised to the descendants of Abraham. The term "Canaanite" is often used broadly to describe various groups living in the land. Archaeological evidence shows that the Canaanites were a sophisticated society with established cities and trade networks. Spiritually, living "among the Canaanites" posed a significant challenge to the Israelites, as it exposed them to idolatry and practices that were abominable to God. Hittites
The Hittites were an ancient people known for their powerful empire in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and their influence extended into Canaan. The mention of the Hittites here highlights the diverse and complex cultural landscape of the region. The Hittites were known for their advanced legal systems and chariot warfare. Biblically, their presence among the Israelites symbolizes the potential for cultural and religious syncretism, which often led the Israelites away from their covenant with God. Amorites
The Amorites were a prominent group in the ancient Near East, often depicted as formidable warriors. The name "Amorite" is sometimes used interchangeably with "Canaanite" in the Bible. Historically, they were known for their city-states and influence over the region. In the biblical narrative, the Amorites often represent opposition to God's people, and their presence among the Israelites signifies the ongoing spiritual and physical battles the Israelites faced. Perizzites
The Perizzites were one of the lesser-known groups in Canaan, often mentioned alongside other tribes. The name "Perizzite" may derive from a word meaning "rural" or "villager," suggesting they lived in unwalled towns or rural areas. Their inclusion in this list underscores the pervasive influence of Canaanite culture throughout the land, even in less urbanized areas, and the challenges the Israelites faced in maintaining their distinct identity. Hivites
The Hivites were another group inhabiting the land of Canaan. They are often associated with the region around Shechem and Gibeon. The Hivites' presence among the Israelites is significant because it highlights the Israelites' failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land. This disobedience led to the Israelites being influenced by the Hivites' pagan practices, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. and Jebusites
The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, known as Jebus before David's conquest. Their mention here is a reminder of the incomplete conquest of the land by the Israelites. The Jebusites' continued presence in Jerusalem until David's time symbolizes the ongoing struggle for the Israelites to fully claim the promises of God due to their disobedience and compromise. Historically, the Jebusites were a strong and resilient people, and their endurance in the land serves as a testament to the challenges faced by the Israelites in fulfilling God's commands. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were called to be a holy nation and to follow God's commandments. 2. CanaanitesA group of ancient people living in the land of Canaan, known for their idolatrous practices and opposition to the Israelites. 3. HittitesAn ancient people who lived in the region of Anatolia and northern Syria, known for their advanced civilization and conflicts with the Israelites. 4. AmoritesA Semitic people who occupied parts of Mesopotamia and the Levant, often mentioned as adversaries of Israel. 5. Perizzites, Hivites, and JebusitesOther indigenous groups in Canaan, each with their own distinct cultures and practices, often in conflict with the Israelites. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseLiving among the Canaanites led the Israelites to compromise their faith and adopt pagan practices. Believers today must be cautious of compromising their values in a secular world. The Call to HolinessGod called Israel to be a distinct and holy people. Christians are similarly called to live set apart, reflecting God's holiness in their lives. The Consequences of DisobedienceIsrael's failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the Canaanites resulted in spiritual and moral decline. Obedience to God's Word is crucial for spiritual health and growth. Influence of SurroundingsThe Israelites were influenced by the cultures around them. Christians must be mindful of the influences they allow into their lives and strive to be a positive influence on others. God's Faithfulness Despite Human FailureDespite Israel's failures, God remained faithful to His covenant. This reminds believers of God's unwavering faithfulness and grace. Bible Study Questions 1. What were the specific dangers that the Israelites faced by living among the Canaanite nations, and how can we relate this to modern-day challenges? 2. How does the command to drive out the Canaanites reflect God's desire for His people to be holy and separate? How can we apply this principle in our lives today? 3. In what ways can Christians guard against the influence of secular culture while still engaging with the world around them? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced the temptation to compromise your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the Israelites' experience? 5. How does understanding God's faithfulness to Israel, despite their disobedience, encourage you in your personal walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 23:23-33God commands the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan to avoid being led astray by their idolatry. Deuteronomy 7:1-6God instructs Israel not to intermarry with the Canaanite nations to prevent turning away from Him. Joshua 23:12-13Joshua warns Israel of the consequences of associating with the remaining nations in Canaan. People Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Anath, Aram, Canaanites, Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim, Eglon, Ehud, Gera, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Kenaz, Moabites, Othniel, Perizzites, Shamgar, Sidonians, ZidoniansPlaces Canaan, Gilgal, Jordan River, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Mesopotamia, Moab, Mount Baal-hermon, SeirahTopics Amorite, Amorites, Canaanite, Canaanites, Dwelt, Hittite, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusite, Jebusites, Jeb'usites, Midst, Perizzite, Perizzites, Per'izzites, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 3:5-6 5711 marriage, restrictions Judges 3:5-8 6218 provoking God Library Use what You Have
Few people really are and do their best. Nature has blessed a few with great talents and abilities. These persons often become proud, self-centered, and feel themselves to be superior, and for that reason many times they fail to make the proper use of their abilities. How often are they used in a bad or foolish way, so that what might be a blessing to the world fails to be such! There are many others who realize they do not possess these natural gifts. They look upon those who have them, and envy …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart TalksGifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Whether Baptism Should Take Away the Penalties of Sin that Belong to this Life?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should take away the penalties of sin that belong to this life. For as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:15), the gift of Christ is farther-reaching than the sin of Adam. But through Adam's sin, as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:12), "death entered into this world," and, consequently, all the other penalties of the present life. Much more, therefore, should man be freed from the penalties of the present life, by the gift of Christ which is received in Baptism. Objection 2: Further, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. The great design of the gospel is to make up the breach of man's joy, and open up the way to the fulness of it, and therefore it is the good news and glad tidings of great joy, the only best message that ever came to the world. Now it shows unto us the channel that this river of gladness and joy runs into, it discovers what is the way of the conveyance of it to the soul, and what are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law made unfitting precepts concerning rulers. Because, as the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 4), "the ordering of the people depends mostly on the chief ruler." But the Law contains no precept relating to the institution of the chief ruler; and yet we find therein prescriptions concerning the inferior rulers: firstly (Ex. 18:21): "Provide out of all the people wise [Vulg.: 'able'] men," etc.; again (Num. 11:16): "Gather unto Me seventy men of the ancients of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 3:5 NIVJudges 3:5 NLTJudges 3:5 ESVJudges 3:5 NASBJudges 3:5 KJV
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