Joshua 17:13

However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor; but they failed to drive them out completely.

Study Bible

But when the Israelites grew stronger
This phrase indicates a period of increasing power and stability for the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "grew stronger" is "chazaq," which conveys the idea of becoming firm, strong, or courageous. Historically, this reflects a time when the Israelites were consolidating their hold over the Promised Land, gaining confidence and resources. Spiritually, it suggests a phase of maturity and growth in faith, where reliance on God leads to increased strength and capability.

they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor
The decision to subject the Canaanites to forced labor rather than driving them out entirely is significant. The Hebrew word for "subjected" is "mas," which implies imposing tribute or labor. This action reflects a pragmatic approach to dealing with the remaining Canaanite population, utilizing them for economic gain. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land, which later led to spiritual and moral compromises.

but they did not drive them out completely
This phrase highlights a partial obedience to God's command. The Hebrew word for "drive out" is "yarash," meaning to dispossess or expel. The Israelites' failure to completely remove the Canaanites foreshadows future challenges, as these remaining inhabitants would later influence Israel with their idolatrous practices. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of incomplete obedience and the importance of fully following God's directives to avoid spiritual pitfalls.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were led by Joshua into the Promised Land.

2. Canaanites
The original inhabitants of the land of Canaan, which God promised to the Israelites. They were often in conflict with the Israelites.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. It is the land that the Israelites are in the process of conquering under Joshua's leadership.

Teaching Points

Partial Obedience is Disobedience
The Israelites' failure to completely drive out the Canaanites demonstrates a lack of full obedience to God's command. This partial obedience can lead to future spiritual compromise and conflict.

The Danger of Compromise
Allowing the Canaanites to remain in the land led to future idolatry and sin among the Israelites. Compromise with sin can have long-term negative effects on our spiritual lives.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While God promised the land to the Israelites, they had the responsibility to act in obedience to His commands. This balance is crucial in our walk with God.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Israelites' decision to subject the Canaanites to forced labor rather than driving them out completely eventually led to their own spiritual downfall, as seen in later biblical accounts.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the Israelites' decision to subject the Canaanites to forced labor instead of driving them out completely reveal about their faith and obedience to God?

2. How can we apply the lesson of partial obedience in our own lives, especially in areas where we might be tempted to compromise?

3. In what ways does the presence of the Canaanites in the land serve as a metaphor for the presence of sin in our lives, and how can we address it?

4. How does the command to drive out the Canaanites relate to the New Testament teachings on holiness and separation from sin?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision between full obedience to God and compromise. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 1:28
This verse parallels Joshua 17:13, showing that the Israelites continued to subject the Canaanites to forced labor rather than driving them out completely.

Exodus 23:31-33
God commands the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land completely to avoid being led into sin by their practices.

Deuteronomy 7:1-5
God instructs the Israelites to destroy the nations in the land completely and not to make covenants with them, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.