Judges 3:5
Thus the Israelites continued to live among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
Thus the Israelites continued to live among
This phrase indicates a failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The Israelites' cohabitation with these nations led to spiritual compromise and idolatry, as warned in Exodus 23:33. This sets the stage for the cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the Book of Judges.

the Canaanites,
The Canaanites were the primary inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). Known for their idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, they represent the moral and spiritual corruption that the Israelites were to avoid. The presence of Canaanites among the Israelites symbolizes the persistent temptation to adopt pagan customs.

Hittites,
The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who had a significant empire in the second millennium BC. By the time of the Judges, they were a smaller group within Canaan. Their inclusion here highlights the diverse and complex cultural landscape of the region, which posed challenges to maintaining a distinct Israelite identity.

Amorites,
The Amorites were a prominent group in the ancient Near East, often associated with mountainous regions. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of Israel (Numbers 21:21-25). Their presence among the Israelites underscores the incomplete conquest of the land and the ongoing struggle for dominance.

Perizzites,
The Perizzites were a lesser-known group, often mentioned alongside other Canaanite tribes. Their name may mean "villagers" or "dwellers in the open country," suggesting a more rural lifestyle. Their inclusion in this list emphasizes the widespread nature of Israel's failure to fully possess the land.

Hivites,
The Hivites are another Canaanite group, possibly associated with the northern regions of Canaan. They are mentioned in the context of deceptive treaties, as seen in the story of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9). Their presence among the Israelites serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of discernment.

and Jebusites.
The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, a city that would later become the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Their continued presence in the land until David's conquest highlights the incomplete nature of Israel's settlement and foreshadows the future establishment of Jerusalem as a holy city.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The 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. Canaanites
A group of ancient people living in the land of Canaan, known for their idolatrous practices and opposition to the Israelites.

3. Hittites
An ancient people who lived in the region of Anatolia and northern Syria, known for their advanced civilization and conflicts with the Israelites.

4. Amorites
A Semitic people who occupied parts of Mesopotamia and the Levant, often mentioned as adversaries of Israel.

5. Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites
Other indigenous groups in Canaan, each with their own distinct cultures and practices, often in conflict with the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Compromise
Living 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 Holiness
God 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 Disobedience
Israel'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 Surroundings
The 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 Failure
Despite 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 23:23-33
God commands the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan to avoid being led astray by their idolatry.

Deuteronomy 7:1-6
God instructs Israel not to intermarry with the Canaanite nations to prevent turning away from Him.

Joshua 23:12-13
Joshua warns Israel of the consequences of associating with the remaining nations in Canaan.
It was God's Will, ThenL. H. Wiseman, M.A.Judges 3:1-5
Tests and ChastisementJ. P. Millar.Judges 3:1-5
The Trial and Chastisement of an Unfaithful PeopleJ. P. Millar.Judges 3:1-5
The Forbidden CovenantA.F. Muir Judges 3:5-7
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, Zidonians
Places
Canaan, Gilgal, Jordan River, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Mesopotamia, Moab, Mount Baal-hermon, Seirah
Topics
Amorite, Amorites, Canaanite, Canaanites, Dwelt, Hittite, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusite, Jebusites, Jeb'usites, Midst, Perizzite, Perizzites, Per'izzites, Sons
Dictionary 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 Talks

Gifts 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

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