The Failure to Complete the Conquest refers to the Israelites' inability to fully drive out the Canaanite inhabitants from the Promised Land, as commanded by God. This event is primarily chronicled in the Old Testament books of Joshua and Judges. The incomplete conquest had significant theological and practical implications for the Israelites, affecting their covenant relationship with God and their societal structure.

Biblical Context

After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed as the leader of the Israelites to lead them into the Promised Land. God commanded Joshua and the Israelites to conquer the land and completely destroy the Canaanite nations inhabiting it. This command is found in Joshua 1:2-6 : "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, cross over the Jordan—you and all this people—to the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses."

The initial campaigns under Joshua were successful, with significant victories at Jericho and Ai, and the defeat of various Canaanite coalitions. However, despite these victories, the conquest was not fully completed. Joshua 13:1 notes, "Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him, 'You are old and advanced in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed.'"

Reasons for Incomplete Conquest

Several factors contributed to the failure to complete the conquest:

1. Disobedience and Compromise: The Israelites did not fully obey God's command to drive out all the inhabitants. Instead, they made covenants with some of the Canaanite peoples, such as the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:14-15), and allowed others to remain in the land, often subjecting them to forced labor (Judges 1:28).

2. Lack of Faith and Courage: The Israelites' faith wavered, and they feared the strength and fortifications of certain Canaanite cities. Judges 1:19 states, "The LORD was with Judah, enabling them to take possession of the hill country, but they could not drive out the people of the plains because they had chariots of iron."

3. Internal Division: The tribal nature of Israel led to a lack of unified effort in completing the conquest. Each tribe was responsible for conquering its allotted territory, leading to inconsistent efforts and results.

Consequences

The failure to complete the conquest had profound consequences for the Israelites:

1. Spiritual Corruption: The remaining Canaanite populations led the Israelites into idolatry and pagan practices, violating the covenant with God. Judges 2:11-12 records, "And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt."

2. Continual Conflict: The presence of Canaanite enclaves led to ongoing military and social conflicts, as seen throughout the book of Judges. These conflicts weakened Israel and prevented them from fully enjoying the peace and prosperity promised by God.

3. Divine Judgment: God allowed the remaining Canaanite nations to become a test for Israel, to see whether they would remain faithful to Him. Judges 2:21-22 states, "I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. I will test Israel with them to see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their fathers did."

Theological Implications

The failure to complete the conquest serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. It highlights the dangers of compromise and the consequences of failing to fully trust in God's promises. The narrative underscores the need for faithfulness and the perils of allowing worldly influences to lead believers away from their covenant relationship with God.