The term "Unfinished Conquest" refers to the incomplete occupation and subjugation of the Promised Land by the Israelites as described in the Old Testament. This period is primarily chronicled in the books of Joshua and Judges, where the Israelites, under divine mandate, were instructed to conquer and settle the land of Canaan. Despite initial successes, the conquest remained incomplete, leading to significant theological and historical implications for the nation of Israel.

Biblical Background

The conquest of Canaan was initiated under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. God had promised the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the Israelites were to act as instruments of divine judgment against the Canaanite nations due to their idolatry and moral corruption. Joshua 1:2-3 records God's command: "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land 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."

Initial Successes

Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites experienced significant victories, including the miraculous fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the defeat of the coalition of southern kings (Joshua 10). The land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, as described in Joshua 13-21. However, despite these successes, the conquest was not fully realized.

Incomplete Conquest

The book of Judges highlights the incomplete nature of the conquest. Judges 1:27-28 states, "At that time Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their surrounding settlements, because the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor, but they never drove them out completely."

This failure to fully conquer the land and expel its inhabitants led to ongoing challenges for Israel. The remaining Canaanite populations became a source of temptation and conflict, as they continued to practice idolatry and other abominations that were contrary to the covenantal laws given to Israel.

Theological Implications

The unfinished conquest is often interpreted as a reflection of Israel's disobedience and lack of faith. Despite God's promises and the initial victories, the Israelites frequently turned away from God's commands, leading to cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance as depicted in the book of Judges. Judges 2:1-3 records the Angel of the LORD's rebuke: "I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land I had promised to your fathers. I said, 'I will never break My covenant with you, and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.' Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you."

Historical Consequences

The incomplete conquest had lasting consequences for the Israelites. The presence of Canaanite tribes and their religious practices led to periods of syncretism and apostasy, which provoked divine judgment and resulted in cycles of oppression by surrounding nations. This pattern continued until the establishment of the monarchy, beginning with Saul and reaching its zenith under King David, who achieved a more complete subjugation of the land.

The unfinished conquest serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of compromise with the surrounding culture. It underscores the necessity of faithfulness to God's covenant and the consequences of failing to fully trust and obey His directives.