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Judges 1:21–29
“But the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; so the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day” (Judg. 1:21).
God had decreed that the tribe of Judah should be the first to “ ‘go up for [Israel] against the Canaanites’ ” (Judg. 1:1–2). But the other tribes were to follow Judah’s lead. The author of Judges now turns to a series of reports on the outcomes of the other tribes’ war efforts.
The first tribe mentioned is Benjamin. As we have seen, some scholars believe the author of the book was trying to show that David, as a member of the tribe of Judah, had a God-ordained claim to the throne that Saul’s son Ishbosheth, a Benjamite, did not. That’s not to say that the unknown author was a revisionist historian; he recorded historical truths that illustrated the fact that Israel’s kingship had been granted to Judah. Verse 21 is one example. Compared with Judah’s considerable military success (marred only by its loss of faith when well-armed Canaanites appeared), the Benjamites attempt little and accomplish less. They fail to drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem, even though Judah had burned the city (v. 8). In fact, the text says the Benjamites “did not” drive them out, raising the question of whether they even tried. In any case, they settle with the pagan Jebusites, an act of brazen disobedience (Ex. 23:33) that exposes them to the “snare” of Canaanite idolatries. Here begins Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness.
Looking toward the north, the author tells us that the Joseph tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, team up for battle. As with Judah and Simeon, unity initially leads to success—an important theme of the book of Judges. The tribes “go up,” as Judah did (v. 4), and God is with them. By striking a deal with a citizen of Bethel, they get information that lets them capture the city, after which they slay all the inhabitants. But they allow their informer to live and to move to a foreign land. Again, it appears that the tribes disregard God’s command (Ex. 23:32). Canaanite culture and idolatry survive, and God’s justice is thwarted. Ephraim and Manasseh forget that they are fighting to punish God’s enemies, not just gain a city.
The two tribes also fail to drive the Canaanites out of a number of other places. In time, as their strength grows, they are able to put the Canaanites in their midst under tribute. Still, if they are able to do this, it would seem they could drive them out. Instead, they choose a pragmatic course, a course of disobedience.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
God decreed that Israel destroy the Canaanites in the Promised Land lest His people succumb to the “snares” of pagan practices. In His providence, God has decreed that we are to live among unbelievers, but we must guard against their ways. Do the practices of unbelievers tempt you? How can you resist? Pray for wisdom and faith.
for further study
- John 17:18
- James 1:27
- 1 Peter 2:11–12
- 1 John 2:15–17