“As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.”
This verse is found in the context of the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 15, we see the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. This particular verse focuses on the Jebusites, who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Historical Background: During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua and the Israelites were instructed by God to drive out the Canaanite nations inhabiting the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The Jebusites were one of these Canaanite nations, and their stronghold was the city of Jerusalem.
Failure to Drive Out the Jebusites: Joshua 15:63 highlights that the children of Judah were unable to completely drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem. This failure has several possible reasons:
- Lack of Faith: It is possible that the people of Judah lacked faith in God’s promises and strength. Despite the Lord’s command to conquer the land fully, they may have doubted their ability to capture such a fortified city.
- Strategic Difficulties: Jerusalem was a well-fortified city, situated on a hill with strong defenses. The Jebusites were confident in their stronghold and likely put up a fierce resistance, making it challenging for the children of Judah to fully dislodge them.
- Divine Purpose: Another perspective is that God allowed the Jebusites to remain in Jerusalem for a time as a test of the Israelites’ obedience and commitment. This failure would later serve as a lesson and motivation for the Israelites to trust and rely on God more fully.
Implications: The failure to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem had significant implications:
- Symbol of Incomplete Victory: The presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem represented incomplete victory over the enemies of Israel. It served as a reminder that the Israelites had not fully claimed the land as God had intended.
- Consequences of Coexistence: The verse states that the Jebusites dwelled with the children of Judah in Jerusalem. This coexistence likely led to various challenges and negative influences, as the Jebusites were idolatrous and followed different religious practices. This failure to fully remove the Jebusites would have consequences for future generations.
Later Capture of Jerusalem: It is worth noting that Jerusalem was eventually captured by King David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 5:6-10. David’s conquest fulfilled God’s plan for Jerusalem to become the capital city of Israel and the site of the temple later built by Solomon.
Lessons for Believers: Joshua 15:63 teaches us several important lessons:
- Faith and Obedience: It reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s promises and faithfully obeying His commands, even in the face of challenges and seemingly impossible situations.
- Incomplete Victories: It serves as a warning against complacency and settling for partial victories in our spiritual lives. We should strive for complete victory over sin, worldly influences, and anything that hinders our relationship with God.
- God’s Faithfulness: Despite the failure of the Israelites, God remained faithful to His promises and eventually fulfilled His plan for Jerusalem through King David. This encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes, even in our moments of weakness.
In summary, Joshua 15:63 reveals the failure of the children of Judah to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of incomplete victory, the importance of faith and obedience, and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His plans.
