Old Testament
Joshua 17:13
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Later, when the Israelites became strong, they made the Canaanites pay tribute, but they did not completely drive them out.
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Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, but did not utterly drive them out.
What Joshua 17:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment in the history of the Israelites as they settle in the land of Canaan. After gaining strength, they chose to make the Canaanites pay tribute instead of completely driving them out. This decision reflects a compromise; while they had the power to remove the Canaanites, they opted for a more manageable solution. This act of not fully driving out the Canaanites would later lead to challenges for the Israelites, as the presence of these people would influence their culture and faith. The verse highlights the tension between military success and spiritual obedience. The Israelites' choice to coexist with the Canaanites rather than eliminate them entirely foreshadows future struggles with idolatry and moral decay, as they would be tempted by the practices of those they allowed to remain in the land. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God's commands, as partial obedience can lead to long-term consequences.
How to apply Joshua 17:13 to your life
This verse teaches us about the dangers of compromise in our lives. Just as the Israelites chose to coexist with the Canaanites, we may be tempted to allow negative influences to remain in our lives. It's essential to fully address issues rather than settle for partial solutions, as they can lead to greater problems down the line.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 17:13 mean?
Joshua 17:13 describes how the Israelites, after becoming strong, chose to make the Canaanites pay tribute instead of completely driving them out. This decision reflects a compromise that would later lead to challenges for the Israelites, as the presence of the Canaanites influenced their culture and faith.
What is the significance of the Canaanites in Joshua 17:13?
In Joshua 17:13, the Canaanites represent the challenges the Israelites faced in fully obeying God's commands. By allowing them to remain and pay tribute, the Israelites set the stage for future struggles with idolatry and moral decay.
How does Joshua 17:13 relate to the theme of partial obedience?
Joshua 17:13 illustrates the theme of partial obedience by showing how the Israelites chose to coexist with the Canaanites rather than fully obey God's command to drive them out. This compromise highlights the potential long-term consequences of not fully addressing issues.
What lessons can we learn from Joshua 17:13?
From Joshua 17:13, we learn about the dangers of compromise and the importance of fully addressing negative influences in our lives. The verse serves as a reminder that partial solutions can lead to greater problems in the future.
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