Joshua 15:63
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 15:63
63 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.
Chapter Context
Joshua 15 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, wisdom, fellowship. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-63: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 15:63
63 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.
Analysis
As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out—This sobering verse acknowledges incomplete conquest. The Jebusites (יְבוּסִי) remained in Jerusalem until David finally conquered it centuries later (2 Samuel 5:6-9). The phrase "could not drive them out" raises questions: Was this inability due to Jebusite strength, Judahite weakness, or incomplete faith?
Judges 1:8 records that Judah did attack and burn Jerusalem, yet Jebusites remained. This suggests the city was taken but not held, possibly due to its strong defensive position. "But the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day"—the phrase "unto this day" indicates this was written before David's capture of Jerusalem. The Jebusite presence served as perpetual reminder of incomplete obedience and its consequences. What God commands, He enables; failure to fully possess what God gives results from inadequate faith, not inadequate power.
Historical Context
Jerusalem (Jebus) sat on a ridge surrounded by valleys on three sides, making it naturally defensible. Its elevation (2,500 feet), water source (Gihon Spring), and position controlling north-south routes made it strategically valuable. The Jebusites' ability to hold it for approximately 400 years (from Joshua to David) demonstrates the strength of its position. David's eventual conquest (circa 1000 BC) finally fulfilled what Judah failed to accomplish.
Reflection
- How does Judah's failure to fully drive out the Jebusites warn against incomplete obedience in areas God has called us to conquer?
- What does the eventual conquest under David teach about God's long-term faithfulness despite human failure?
- How might tolerating 'Jebusites' (known sins, compromises) in our lives create ongoing problems that require later, more difficult confrontation?
Cross-References
- References Jerusalem: Judges 1:8, 1:21