Joshua 16:10

Ndebele Bible - 2010

Kodwa kabawaxotshanga elifeni amaKhanani ayehlala eGezeri.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that the Israelites, specifically the Ephraimites, did not manage to drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer. Instead, the Canaanites remained in Gezer and paid tribute to the Ephraimites. This situation continued until the time the text was written.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing with your toys and there's one spot where you can't get rid of a toy you don't like. So, you decide to let that toy stay, but you make it follow your rules. That's what happened with the Canaanites and the Ephraimites in Gezer.

Historical Background

Joshua 16 was written by Joshua or his followers around 1350-1200 BCE. It details the division of the land among the tribes of Israel after they had entered Canaan. The text provides a historical account of the challenges faced in settling the land.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us that sometimes we face situations where we cannot completely remove a problem. Instead, we might need to find a way to coexist and manage the situation, perhaps by setting boundaries or rules.

Topics

• conquest
• settlement
• coexistence
• boundaries
• tribal history
• geography

Related Verses

• Joshua 15:63
• Judges 1:29
• 1 Kings 9:16
• Exodus 23:31
• Deuteronomy 7:1

Recommended Reading

Commentary Joshua Commentaries → Get This Bible Ndebele Bible - Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why couldn't the Ephraimites drive out the Canaanites?

The Ephraimites might have lacked the military strength or strategic advantage to fully remove the Canaanites from Gezer, leading them to settle for a coexistence where the Canaanites paid tribute.

What does 'serve under tribute' mean?

It means the Canaanites were required to pay a tax or give goods as a way of showing submission to the Ephraimites, who were in control of the area.

What was the significance of Gezer for the Ephraimites?

Gezer was an important city that the Ephraimites had a claim to, but their inability to fully take control of it affected their ability to settle and secure the land fully.

How did the Israelites view living with the Canaanites?

The Israelites were generally instructed to remove the Canaanites, but when they couldn't, they had to find ways to coexist, which was not ideal but necessary for their survival and stability in the land.