👉 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 17:13. Itās a really important and somewhat troubling part of the Old Testament history. Hereās what it means in simple terms: The Core Situation: The Children of Israel were powerful: Imagine a group of people who were incredibly strong, organized, and successful. They were at their peak. They demanded tribute: They asked the Canaanites (a group of people living near the border of Israel) for gifts ā money, goods, or services ā in exchange for peace and permission to pass through their land. It was a way for them to show respect and gain favor. They didn't completely drive them out: This is where it gets complicated. The verse says they didnāt utterly drive them out . They werenāt completely removed, but they were forced to leave. What does this mean? This story highlights a moment of extreme desperation and a really difficult choice for the Israelites. It suggests that: They were being manipulated: The Canaanites may have been using their power and influence to pressure the Israelites into making a deal that wasn't fair or just. A lack of trust was present: Thereās an implication here that the Israelites weren't trusting the Canaanites, even when they offered them something. They were willing to pay tribute but didnāt fully respect their people. Why is this a significant story? Itās a cautionary tale about: The dangers of greed: The story demonstrates how easily power can corrupt and lead to unfair treatment. The importance of justice and fairness: It shows that true peace isn't achieved through coercion or exploiting others. In short, it tells us that the Israelites made a deal with the Canaanites that was not entirely fair, and they ultimately had to retreat from their land. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this story within the larger narrative of the Old Testament? Discuss the potential reasons for this deal being so difficult?
