Sunday, August 11, 2013

What is it with those Canaanites and Jebusites?

Chapters 15 through 17 of the book of Joshua deal with a lot of specific land territory being divided up amongst the people of Israel.  It's a very analytical piece, with cities and specific areas of land being named.

The majority of it doesn't mean much, although there are a few tales told that did spark some interest.

In chapter 15, starting with verse 16, Caleb and his people come to a city that needs attacking.  He offers up one of his daughters as a prize to the one who conquers it.

At the end of chapter 15, there is a notation that states the people of Judah were unable to drive out the Jebusites, and that the Jebusites still live there with the people of Judah.  Also, at the end of chapter 16, the Canaanites were unable to be driven out as well and were forced to work as slaves.  Why these two peoples, the Jebusites and Canaanites, were singled out as being unable to be driven out is beyond my knowledge.

Then again, further readings throughout the Bible may turn up the answer.

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