Joshua 17:13

13 Now when the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites ¹to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.

Joshua 17:13 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 17:13

Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxed
strong
Increased in numbers, and became superior to the Canaanites, not only those of the tribe of Manasseh, but of the other tribes also:

that they put the Canaanites to tribute;
they did not take away their lives, as they were commanded to do, but made them tributaries to them, which seems to arise from a covetous disposition, and done for the sake of gain:

but did not utterly drive them out;
which they were ordered to do, and could now have done; for if they were able to make them pay tribute to them, they had power sufficient to drive them out, or destroy them, and therefore broke the commandment of God, ( Deuteronomy 7:1 Deuteronomy 7:2 ) ( Deuteronomy 20:16 Deuteronomy 20:17 ) .

Joshua 17:13 In-Context

11 Also in Issachar and in Asher Manasseh had Beth-shean and its villages, and Ibleam and its villages, and the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its villages, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages; the third is Naphath.

12 Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land.

13 Now when the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.

14 Then the people of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given me but one lot and one portion as an inheritance, although I am a numerous people, since all along the LORD has blessed me?"

15 And Joshua said to them, "If you are a numerous people, go up by yourselves to the forest, and there clear ground for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you."

Cross References

• 1. Joshua 16:10; Genesis 49:15