Commentary on Joshua 17:12

Verse Reference: Joshua 17:12 - "Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land." (KJV)

Introduction

This verse marks a crucial point in the account of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. It highlights both the challenges faced by the tribes of Manasseh and the overarching themes of obedience, divine promise, and the complexities of human responsibility in fulfilling God's commands.

Historical Context

The tribe of Manasseh was one of the two half-tribes that descended from Joseph, receiving a significant portion of the land that had been promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As they settled in Canaan, they encountered resistance from the Canaanite inhabitants, indicating the ongoing struggle for the Israelites to fully claim their inheritance.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the failure of the children of Manasseh to fulfill the command to possess the land completely. He points to a few key aspects:

• Divine Intervention: Henry notes that the inability to drive out the Canaanites points to divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. God had promised Israel victory, yet the lack of faith and action led to partial fulfillment of His promises.
• The Nature of Warfare: Henry compares the physical battles faced by Israel with the spiritual battles that believers face today, wherein spiritual enemies often remain within the hearts and lives of believers who fail to fully rely on God's power.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes provides a practical interpretation of this resistance faced by Manasseh:

• Inhabitance of Canaanites: Barnes points out that the presence of the Canaanites represents the unfulfilled areas in the lives of Christians, where sin and worldly influences may still have a stronghold.
• Lessons on Conquest: He asserts that the failure to drive out these inhabitants serves as a reminder to believers that partial obedience leads to compromises that may affect future generations.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke provides a historical and theological lens through which to view the text:

• Reasons for Failure: Clarke suggests that the reasons for the inability to expel the Canaanites may be due to the superiority of the Canaanites in terms of technology, military strategy, or even alliances that they had established, which cn hindered the Israelite conquest.
• Theological Implications: Clarke emphasizes that this failure illustrates the consequences of failing to rely fully on God. He places a strong emphasis on the importance of faith in achieving spiritual victories as modelled by the Israelites' various experiences throughout their journey.

The Spiritual Application

This verse invites pastors and theologians to reflect on the nature of spiritual warfare and the state of the Christian life:

• Faithfulness in Trials: Just as the Israelites faced opposition, believers today encounter struggles that may lead to a sense of defeat. The lesson here is one of persevering faith, trusting that God has equipped us for the battles we face.
• Complete Obedience: The consequences of partial obedience as illustrated in this verse serve as a warning. It encourages examination of one's own life: Are there areas where the Canaanites still dwell? What must we confront to fully experience God's promises?
• Community and Responsibility: This verse also emphasizes the importance of communal responsibility in the body of Christ. Just as the tribes were collectively tasked with the conquest, so are believers called to support one another in overcoming sin and challenges.

Conclusion

Joshua 17:12 is not merely a historical account; it serves as a rich teaching moment for believers today. Through the insights gained from historical context and commentary, pastors, students, and scholars alike can draw lessons on faithfulness, obedience, and the challenges of spiritual warfare. The call remains the same: to trust in God’s promises and to fully engage in the battle against the spiritual 'Canaanites' in our lives, ensuring the complete inheritance that God has designated for His people.