The tribe of Judah could not fully drive out the Jebusites, but through God’s plan, Jerusalem would eventually become the heart of Israel’s worship and a cornerstone of biblical history.
The text says, “Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day.” (v.63) This verse points to the reality that despite God’s gift of the land to the tribe of Judah, there remained people they could not fully remove from their allotted territory. Historically, the Jebusites were a Canaanite tribe dwelling in Jerusalem, known in ancient times as Jebus. Jerusalem itself was a strategic location, elevated in the southern hill country near the boundary shared with the tribe of Benjamin. While the passage highlights an incomplete triumph, it also underscores Judah’s responsibility to trust God’s promises and follow His guidance fully, even in the face of persistent opposition Minor references in Judges 1:8, version).
When we read that “the inhabitants of Jerusalem … could not be driven out” (v.63), it speaks beyond mere military challenge. It reflects a spiritual test for the tribe of Judah, who were repeatedly called by God to rid themselves of idolatrous influences. Although they triumphantly captured significant portions of their territory, Jerusalem was not fully conquered at this time 2 Samuel 5:6-7). It would remain under partial Canaanite control until the days of David (around 1003 BC), when he captured the city and made it the political and spiritual center of the united monarchy. This verse incorporates a cautionary tone to remain diligent and obedient until God’s commands are wholly accomplished.
In the broader narrative of redemption, the city that eventually came under King David’s rule would become the foundation for Israel’s worship, the site of the future Temple, and later the place where Jesus Christ would complete His earthly ministry Matthew 16:21). The mention in Joshua 15:63 that “the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah … until this day” (v.63) reminds readers of the progressive nature of God’s work. The initial stages of possessing the Promised Land left unfinished business for future leaders—much like spiritual growth often requires ongoing faithfulness over time. It also reveals that what seems incomplete in one generation can be completed through the Lord’s timing in another.
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Joshua 15:63 meaning
The text says, “Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day.” (v.63) This verse points to the reality that despite God’s gift of the land to the tribe of Judah, there remained people they could not fully remove from their allotted territory. Historically, the Jebusites were a Canaanite tribe dwelling in Jerusalem, known in ancient times as Jebus. Jerusalem itself was a strategic location, elevated in the southern hill country near the boundary shared with the tribe of Benjamin. While the passage highlights an incomplete triumph, it also underscores Judah’s responsibility to trust God’s promises and follow His guidance fully, even in the face of persistent opposition Minor references in Judges 1:8, version).
When we read that “the inhabitants of Jerusalem … could not be driven out” (v.63), it speaks beyond mere military challenge. It reflects a spiritual test for the tribe of Judah, who were repeatedly called by God to rid themselves of idolatrous influences. Although they triumphantly captured significant portions of their territory, Jerusalem was not fully conquered at this time 2 Samuel 5:6-7). It would remain under partial Canaanite control until the days of David (around 1003 BC), when he captured the city and made it the political and spiritual center of the united monarchy. This verse incorporates a cautionary tone to remain diligent and obedient until God’s commands are wholly accomplished.
In the broader narrative of redemption, the city that eventually came under King David’s rule would become the foundation for Israel’s worship, the site of the future Temple, and later the place where Jesus Christ would complete His earthly ministry Matthew 16:21). The mention in Joshua 15:63 that “the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah … until this day” (v.63) reminds readers of the progressive nature of God’s work. The initial stages of possessing the Promised Land left unfinished business for future leaders—much like spiritual growth often requires ongoing faithfulness over time. It also reveals that what seems incomplete in one generation can be completed through the Lord’s timing in another.