This verse, Joshua 13:6, is part of a larger description of the land God promised to the Israelites but which they had not yet fully conquered. It carries several layers of meaning:
Geographical Scope: The verse defines a specific, and substantial, geographical area that the Israelites were to inherit.
"All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim": This refers to the region along the Mediterranean coast, specifically the hill country extending from Lebanon in the north down to Misrephoth Maim, which was a coastal town south of Tyre and Sidon.
"Even all the Sidonians": This clarifies that a major part of the population in this area were the Sidonians, a prominent Phoenician group known for their maritime trade and city of Sidon.
Divine Mandate: The verse emphasizes that God is commanding the Israelites to take possession of the land.
"I will drive them out from before the children of Israel": This is a promise that God will help the Israelites conquer the existing inhabitants. It highlights the divine authorization and support for their actions. It suggests God will weaken the inhabitants or create circumstances that favor Israel's conquest.
"Just allocate it to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you": God instructs Joshua to divide the land among the tribes of Israel as an inheritance. The allocation is a divinely ordained act, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham and his descendants. The "as I have commanded you" underscores the obedience and faithfulness required from Joshua and the Israelites.
Unfulfilled Promise: It's important to note that the Israelites never fully drove out all these people as promised in this verse. This incomplete conquest had significant consequences in the subsequent history of Israel, leading to conflicts, religious syncretism, and ultimately, divine judgment.
In summary, Joshua 13:6 asserts God's claim to the land, promises divine assistance in driving out the current inhabitants, and commands the Israelites to divide and inherit the land. It also represents a key event in the history of the Israelites' settlement of Canaan.
This verse, Joshua 13:6, is part of a larger description of the land God promised to the Israelites but which they had not yet fully conquered. It carries several layers of meaning:
Geographical Scope: The verse defines a specific, and substantial, geographical area that the Israelites were to inherit.
"All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim": This refers to the region along the Mediterranean coast, specifically the hill country extending from Lebanon in the north down to Misrephoth Maim, which was a coastal town south of Tyre and Sidon.
"Even all the Sidonians": This clarifies that a major part of the population in this area were the Sidonians, a prominent Phoenician group known for their maritime trade and city of Sidon.
Divine Mandate: The verse emphasizes that God is commanding the Israelites to take possession of the land.
"I will drive them out from before the children of Israel": This is a promise that God will help the Israelites conquer the existing inhabitants. It highlights the divine authorization and support for their actions. It suggests God will weaken the inhabitants or create circumstances that favor Israel's conquest.
"Just allocate it to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you": God instructs Joshua to divide the land among the tribes of Israel as an inheritance. The allocation is a divinely ordained act, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham and his descendants. The "as I have commanded you" underscores the obedience and faithfulness required from Joshua and the Israelites.
Unfulfilled Promise: It's important to note that the Israelites never fully drove out all these people as promised in this verse. This incomplete conquest had significant consequences in the subsequent history of Israel, leading to conflicts, religious syncretism, and ultimately, divine judgment.
In summary, Joshua 13:6 asserts God's claim to the land, promises divine assistance in driving out the current inhabitants, and commands the Israelites to divide and inherit the land. It also represents a key event in the history of the Israelites' settlement of Canaan.