Joshua 15:63 - As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah couldn’t drive them out; but the Jebusites live with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.

Generated Verse: Joshua 15:63

What does "Joshua 15:63" mean?


Joshua 15:63, "As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah couldn’t drive them out; but the Jebusites live with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day," is a short verse packed with significance. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem...": This identifies the group in question: the Jebusites. They were a Canaanite people who inhabited Jerusalem.

"...the children of Judah couldn't drive them out...": This is the key point. The tribe of Judah was allotted the territory of Jerusalem, but they were unable to completely conquer and expel the Jebusites from the city. This failure to completely dispossess the original inhabitants is a recurring theme in the early books of the Bible.

"...but the Jebusites live with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.": This emphasizes the ongoing situation. At the time this verse was written (the specific date is debated, but generally within the period of the Judges or early monarchy), the Jebusites and the people of Judah were coexisting in Jerusalem. The Jebusites maintained a presence within the city, likely retaining some level of autonomy or influence.

In essence, this verse highlights a failure to fully conquer and control the promised land. It indicates that the conquest was incomplete, and indigenous populations continued to live alongside the Israelites. This verse poses questions about:

The limits of Israelite power: Despite God's promises, the Israelites weren't always able to achieve total dominance.
Coexistence and integration: The verse suggests a more complex relationship than simple conquest. The Jebusites and Israelites were living alongside each other, implying some form of interaction or accommodation.
Fulfillment of divine promises: Some see this verse as presenting a challenge to the narrative of divine promises and fulfillment.

Historical Context and Later Developments: It's important to note that the situation described in Joshua 15:63 changes later in the biblical narrative. According to 2 Samuel 5, King David eventually conquers Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it his capital. This victory is a significant event in Israelite history.

In summary, Joshua 15:63 acknowledges the incomplete conquest of Jerusalem, highlighting the persistent presence of the Jebusites and their coexistence with the tribe of Judah, setting the stage for later conflicts and changes in the city's control.