Book of Joshua - Chapter 16 - Verse 10

The verse reflects the failure of the Israelites to completely drive out the Canaanites from the land of Gezer. Gezer was a strategic city located in the territory of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. By allowing the Canaanites to remain in Gezer, the Israelites went against the command of God to fully conquer the Promised Land and remove all its pagan inhabitants. The consequence of this disobedience was that the Canaanites continued to live among the Ephraimites, exerting influence and potentially leading them astray from worshipping the one true God. Additionally, the verse mentions that the Canaanites served under tribute, indicating that they were subjugated and likely maintained some form of autonomy within the territory. This failure to completely drive out the Canaanites had long-lasting implications, as the presence of these pagan inhabitants would later lead to idolatry and spiritual downfall among the Israelites.

One possible theological interpretation of the verse "And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute" could focus on the failure of the Israelites to fully obey God's command to drive out all the Canaanites from the land. This disobedience resulted in the Canaanites continuing to live among the Ephraimites and exert influence over them. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of partial obedience and the importance of following God's commands completely. Additionally, a word study of "tribute" in this context may reveal that the Canaanites were under a form of forced servitude or taxation, emphasizing the subjugation of the Canaanites by the Israelites. This verse may prompt readers to reflect on the dangers of compromise and the significance of fully trusting in and obeying God's instructions, even when they may seem difficult or uncomfortable.