In Joshua 16 What Lessons Can We Learn From Ephraims Failure To Drive Out The Canaanites?
Understanding Joshua 16: Ephraim’s Incomplete Obedience
The sixteenth chapter of Joshua details the inheritance given to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel. While much of the chapter deals with geographical boundaries, an important lesson emerges in Joshua 16:10:
And they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell in the midst of Ephraim unto this day, and are become servants to do taskwork. - Joshua 16:10 ASV
The Context: God’s Command
God had given Israel clear instructions to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan completely (Deuteronomy 7:2; Numbers 33:55). This was not merely for land possession, but to prevent Israel from being influenced by idolatrous practices and to preserve their purity as God’s chosen people.
and when Jehovah thy God shall deliver them up before thee, and thou shalt smite them; then thou shalt utterly destroy them: thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them. - Deuteronomy 7:2 ASV
Lesson 1: The Danger of Partial Obedience
Ephraim’s failure to fully obey God’s command teaches us about the subtle danger of partial obedience. While they possessed the land, they allowed the Canaanites to remain, making them forced laborers rather than removing them entirely. This compromise seemed convenient, but it was contrary to God’s clear instruction.
Scripture warns that incomplete obedience can become disobedience. Jesus said,
He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much. - Luke 16:10 ASV
Lesson 2: The Long-Term Consequences of Compromise
Though the immediate impact of allowing the Canaanites to remain may have seemed minor, the long-term consequences were significant. The continued presence of the Canaanites led to idolatry and moral compromise among the Israelites, as described later in the book of Judges (Judges 2:2-3).
and ye shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall break down their altars: but ye have not hearkened unto my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. - Judges 2:2-3 ASV
Lesson 3: The Need for Complete Trust in God’s Power
Ephraim may have rationalized their failure by considering the strength or number of the Canaanites. However, God had promised victory (Joshua 1:9). Trusting in God’s power means obeying Him even when the task seems impossible by human standards.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. - Joshua 1:9 ASV
Lesson 4: God’s Grace and Our Responsibility
While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), God calls His people to pursue holiness and obedience as evidence of genuine faith. We are called to remove anything that draws us away from God (Colossians 3:5).
Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. - Colossians 3:5 ASV
Conclusion: Applying the Lessons Today
Ephraim’s failure to drive out the Canaanites stands as a warning: partial obedience can have lasting effects on our lives and witness. God calls us to wholehearted devotion and trust. Let us examine our own lives for areas of compromise and, by God’s grace, pursue obedience in every area.