Judges 1:21

¶ And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

And the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} did not drive out {H3423} the Jebusites {H2983} that inhabited {H3427} Jerusalem {H3389}; but the Jebusites {H2983} dwell {H3427} with the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} in Jerusalem {H3389} unto this day {H3117}.

The people of Binyamin did not drive out the Y'vusi who inhabited Yerushalayim; rather, the Y'vusi continued living with the people of Binyamin in Yerushalayim, as they do to this day.

The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.

And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 1:21 KJV

Context of Judges 1:21

The Book of Judges opens by recounting the tribes of Israel continuing the conquest of Canaan after the death of Joshua. Judges 1 details the initial successes and, crucially, the subsequent failures of various tribes to completely dispossess the inhabitants of the land, as commanded by God. This verse specifically highlights the tribe of Benjamin's inability to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem, a significant city. At this time, Jerusalem was still largely a Jebusite stronghold, often referred to as Jebus. This failure sets a precedent for the ongoing struggles and compromises that characterize the period of the Judges.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Incomplete Obedience: The primary theme is the failure of the tribe of Benjamin to fully obey God's command to drive out all the inhabitants of the land. This partial obedience had lasting consequences. This echoes themes seen earlier, such as the warnings in Numbers 33:55.
  • Compromise and Coexistence: Instead of conquest, Benjamin settled for coexistence with the Jebusites. This compromise led to the "Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day," indicating a long-term problem. This foreshadows the challenges faced by Israel in maintaining their distinct identity and faith.
  • The Significance of Jerusalem: This verse underscores that even Jerusalem, a city destined to become the capital of Israel and central to its spiritual life, remained unconquered by Benjamin. It would later be captured by King David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 5:6-7, highlighting Benjamin's long-standing failure.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "unto this day" (Hebrew: ʿad hayyōm hazzeh) is a common literary device in historical biblical narratives. It serves to emphasize the enduring nature of a particular event, condition, or consequence. In this context, it highlights the lasting impact of Benjamin's failure, suggesting that the Jebusite presence in Jerusalem persisted even up to the time the Book of Judges was compiled or edited, which would be well into the monarchy period. This emphasizes the gravity of their disobedience.

Practical Application

Judges 1:21 offers several practical lessons for believers today:

  • Beware of Partial Obedience: God's commands are for our good. Partial obedience, or leaving "pockets" of sin or compromise in our lives, can lead to ongoing struggles and hinder our spiritual growth. What strongholds do we need to fully surrender to Christ?
  • The Danger of Compromise: Coexisting with influences that contradict God's will can subtly erode our faith and identity. Just as the Jebusites remained a thorn in Israel's side, unaddressed issues can continue to trouble us.
  • The Importance of Perseverance: The task of spiritual conquest requires diligence and perseverance. We are called to continually put on the whole armor of God to stand against spiritual enemies, not to settle for comfortable coexistence with them.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:63 (5 votes)

    As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

  • Joshua 18:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

  • Joshua 18:28 (2 votes)

    And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This [is] the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

  • Judges 19:10 (2 votes)

    But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which [is] Jerusalem; and [there were] with him two asses saddled, his concubine also [was] with him.

  • Judges 19:12 (2 votes)

    And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that [is] not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah.

  • 2 Samuel 5:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

  • 2 Samuel 5:9 (2 votes)

    So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.