Judges 1:27

KJV

Neither did Manasseh drive out [the inhabitants of] Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither did Manasseh {H4519} drive out {H3423} the inhabitants of Bethshean {H1052} and her towns {H1323}, nor Taanach {H8590} and her towns {H1323}, nor the inhabitants {H3427} of Dor {H1756} and her towns {H1323}, nor the inhabitants {H3427} of Ibleam {H2991} and her towns {H1323}, nor the inhabitants {H3427} of Megiddo {H4023} and her towns {H1323}: but the Canaanites {H3669} would {H2974} dwell {H3427} in that land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

M'nasheh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beit-Sh'an and its villages, Ta'anakh and its villages, Dor and its villages, Yivle'am and its villages or Megiddo and its villages; so that the Kena'ani managed to keep on living in that land.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their villages; for the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land.

American Standard Version

And Manasseh did not drive outthe inhabitants ofBeth-shean and its towns, norofTaanach and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:27 meticulously records the failure of the tribe of Manasseh to fully dispossess the indigenous Canaanite inhabitants from several strategically vital cities within their divinely allotted territory, specifically Bethshean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, and Megiddo. This particular instance of incomplete obedience serves as a stark illustration of a pervasive theme throughout Judges 1, highlighting Israel's widespread reluctance or inability to complete the conquest as explicitly commanded by God. This critical lapse in covenant fidelity inevitably set the stage for the profound spiritual and moral compromises, cycles of apostasy, and subsequent oppression that would tragically define the entire period of the Judges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1 functions as an indispensable bridge between the triumphant, unified conquest narratives under Joshua and the fragmented, often disobedient, and morally declining era that characterizes the rest of the book. While the book of Joshua concludes with the land apportioned and a call to unwavering faithfulness, Judges 1 immediately confronts the reader with the stark reality of Israel's widespread failure to fully occupy their inheritance. The chapter systematically details the incomplete conquests of various tribes, frequently employing the recurring, somber refrain "did not drive out" or "could not drive out." This pattern establishes a tone of missed opportunity, partial obedience, and profound disobedience. Verse 27 specifically highlights Manasseh's particular lapse, mirroring the broader pattern of compromise that, as the book unfolds, directly leads to the tragic cycles of apostasy, divine judgment, foreign oppression, and subsequent deliverance by judges. This foundational chapter thus provides the crucial theological explanation for *why* the tumultuous period of the Judges was necessary, revealing that the seeds of future spiritual and national decline were sown in these initial acts of unfaithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the death of Joshua, roughly spanning the 14th to 13th centuries BCE, saw the Israelite tribes attempting to consolidate their hold on the Promised Land. The cities enumerated in Judges 1:27—Bethshean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, and Megiddo—were not minor settlements but highly strategic strongholds. They were predominantly located in the fertile Jezreel Valley (also known as the Plain of Esdraelon) and along the vital coastal plain, controlling crucial trade routes and rich agricultural lands. These Canaanite cities were typically well-fortified and often possessed superior military technology, notably iron chariots, which presented a formidable challenge to the Israelite forces, as explicitly noted in [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah's Inability to Dispossess Valley Dwellers"). Furthermore, Canaanite culture was characterized by pervasive polytheism, abhorrent idolatry (including the worship of Baal and Asherah), cultic prostitution, and the horrific practice of child sacrifice. God's repeated and emphatic command to completely drive out these inhabitants (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1-5 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Destroy the Nations")) was not an arbitrary act of cruelty but a divine imperative designed to protect Israel's spiritual purity and covenant fidelity from the profoundly corrupting influence of pagan practices.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 1:27 powerfully encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the book of Judges and the overarching biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the critical distinction between **partial obedience and complete obedience**. God's command to dispossess *all* the inhabitants was unequivocal. Manasseh's failure, consistent with that of other tribes, reveals a profound lack of wholehearted commitment to God's explicit instructions, leading directly to the **consequences of compromise**. The concluding phrase, "but the Canaanites would dwell in that land," is far more than a mere statement of fact; it is a profound harbinger of the spiritual and moral decline that inevitably follows. The continued presence of the Canaanites served as a persistent temptation to idolatry, intermarriage, and syncretism, ultimately becoming a "snare" and "thorn in your sides," precisely as prophesied by the Angel of the Lord in [Judges 2:3](/judges/2-3 "Judges 2:3 - The Angel of the Lord's Rebuke"). This verse also subtly underscores a pervasive **lack of faith and resolve** among the Israelites. Despite God's unwavering promise of victory and His demonstrated power in the initial conquest, they seemingly lacked the courage or conviction to fully trust Him for the complete dispossessing, perhaps preferring the perceived ease of coexistence or fearing the military might of their adversaries. This sets the stage for the recurring pattern of Israel's spiritual decline and their desperate cries for divine deliverance throughout the subsequent narratives of the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, _Mᵉnashsheh_):** Derived from a root meaning "causing to forget," Manasseh was one of the two sons of Joseph and became the progenitor of a significant Israelite tribe. Their allotted territory was strategically important, spanning both sides of the Jordan River. In this verse, the mention of Manasseh highlights the specific tribal responsibility and, by extension, their particular failure to fulfill the divine mandate of complete conquest, thereby "forgetting" or neglecting God's command.
* **drive out (Hebrew, _yârash_):** This verb carries a multifaceted meaning, primarily "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)," "to seize," or "to inherit." In the context of the conquest, it signifies the complete and forceful removal of the existing inhabitants from the land so that Israel could fully occupy and inherit it as God's promised gift. Manasseh's failure to "drive out" implies an incomplete inheritance and a failure to fully claim what God had provided, leaving their territory vulnerable to foreign influence and spiritual corruption.
* **would dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab_):** This primitive root means "to sit down," "to remain," or "to inhabit." The use of this word emphasizes the lasting, settled presence of the Canaanites due to Israel's inaction and partial obedience. It suggests a permanent, enduring cohabitation rather than a temporary or suppressed presence, underscoring the long-term nature of the compromise and its profound implications for Israel's spiritual and national identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither did Manasseh drive out [the inhabitants of] Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns:"** This opening clause meticulously details Manasseh's specific and repeated failure. The emphatic repetition of "neither did... nor..." underscores a series of missed opportunities and a widespread lack of resolve or commitment. The listed cities—Bethshean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, and Megiddo—were not arbitrary selections but strategically crucial strongholds. Bethshean and Taanach controlled vital passes within the fertile Jezreel Valley, a key agricultural and military region. Megiddo, an ancient and renowned city, dominated a major international trade route, the Via Maris. Dor was a significant coastal city, providing access to maritime trade. Their continued occupation by Canaanites meant that vital arteries of communication, commerce, and military control remained outside Israelite dominion, fragmenting their territory, exposing them to ongoing pagan influence, and posing persistent military threats. This failure was not attributable to a lack of divine power or provision, but rather to a profound lack of human obedience and faith.
* **"but the Canaanites would dwell in that land."** This concise yet potent concluding clause serves as a stark statement of consequence and a definitive outcome. It highlights the direct and inevitable result of Manasseh's (and, by extension, Israel's) partial obedience and compromise. The Canaanites' continued, settled presence was a direct violation of God's explicit command and a fundamental compromise of Israel's covenant purity and distinctiveness. This seemingly simple statement carries immense theological weight, explaining the very root cause of the devastating cycles of apostasy, oppression, and subsequent deliverance that characterize the entire book of Judges. It powerfully foreshadows the spiritual decay, moral decline, and national weakness that would plague Israel for generations, as these remaining inhabitants indeed became persistent snares and thorns in their side.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 1:27 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its critical message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated negative construction "Neither did... nor..." followed by a precise **Catalogue** or **Litany** of un-conquered cities. This sustained repetition emphasizes the widespread, systematic, and pervasive nature of Manasseh's failure, underscoring that this was not an isolated incident but a deeply ingrained pattern of disobedience. The cumulative effect of this enumeration creates a profound sense of disappointment and highlights the grave implications of their unfaithfulness. There is also a strong element of **Juxtaposition**: the implied divine command for complete conquest and purification of the land is starkly contrasted with the actual, tragic outcome of Israel's partial obedience and compromise. Finally, the concluding phrase, "but the Canaanites would dwell in that land," functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**. It subtly yet definitively predicts the future troubles and the cyclical nature of apostasy and oppression that will define the entire period of the Judges, where these remaining inhabitants indeed become a persistent source of spiritual corruption and military subjugation for Israel, as explicitly stated and elaborated upon in [Judges 2:3](/judges/2-3 "Judges 2:3 - The Angel's Rebuke to Israel").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:27 is a pivotal verse that connects directly to the foundational covenant relationship between God and Israel, established through Abraham's call and solemnly ratified at Mount Sinai. God had unequivocally promised the land to Israel as an inheritance and commanded them to completely dispossess its inhabitants to preserve their unique identity as His holy nation, distinct and set apart from the corrupting influences of paganism. This verse reveals Israel's profound failure to fully embrace their divine calling, demonstrating a critical lapse in both faith and obedience. Their partial conquest was not merely a military setback but a profound spiritual compromise that allowed the very influences God sought to protect them from to remain deeply embedded within their borders. This failure directly contravened explicit divine commands given through Moses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Drive Out Inhabitants")) and solemn warnings issued by Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 23:13](/joshua/23-13 "Joshua 23:13 - Warning Against Compromise and Intermarriage")). The immediate and devastating consequences of this compromise are vividly evident in the subsequent narrative of Judges, where the remaining Canaanites become a "snare" and "thorn" to Israel, leading to recurring cycles of idolatry, oppression, and divine judgment, as clearly articulated in [Judges 2:3](/judges/2-3 "Judges 2:3 - The Angel's Rebuke to Israel").
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - God's Command to Drive Out Nations")
* [Joshua 23:12-13](/joshua/23-12-13 "Joshua 23:12-13 - Joshua's Warning Against Intermarriage")
* [Judges 2:1-3](/judges/2-1-3 "Judges 2:1-3 - The Angel of the Lord's Rebuke")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 1:27 serves as a timeless and profound warning against the insidious dangers of partial obedience and spiritual compromise. Just as Manasseh's failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites led to long-term spiritual degradation and national struggles for Israel, so too can our own unwillingness to fully surrender areas of our lives to God's complete authority invite ongoing spiritual battles, hinder our growth in holiness, and diminish our effectiveness for His kingdom. This passage compels us to engage in honest and thorough self-examination, prompting us to identify the "Canaanites" in our own spiritual "territory"—stubborn sins, ungodly habits, worldly influences, unyielded ambitions, or areas of our heart—that we have knowingly or unknowingly allowed to remain. While the physical conquest of nations is no longer our calling, the spiritual battle against sin, the flesh, and the desires of the world remains intensely real ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). We are called to wholehearted devotion, trusting God for complete victory over every stronghold that seeks to undermine our walk with Him. This requires not just an initial act of faith, but sustained resolve, vigilant obedience, and unwavering reliance on divine power, recognizing that compromise, however seemingly small or insignificant, can have far-reaching and detrimental consequences for our spiritual purity, peace, and effectiveness in fulfilling God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I currently practicing partial obedience instead of wholehearted surrender to God's revealed will?**
* **What "Canaanites"—stubborn sins, ungodly habits, worldly influences, or unyielded areas of my heart—have I allowed to remain in my spiritual territory, and what are the potential long-term consequences of this compromise?**
* **How does this passage challenge me to trust God more fully for complete victory over spiritual obstacles, rather than compromising, coexisting with sin, or relying solely on my own limited strength?**
* **In what ways might my personal compromises or lack of complete obedience impact the spiritual health and witness of my family, church, or broader community?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important for Israel to drive out the Canaanites completely?**

Answer: God's command to completely drive out the Canaanites was fundamentally rooted in His absolute holiness and His fervent desire to protect Israel's covenant purity and unique identity as His chosen people. Canaanite culture was deeply entrenched in abhorrent idolatry, pervasive polytheism, the horrific practice of child sacrifice, and various forms of sexual immorality, all of which were a profound abomination to Yahweh. Allowing these inhabitants to remain would inevitably lead to Israel adopting their pagan practices, corrupting their worship of the one true God, and ultimately breaking their sacred covenant with Him. This was explicitly and repeatedly warned against in passages such as [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - God's Command to Separate from Nations") and [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenant with Inhabitants"). The continued presence of the Canaanites was designed by God to be a constant temptation and a spiritual snare, leading Israel away from monotheistic worship and into cycles of sin, idolatry, and divine judgment, as tragically seen throughout the book of Judges.

**What was the significance of the specific cities mentioned in Judges 1:27 (Bethshean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo)?**

Answer: The cities listed in Judges 1:27 were not random settlements but highly strategic and economically vital locations that controlled crucial regions within Israel's allotted territory. Bethshean, Taanach, Ibleam, and Megiddo were all situated in or near the fertile Jezreel Valley (also known as the Plain of Esdraelon), which was a critical agricultural area and a major international trade route connecting Egypt to Mesopotamia. Control of this valley was essential for economic prosperity, agricultural output, and military dominance. These cities were also renowned for being well-fortified and often possessed advanced military technology, such as formidable iron chariots, which posed a significant challenge to the Israelite forces, as explicitly noted in [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah's Inability to Dispossess Valley Dwellers"). Dor was an important coastal city, further highlighting the strategic and economic value of the un-conquered areas. Manasseh's failure to dispossess these strongholds meant that key arteries of communication, trade, and military control remained in enemy hands, fragmenting Israel's territory and leaving them perpetually vulnerable to ongoing pagan influence, cultural assimilation, and future military oppression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Israel's partial conquest, powerfully exemplified by Manasseh's failure in Judges 1:27, profoundly foreshadows the absolute necessity for a perfect, complete, and decisive deliverer—Jesus Christ. Where Israel, the earthly people of God, failed to fully dispossess their physical enemies and purify the promised land, Christ, as the true Israel and the ultimate Joshua, achieves a complete and utterly decisive spiritual conquest. He does not merely "drive out" some enemies or partially subdue a few strongholds; He utterly defeats the powers of darkness, sin, and death itself. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus disarms all principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the one who, unlike Manasseh, fully takes possession of the spiritual inheritance for His people, liberating them from the dominion of sin and the power of Satan ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Power")). Where Israel's partial obedience led to cycles of compromise, spiritual decay, and recurring oppression, Christ's perfect obedience and complete victory enable all believers to live as "more than conquerors" through Him who loved them ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")), inheriting true spiritual freedom and the promise of eternal life in a kingdom where all enemies have been fully and eternally dispossessed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 17:11

And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.

Joshua 17:13

Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.

1 Samuel 15:9

But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

Psalms 106:34

¶ They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:

Psalms 106:35

But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.

Jeremiah 48:10

Cursed [be] he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed [be] he that keepeth back his sword from blood.

Judges 5:19

The kings came [and] fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.