Manassehמְנַשֶּׁה
Menashsheh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The tribe descended from Joseph's elder son; it was one of the largest tribes and held territory on both sides of the Jordan River. Their failure to purge their assigned territory of pagan influence is a recurring theme in the book of Judges.
Canaanitesכְּנַעֲנִי
Kena'aniy · Hebrew Proper Noun
The indigenous people of the land of Canaan, descendants of Noah’s grandson Canaan. In the Bible, they represent the idolatrous, pagan cultures that Israel was commanded by God to drive out to maintain holiness and prevent spiritual apostasy.
dwellingיָשַׁב
yashab · Hebrew Verb
A reference to physical inhabitants who have settled or remained in a location. In a theological sense, the refusal of these peoples to leave or of Israel to drive them out symbolizes spiritual compromise and failure to fully obey God's mandate for the land.
forced laborמַס
mac · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the labor imposed on conquered or subject peoples, often involving heavy, involuntary work. In Israel's history, it represented a failure to fully occupy the land according to God’s covenantal instruction, resulting in a compromised coexistence.
Ephraimאֶפְרַיִם
Ephrayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The tribe descended from Joseph’s younger son, inheriting a major portion of the central hill country. Their failure to remove the Canaanites from Gezer highlights the widespread pattern of tribal disobedience and incomplete conquest throughout the early history of the judges.
Zebulunזְבוּלוּן
Zebulun · Hebrew Proper Noun
The tribe descended from the tenth son of Jacob, settled in the northern region of Israel. Like other tribes mentioned in this context, their failure to remove local inhabitants is highlighted as a compromise of the divine mandate to cleanse the land.
subject to forced laborמַס
mac · Hebrew Adjective/Noun phrase
Describing a state of being under control or authority. In this context, it indicates that while Israel did not drive out the Canaanites, they asserted dominance over them, yet they remained in a state of partial disobedience to God’s commands.
drive outיָרַשׁ
yarash · Hebrew Verb
To dispossess, cast out, or evict, often used in the context of Israel taking possession of the Promised Land from the idolatrous nations. It carries the weight of a divine command and mission to cleanse the land of spiritual corruption.
Canaanitesכְּנַעֲנִי
Kena'ani · Hebrew Noun
The indigenous peoples of the Promised Land who were characterized by their idolatry and opposition to God’s covenant people. They represent the spiritual and moral obstacles Israel was commanded to remove to maintain holiness.
inhabitantsיָשַׁב
yashab · Hebrew Noun/Participle
Refers to those residing in a specific location; in this context, it emphasizes the people who remained in the land rather than being expelled, leading to the compromise of Israel's covenant responsibilities.
Amoritesאֱמֹרִי
Emori · Hebrew Noun
A powerful and warlike group of people occupying parts of the land of Canaan, often representing a significant military threat or a persistent pagan influence that hindered Israel’s full settlement.
forced laborמַס
mas · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting servitude or bondage. In the context of Israel's conquest, it refers to the subjugation of the original inhabitants who were not driven out, turning them into a labor force rather than eliminating their pagan influence.
handיָד
yad · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical expression representing power, agency, or divine strength. In Scripture, it is often associated with God’s power or the authority/capability of human leaders and tribes to achieve their objectives.
house of Josephבַּיִת
bayit Yoseph · Hebrew Noun phrase
Refers collectively to the tribes descended from Joseph—primarily Ephraim and Manasseh—who held a position of leadership and military significance among the tribes of Israel.
borderגְּבוּל
gebul · Hebrew Noun
A geographical or territorial boundary, often indicating a limit of land possession, jurisdiction, or separation between groups or nations. In a biblical context, it frequently relates to the land promised to Israel by God.
Amoritesאֱמֹרִי
Emori · Hebrew Noun
A people group of Canaanite origin who lived in the hill country and regions east and west of the Jordan. They are frequently mentioned in Scripture as enemies of Israel whom God commanded the Israelites to displace.
ascentמַעֲלֶה
ma'aleh · Hebrew Noun
Refers to a steep climb, a rising path, or a mountain pass. It is often used to describe specific, challenging geographical features used as landmarks in determining borders.
Akrabbimעַקְרַבִּים
Akrabbim · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun referring to a specific location, often meaning "Scorpion" in Hebrew, likely referencing a region known for scorpions or a steep, zigzagging trail. It serves as a landmark boundary marker in the wilderness.
Selaסֶלַע
Sela · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun (often used as a place name, meaning "rock" or "cliff") representing a specific geographic location. It denotes a rocky fortress or high ground, often associated with the region of Edom.
