Another sad word is appended at the end of the land distribution to Ephraim, Joseph’s son. Joshua 16:10 says, “However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer…” The Canaanites at Gezer continually influenced the tribe of Ephraim throughout their history.
One verse in chapter 14 may help us understand what was happening to the tribes once they entered into the Promised Land. It records that the Israelites “took rest from their wars.” Obviously, they did that too soon. They failed to finish the task that God had called them to. They took a vacation from their battles. They let down their guard, set down their shields, took off their helmets, before the war was over.
Pink says , “The lessons for us to learn from them are obvious. God grants His people no furloughs in the “good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12) to which He has called them, and should they take one, then their enemies will inevitably prove too strong, nor will the Captain of their salvation fight their battles for them. Our commission is, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13), and if we heed not, most unpleasant will be the outcome.”
Yes, it’s a marathon, this battle against evil. It’s not a sprint or a dash! We can’t stop give in at any point. “quit ye, like men!”
Chuck
“You are included among those Gentiles who were called to belong to Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:6