Book of Joshua Memory and the Past Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #7

Then Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. So Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholeheartedly followed the LORD, the God of Israel. (NRSV 14:13-14)

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel. (KJV 14:13-14)

We know it may seem strange that a person (Hebron) becomes the inheritance to Caleb, but becoming a family is like creating a new history. Although it's an odd circumstance to get married, it's nice that Hebron and Caleb will always be remembered as one of the oddest pairings in the Bible.

Quote #8

But the people of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so the Jebusites live with the people of Judah in Jerusalem to this day. (NRSV 15:63)

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. (KJV 15:63)

We look back at the past to understand why things happen the way they do. In this case, the author explains why the Jebusites still live in Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem will eventually become the capital of Israel, the author is adding a nice touch of foreshadowing for us to munch on.

Quote #9

They did not, however, drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer: so the Canaanites have lived within Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor. (NRSV 16:10)

And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute. (KJV 16:10)

Sometimes looking back at history means we have to explain away sticky situations. In this case, the author of Joshua is trying to explain why Canaanites were allowed to live in the Promised Land with the Israelites. The author settled on forced labor, which is rather ironic considering what the Israelites escaped from so long ago.