Jos 16:10 | KingComments | STEP | This verse contains a warning. Earlier we read that the Judeans are not able to drive out the enemies ( ). Apparently they have tried. The Ephraimites don’t even seem to have tried it. Apparently they have the strength for it ( ), but are not in the mood. They may quickly have thought themselves rich, are satisfied with it and have become lazy. Spiritual wealth makes us lazy if we receive it without having to fight to conquer it. Perhaps the Ephraimites have seen gains in using the Canaanites as forced laborers. This allows them to provide themselves with extra wealth. But in the time of the judges, this action will turn against them. The same applies to the life of a Christian who does not want to break with a particular “favorite sin” because this makes life so pleasant. One day he will awaken from the dream and notice that this sin controls his life and leads him to spiritual bankruptcy. Playing with sin always avenges itself.

‏ Joshua 16:10

Not All Enemies Are Driven Out

This verse contains a warning. Earlier we read that the Judeans are not able to drive out the enemies (Jos 15:63). Apparently they have tried. The Ephraimites don’t even seem to have tried it. Apparently they have the strength for it (Jos 17:13), but are not in the mood. They may quickly have thought themselves rich, are satisfied with it and have become lazy. Spiritual wealth makes us lazy if we receive it without having to fight to conquer it.

Perhaps the Ephraimites have seen gains in using the Canaanites as forced laborers. This allows them to provide themselves with extra wealth. But in the time of the judges, this action will turn against them. The same applies to the life of a Christian who does not want to break with a particular “favorite sin” because this makes life so pleasant. One day he will awaken from the dream and notice that this sin controls his life and leads him to spiritual bankruptcy. Playing with sin always avenges itself.