Joshua 16: Partial Obedience is Disobedience.

As we continue through Joshua, the Bible gives careful attention to the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. It’s exciting to watch the promises of God being fulfilled — but tucked inside these chapters are some eye-opening reminders, too. Look at how Joshua 15 closes:

“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 to this day.”(Joshua 15:63, NKJV)

And again in Joshua 16:

“But they didn’t get rid of the Canaanites who were living in Gezer. Canaanites are still living among the people of Ephraim, but they are made to do forced labor.”(Joshua 16:10, MSG)

There it is again — another group not fully driven out.

In Joshua 15, we see “they could not drive them out.” In Joshua 16, instead of full removal, “they made them do forced labor.” It may seem like a small detail, but when we remember what God commanded before they even entered the land, it becomes clear: this wasn’t the plan. God had given specific instructions:

“When the Lord your God brings you into the land which you go to possess... you shall conquer them and utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them... For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods...”(Deuteronomy 7:1–6, NKJV)

God didn’t merely suggest full obedience — He commanded it. Not because He’s controlling, but because He knew the danger of leaving even a small compromise alive in the land. So why are these people still there?

Each group, in its own way, threatened to pull the people away from full devotion to God. Isn't that still true today? The spiritual battle is very real. Partial obedience — leaves a foothold for the enemy — eventually leads to compromise, confusion, and defeat.

We still hear about the battles happening in Israel today. It’s heartbreaking — and telling. Many of those struggles trace all the way back to Israel’s partial obedience in the Promised Land.

God’s instructions were clear:

• Clear the land.

• Destroy every altar to false gods.

• Do not intermingle.

• Do not compromise.

But generation after generation (talk about generational trauma/strongholds/sins of the father) has suffered because Israel didn’t fully take hold of what God had promised. They weren’t fully obedient. And the truth is, partial obedience is disobedience — and it robs us of the full blessing God intends.

Lord, I can't help but wonder...How am I not taking hold of all Jesus came to give me? How am I allowing small compromises, confusion, or fear tactics to keep me from fully experiencing Your promise? Search me. Show me. Strengthen me to walk in full obedience — that I may live in the fullness of Your gift.