Incomplete work profits no one

Are you familiar with the term squatters? It refers to people that decide to occupy a piece of property that does not belong to them. They would build homes and maintain a decent livelihood. Sometimes even do some farming to live off the land. The landowner could be allowing this but they will not move when the land is needed for something else. The people of Israel were allowing squatters as well. Different tribes are mentioned in this chapter to be allowing this.

Judges 1:33, Nor did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh or the inhabitants of Beth Anath; but they dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land. Nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath were put under tribute to them.

Instead of removing them they were being made to pay tribute. This seems to be not what God wanted them to do. These squatters on land promised to their father Abraham were worshiping idols and created beings rather than God. They were to be removed from the land because of their sin. The job is half done. Incomplete is another word.

Father, help me finish the work assigned to me.

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