Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.
The tribe of Ephraim also failed to drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; instead, the Canaanites continued to live there among them.
The writer is recording how the tribe of Ephraim didn't completely obey God's command to remove the Canaanites from their territory, allowing them to stay and live alongside the Israelites.
📚 Historical Context
After the Israelites entered the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, God commanded them to fully drive out the Canaanite inhabitants to prevent the spread of idolatry and moral corruption among His people. The tribe of Ephraim, however, neglected this directive and allowed the Canaanites to remain in Gezer, as described in the early chapters of Judges, which highlight the incomplete conquest and its consequences for Israel's future. This failure reflected a broader pattern of disobedience among the tribes that led to cycles of conflict and spiritual decline during the time of the judges.
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