Judges 1:21
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.
Judges 1:21 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referencing, found in the book of Judges, speaks of the failure of the tribe of Benjamin to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem. This verse highlights a recurring theme in the Bible where the Israelites are instructed to conquer and possess the land that God had promised to them. By not fully obeying God's command to drive out the Jebusites, the children of Benjamin allowed the Jebusites to remain in Jerusalem, resulting in ongoing conflict and compromise within the region. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following through with God's instructions completely. It also underscores the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in fulfilling God's will. Despite their failure to fully drive out the Jebusites, the children of Benjamin were left to coexist with them in Jerusalem, a reminder of the challenges that arise when God's commands are not carried out as intended.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Judges is that it serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The failure of the children of Benjamin to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem resulted in the Jebusites continuing to dwell among them, contrary to God's instructions to completely conquer the land. This may symbolize the ongoing presence of sin and worldly influences in the lives of believers when they do not fully remove them as instructed by God. Additionally, this verse highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will in order to experience His full blessings and protection. By allowing the Jebusites to coexist with them, the children of Benjamin compromised their spiritual integrity and jeopardized their relationship with God.
Judges 1:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.
World English Bible
The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
Douay-Rheims
But the sons of Benjamin did not destroy the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem: and the Jebusite hath dwelt with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem until this present day.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But the children of Beniamin did not cast out the Iebusites, that inhabited Ierusalem: therefore the Iebusites dwell with the children of Beniamin in Ierusalem vnto this day.