Rehob is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the tribal allotment of Asher. It holds significance as a Levitical city, designated for the Levites, who were the priestly tribe of Israel. The city is noted in the context of the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, as well as in the broader narrative of Israel's struggle to fully possess the land due to the presence of the Canaanites.

Biblical References:

Rehob is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Asher. Joshua 19:28-30 lists Rehob among the cities within Asher's inheritance: "It went on to Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon. Then the boundary turned back toward Ramah and as far as the fortified city of Tyre. It turned toward Hosah and came out at the sea in the region of Achzib, Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob—twenty-two cities, along with their villages."

As a Levitical city, Rehob was set apart for the Levites, who were given specific cities within the territories of the other tribes to dwell in, as they did not receive a separate inheritance of land. This allocation is detailed in Joshua 21:31 , which states, "Helkath and Rehob, each with its pasturelands—four cities."

Canaanites Not Driven Out:

Despite being part of the land promised to the Israelites, Rehob, like many other cities, was not fully conquered by the Israelites. The presence of the Canaanites persisted in the region, as noted in Judges 1:31 : "Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphek, and Rehob."

This failure to completely drive out the Canaanites had significant implications for the Israelites, as it led to ongoing challenges and conflicts. The incomplete conquest is often seen as a reflection of Israel's disobedience and lack of faith, which resulted in the Canaanites becoming a source of temptation and idolatry for the Israelites.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Rehob's mention as a Levitical city underscores the importance of the Levites in Israelite society. The Levites were responsible for religious duties, teaching the Law, and maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. The allocation of cities like Rehob ensured that the Levites were distributed throughout the land, allowing them to fulfill their roles effectively.

The narrative of the Canaanites not being driven out serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical text. It highlights the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's commands and the dangers of allowing foreign influences to persist within the community of God's people. This theme is recurrent throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and the pursuit of holiness.

In summary, Rehob's role as a Levitical city within the territory of Asher, coupled with the presence of the Canaanites, provides insight into the historical and spiritual challenges faced by the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land.Judges 1:31
Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:
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