Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, valleys often serve as significant geographical and symbolic locations. They are frequently depicted as places of both fertility and conflict. One notable instance of conflict involving valleys is the Canaanites' possession of certain valleys against the tribe of Judah, as recorded in the Old Testament.The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan, a region that God promised to the descendants of Abraham. Despite this divine promise, the Israelites faced considerable challenges in fully possessing the land, particularly in the valleys where the Canaanites were entrenched. The Book of Judges provides insight into this struggle, highlighting the difficulties faced by the tribe of Judah in driving out the Canaanites from these strategic locations. Judges 1:19 states, "The LORD was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country, but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the plains because they had chariots of iron." This verse underscores the military advantage held by the Canaanites due to their possession of iron chariots, which were particularly effective in the flat terrain of the valleys. The inability of Judah to dislodge the Canaanites from these areas illustrates the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan. The valleys, therefore, became a symbol of the incomplete conquest of the Promised Land. Despite the divine mandate and initial successes in the hill country, the presence of the Canaanites in the valleys represented a persistent challenge to the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel. This situation also served as a test of faith and obedience for the Israelites, as they were called to rely on God's strength rather than their own military capabilities. The presence of the Canaanites in the valleys also had spiritual implications for the Israelites. The Canaanites' continued occupation of these areas often led to cultural and religious influences that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites, which were prevalent in these regions. In summary, the valleys where the Canaanites held possession against Judah are emblematic of the broader struggle for the Promised Land. They highlight the challenges faced by the Israelites in fulfilling God's command to possess the land and serve as a reminder of the need for reliance on divine power in overcoming obstacles. The narrative of the Canaanites in the valleys is a testament to the complexities of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of God's promises in the history of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 1:19And the LORD was with Judah; and he drove out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Joshua's Conquest. A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Introduction The Nations of the South-East The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Joy Born at Bethlehem The Assumption of Moses Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.org Other Places in the Bible ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Valleys: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Valleys of Israel Well Tilled and Fruitful Valleys of the Church of Christ Valleys: (Dark) of Affliction and Death Valleys: (Filling up of) of Removing all Obstructions to the Gospel Valleys: (Fruitful and Well Watered) of the Tents of Israel Valleys: Abounded With: Fountains and Springs Valleys: Abounded With: Lily of the Valley Valleys: Abounded With: Ravens Valleys: Abounded With: Rocks and Caves Valleys: Called: Fat Valleys, when Fruitful Valleys: Called: Rough Valleys, when Uncultivated and Barren Valleys: Jehoshaphat or Decision Valleys: Miracles Connected With: Ditches In, Filled With Water Valleys: Miracles Connected With: The Moon Made to Stand Still Over Ajalon Valleys: Miracles Connected With: Water In, Made to Appear to the Moabites Like Blood Valleys: Moab where Moses Was Buried Valleys: Often the Scenes of Great Contests Valleys: Often the Scenes of Idolatrous Rites Valleys: Passengers or Hamongog Valleys: Shaveh or King's Dale Valleys: The Canaanites Held Possession of, Against Judah Valleys: The Heathen Supposed That Certain Deities Presided Over Valleys: To be Filled With Hostile Chariots, Threatened As A Valleys: Tracts of Land Between Mountains Valleys: Watered by Mountain Streams Related Terms |
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