But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong. (Joshua 17:18)
If they would clear away the wood and occupy the mountain, they would be able to command all the valleys. Possessing all the defiles of the country, they would be able to drive out the Canaanites, despite their formidable chariots of iron.
Thou shalt drive out.
This was the final command to the cowardly tribes. A similar command comes also to those who are harboring besetting sins. Not a single defilement is to be tolerated. All corrupting vice should be driven from the heart. Any pretense of tolerance or compromise is sure to bring ruin. Frequently we may look at our sins as Israel did at the chariots of iron and feel we cannot overcome them. So we ease our conscience by putting them to “tribute” and permit them to remain. The ultimate result is certain defeat. Fear and lack of faith and courage are Satan’s allies. But the command of God rings down through the ages, “Thou shalt drive them out.” See also on ch. 16:10.