שופטים, פרק א׳, פסוק כ״ט

Following the events surrounding the tribe of Manasseh, the focus shifts to Ephraim, another tribe from the house of Joseph [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. When taking control of their land, Ephraim adopted an approach that differed significantly from other regions. They did not drive out the local Canaanite population, nor did they even attempt to impose taxes or forced labor upon them. Instead, they opted for a peaceful coexistence, choosing to live together through a treaty of peace and neighborly brotherhood [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם].

This shared living arrangement stood in direct opposition to a clear instruction from God. He had commanded the Israelites not to form treaties with the inhabitants of the land or allow them to settle among them, warning that such closeness would eventually lead the people into sin [מלבי״ם]. Because of this decision to embrace their neighbors rather than follow the divine command, the Canaanites remained firmly established in the city of Gezer, living within Ephraim's territory for many generations to come [ביאור שטיינזלץ].