Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah. Joshua 15:63
By the time the book of Joshua was written, Israel was pretty established in the promised land. There were areas that had not been subdued, but much of the land had been taken and the people destroyed.
It's interesting to me that the Jebusites remained in Jerusalem. There is something very unique about Jerusalem. God chose Jerusalem out of all the cities in the land to place His temple. To this day, it is a blessed city. Why is it that God had not driven out the Jebusites, so His chosen people could freely occupy His chosen city?
I wonder if there were some in Jerusalem who still worshipped the Lord God? There are no stories in the Bible to indicate this, but Jerusalem had a heritage of worship. Melchizedek was the king of Jerusalem who gave provision to Abraham after Abraham's chase to rescue his nephew Lot. Not only was Melchizedek the king, he was a priest of the Most High God. Jesus Himself has been called a priest in the order of Melchizedek. Jerusalem's history indicates that the people had worshipped the Lord God. Maybe some remained. Maybe God spared them like he had promised Abraham in regards to Sodom - that if He found ten who worshipped Him, the city would not be destroyed.
We never know the impact of our faith sometimes. Someday, I will ask why He spared the Jebusites. Until then, it's an important lesson to consider.
Lord, give me a faith that could save an entire city. If You came looking for ten who follow You, let me be among them. I love You, Father. Your grace amazes me.