Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
Neither did Manasseh drive out ... The same course of subjugation was carried on in the other tribes to a partial extent, and with varying success. Many of the natives, no doubt, during the progress of this exterminating war saved themselves by flight, and became, it is thought, the first colonists in Greece, Italy, and other countries. But a large portion made a stout resistance, and retained possession of their old abodes in Canaan. In other cases, when the natives were vanquished, avarice led the Israelites to spare the idolaters, contrary to the express command of God; and their disobedience to His orders in this matter involved them in many troubles which this book describes.
The inhabitants of Beth-shean and her towns - literally, 'her daughters.' Beth-shean or Beth-shah (1 Samuel 31:10; 1 Samuel 31:12; 2 Samuel 21:12) belonged to the allotment of Manasseh (cf. 1 Chronicles 7:29), though within the boundaries of Issachar (Joshua 17:11), among whose towns, however, it is not ranked.
Taanach - also belonged to Manasseh, though it was within the limits of Issachar (Joshua 17:11).
Dor - a maritime town on the western border of Manasseh, and north of Dan, near Carmel, now Tantoura.
Ibleam - belonged to Manasseh, though it also was situated within the limits of Isaachar. It was near Jenin.
Megiddo - on the southern border of the great plain of Esdraelon, and commanding an important pass from the north into the highlands of Judea.