17
And yet they would not hearken unto their judges , but they went a whoringafterothergods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turnedquickly out of the way which their fathers walked in , obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.
18
And when the LORDraised them up judges , then the LORD was with the judge , and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge : for it repented the LORDbecause of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
19
And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned , and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following*othergods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubbornway.
20
And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said , Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;
21
I also will not henceforth drive outany from before them of the nations which Joshualeft when he died :
22
That through them I may proveIsrael, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.
23
Therefore the LORDleft those nations,without driving them outhastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.