Judges 2:21

21 I will not again drive out anyone from before them from the nations that Joshua left when he died,

Judges 2:21 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 2:21

I also henceforth will not drive out and from before them,
&c.] At least not as yet, not very soon nor hastily, as in ( Judges 2:23 ) ;

of the nations which Joshua left when he died;
that is, unsubdued; which was owing either to the infirmities of old age coming upon him, which made him incapable of engaging further in war with the Canaanites; or to the sloth and indolence of the people, being weary of war, and not caring to prosecute it; or to want of men to cultivate any more land, and people other cities, than what they were possessed of; and chiefly this was owing to the providence of God, who had an end to answer hereby, as follows.

Judges 2:21 In-Context

19 But when the leader died they relapsed and acted corruptly, more than their ancestors, following other gods, serving them, and bowing down to them. They would not give up their deeds or their stubborn ways.

20 {So the anger of Yahweh burned} against Israel, and he said, "Because this people transgressed my covenant that I commanded their ancestors, and have not obeyed my voice,

21 I will not again drive out anyone from before them from the nations that Joshua left when he died,

22 in order to test Israel whether or not they would observe the way of Yahweh, to walk in it just as their ancestors did."

23 So Yahweh left those nations; he did not drive them out at once, and he did not give them into the hand of Joshua.