Judges 2:21

21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which 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 And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned and corrupted themselves more than their fathers in following other gods, to serve them and to bow down unto them. They ceased not from their own doings nor from their stubborn way.

20 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and He said, "Because 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 out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died,

22 that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not."

23 Therefore the LORD left those nations without driving them out hastily, neither delivered He them into the hand of Joshua.