Judges 2:23

New Century Version

In the past the Lord had permitted those nations to stay in the land. He did not quickly force them out or help Joshua’s army defeat them.

Cross References

Judges 2:22

I will use them to test Israel, to see if Israel will keep the Lord’s commands as their ancestors did.”

Judges 3:1

These are the nations the Lord did not force to leave. He wanted to test the Israelites who had not fought in the wars of Canaan.