Judges 2:18-23 ▼

18 As a result, whenever the LORD raised up leaders for them, the LORD remained present with their leader, delivering Israel from the control of their enemies during the lifetime of that leader. The LORD was moved with compassion by their groaning that had been caused by those who were oppressing and persecuting them.

19 However, after the leader had died, they would relapse to a condition more corrupt than their ancestors, following other gods, serving them, and worshiping them. They would not abandon their activities or their obstinate lifestyles.

20 In his burning anger against Israel, the LORD said, |Because the people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their ancestors to keep, and because they haven't obeyed me,

21 I'm also going to stop expelling any of the nations that remained after Joshua died.

22 That way, I'll use them to demonstrate whether or not Israel will keep the LORD's lifestyle by walking on that road like their ancestors did.|

23 So the LORD caused those nations to remain and did not expel them quickly. He did not give them into Joshua's control.