God could take care of it all. He could drive the inhabitants out even though the Israelites didn’t. But He chooses not to, and those inhabitants and their gods become an ongoing test for the nation.
Judges 2:11-23 shows us the continuing cycle in Judges: (1) the Israelites do what is evil in the sight of God, (2) God allows the nation (tribe) to be conquered and oppressed by a neighboring nation, (3) the people cry to God, and (4) God sends a judge to deliver them.
Thought for the day: This happens in our lives too. First, we sin, which grieves the indwelling Spirit and we no longer experience the love, joy and peace of God in our lives. Next, we are convicted of our sin, and we cry out to God in repentance. Finally, our day-to-day relationship is restored, and we experience His blessing once again. Unfortunately, this cycle tends to repeat over and over and over again. How do we break this chain? We devote each day to God and intentionally live for Him.
Luke 9:23 (WEB): “[Jesus] said to all, ‘If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’ “
