What does Judges 2:22 mean?
Because of Israel's repeated unfaithfulness to Him with other gods, the Lord has declared that He will not drive out Israel's enemies. Had they been faithful, and obedient (Deuteronomy 20:16–18), they could have conquered all the land promised to their ancestors (Joshua 1:14). Instead, the Lord will leave those enemies thriving in the land of Canaan, so they can test Israel. Some will live among Israel in captured lands, tempting the people to idolatry and sin (Judges 3:5–6). Others will remain in their un-disturbed kingdoms, launching raids and war against the tribes of Israel (Judges 3:1–4).The "testing" performed here is really more of a "proving." God knows exactly what the results will be. Creating these opportunities, however, makes it clear whether the Israelites will turn to Him when their enemies torment them—or if they will remain unfaithful. The Lord will leave hostile nations intact to test—really, to demonstrate—Israel's lack of repentance over their sinful ways.
Judges 2:16–23 describes the pattern developed and repeated after the death of Joshua. The Israelites begin with freedom and faithfulness towards God. Then they fall into idolatry and sin. In response, they are overcome by their enemies. When the suffering of the Israelites becomes great, God raises up judges—military and civic leaders—to save Israel from their enemies. When the judge dies, the Israelites soon return to their sinful worship of Canaan's gods. Each time, Israel's idolatry worsens, and their faith becomes weaker.
The tribes of Israel committed great sin when they failed to drive the depraved, wicked Canaanites from the land. God rebukes them harshly, warning them of the consequences to follow. The people weep and offer sacrifices. And yet, the generations after Joshua abandon God. They worship false gods and perform heinous sins. The Lord burns with anger and uses Israel's enemies as punishment. When the suffering becomes intense, God rescues Israel through a human "judge." When the judge dies, the people return to their sin, deeper even than before.
