Judges 2:23

That is why the LORD had left those nations in place and had not driven them out immediately by delivering them into the hand of Joshua.

Study Bible

So the LORD
The phrase "So the LORD" indicates a direct action or decision by God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over the events described. In Hebrew, "LORD" is often represented as "YHWH," the sacred name of God, which underscores His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction sets the stage for understanding that the unfolding events are part of God's divine plan and purpose, even when they seem contrary to human expectations.

left those nations
The Hebrew root for "left" is "נָחָה" (nachah), which can mean to lead, guide, or leave. In this context, it suggests a deliberate decision by God to allow these nations to remain. Historically, these nations were the Canaanite tribes that inhabited the Promised Land. God's decision to leave them serves as a test and a means of discipline for Israel, reminding them of their covenant obligations and the consequences of disobedience.

and did not quickly drive them out
The phrase "did not quickly drive them out" highlights the gradual nature of God's plan. The Hebrew word for "drive out" is "יָרַשׁ" (yarash), meaning to dispossess or expel. This delay in driving out the nations serves a dual purpose: it tests Israel's faithfulness and reliance on God, and it prevents the land from becoming desolate and overrun by wild animals, as mentioned in Exodus 23:29-30. It teaches the Israelites patience and dependence on God's timing rather than their own.

or deliver them into the hand of Joshua
The mention of "Joshua" connects this verse to the broader narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan. Joshua, whose name in Hebrew is "יְהוֹשֻׁעַ" (Yehoshua), meaning "The LORD is salvation," was the appointed leader after Moses. The phrase "deliver them into the hand" uses the Hebrew "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or deliver. This indicates that the ultimate victory over these nations was not to be achieved by human effort alone but through divine intervention and guidance. It serves as a reminder that while Joshua was a capable leader, the success of Israel's mission depended on their obedience to God and His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is sovereign over all nations and peoples.

2. Nations
Refers to the Canaanite nations that were left in the land of Israel. These nations were a test for Israel's faithfulness to God.

3. Joshua
The leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. His leadership was marked by military conquests and the initial distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
God allowed the nations to remain as a test for Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty. However, Israel's failure to fully obey God's command shows the importance of human responsibility in following God's will.

The Consequences of Partial Obedience
Israel's incomplete obedience led to ongoing struggles with idolatry and sin. This serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of not fully committing to God's commands.

Testing and Spiritual Growth
The presence of the Canaanite nations was a test for Israel's faithfulness. Similarly, God may allow challenges in our lives to test and strengthen our faith.

The Importance of Leadership
Joshua's leadership was crucial in the initial conquest of the land. The absence of strong, godly leadership in Judges led to Israel's spiritual decline, emphasizing the need for godly leaders in the church and community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Judges 2:23 illustrate the balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility? Can you think of other biblical examples where this balance is evident?

2. What are some modern-day "nations" or influences that can lead believers away from full obedience to God? How can we guard against them?

3. In what ways does God use challenges or "tests" in your life to strengthen your faith? How can you respond to these tests in a way that honors God?

4. Reflect on a time when partial obedience led to negative consequences in your life. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future decisions?

5. How can you support and encourage godly leadership within your church or community? What qualities should you look for in a leader, based on biblical examples like Joshua?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7
This chapter outlines God's command to Israel to completely destroy the Canaanite nations to avoid idolatry and sin. Judges 2:23 shows the consequences of Israel's failure to fully obey this command.

Joshua 23
Joshua warns the Israelites about the dangers of associating with the remaining nations and the potential for idolatry, which aligns with the situation described in Judges 2:23.

Judges 3
The next chapter explains how the remaining nations were used by God to test Israel, highlighting the ongoing cycle of sin and redemption.