The Lord tests Israel’s obedience by the remaining nations. Israel is oppressed because of their sin. Three judges deliver Israel: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar.
- Joshua’s campaigns did not eliminate every Canaanite; those battles effectively “broke the back” of Canaanite resistance, and the various tribes were to “mop up” the rest.
- Why did the Lord leave the nations (v. 4)?