Book of Judges - Chapter 2 - Verse 21

When God proclaimed that He would no longer drive out the nations that Joshua had failed to conquer before his death, it signified a turning point in the history of the Israelites. This decision by God was a consequence of the Israelites breaking their covenant with Him and turning away from his commandments. By leaving these nations in the land, God was allowing them to exist as a test of the Israelites' faith and obedience. It was a stern warning that there would be consequences for disobedience and a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God's laws. This verse serves as a reminder to readers of the Bible that God's promises are conditional, and that His protection and blessings are dependent on obedience and faithfulness.

One theological interpretation of this verse from Judges 2:21-22 is that it highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. The Israelites were supposed to drive out the nations from the land as God had commanded them through Joshua. However, their failure to do so led to consequences. The fact that God chose not to drive out the remaining nations indicates a change in His relationship with the Israelites due to their disobedience. This verse serves as a reminder that God's promises are conditional upon our obedience and faithfulness.

Furthermore, a word study of the phrase "drive out" in this verse reveals its significance in the context of conquering the promised land. The Hebrew word used for "drive out" is "yarah," which can also mean to cast out, throw out, or expel. In the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, this word carries a sense of forceful removal or expulsion. It emphasizes the Israelites' role in actively removing the existing inhabitants from the land as a demonstration of their faith in God's promise and their commitment to following His commands.