The Lord pronounces judgment on the failure of Israel to drive out their enemies and instead to compromise and make treaties with them (v1-6). They thought they could handle this evil in their presence when it would be a constant snare to them. Is their sin in your life that you think you can handle, but is a constant snare to you, tripping you up, holding you back?

Joshua and the elders of his generation were crucial in keeping the people faithful to the Lord (v6-10). The passing of that generation which witnessed so much of the Lord’s mighty deeds, meant there came a different people who were distant from the Lord and His mighty works. The people turned to follow false gods of the nations around them (v11-15). This brought down God’s judgment as they were plundered and defeated in battle. Judges brought short term deliverance (v16-23) but the people turned back to their sin constantly. Here we see our human nature which only Jesus can cleanse.