The First Three Judges

As was pointed out, the first two chapters of the book of the Judges are introduction. Before the author begins his narrative, he explains why the Lord did not expel all the heathen nations from the promised land. The Lord left these nations in punishment of Israel's sin. His people had entered into a forbidden fellowship with the Canaanites and had tolerated their pagan worship. Still another reason is given. The Lord left these nations to prove Israel and to teach the people war. The author...