We would expect the end of Israel, after reading through Judges 2:16–19. Instead, the Lord administers “disciplinary judgment to 'test' them…. Even within the limited judgment imposed (no longer driving out the nations Joshua left), there is opportunity extended, opportunity to show that 'the way of Yahweh' (Judges 2:22) still matters to them. Where we would think Yahweh’s anger would rain judgment, it, as it were, bridles itself and imposes discipline. Here is Yahweh, the God who is 'slow to anger,' which gave Jonah fits (Jonah 4:1–2) but should create wonder in us, for even Christians – if they’ve any sense of their sinfulness at all – can only say, 'It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed’ (Lamentations 3:22 KJV)."1
22 in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the LORD as their fathers did, or not.”