Charles Ellicott Commentary Judges 2:22

"that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Jehovah to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not." — Judges 2:22 (ASV)

That through them I may prove Israel. —Yet in this, as in all God’s punishments, there was an element of mercy mingled with the judgment, as we see from Exodus 23:29-30; Deuteronomy 7:22; and Judges 3:1-2. If in one point of view the non-extermination of Canaan at first led the Israelites into temptation and brought down retributive punishments upon them, yet out of these evils God raised the two-fold good, that they meanwhile increased sufficiently in numbers to be able effectually to till the soil and keep down the wild beasts, and were also being trained in bravery and warlike skill, while the original inhabitants were being driven out by little and by little. Further, we see that a real growth was going on during this period of suffering and anarchy.

The peril of internal discord was partly averted by the noble life, and inspiring memories, and treasures of infinite truth which they had acquired in the free air of the desert. “They learned by perpetual struggle to defend their new home and the free exercise of their religion, and so they prepared for coming generations a sacred place where that religion and national culture might develop. During the long pause of apparent inaction, a hidden movement was going on, and the principles and truths so marvellously brought to light were taking firm root.” (Ewald.)