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Judges 2:22
ESV 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.”
NIV I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their ancestors did.'
NASB in order to test Israel by them, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk in it as their fathers did, or not.'
CSB I did this to test Israel and to see whether or not they would keep the Lord's way by walking in it, as their ancestors had."
NLT I did this to test Israel — to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the Lord as their ancestors did.'
KJV That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

What does Judges 2:22 mean?

Because of Israel's repeated unfaithfulness to Him with other gods, the Lord has declared that He will not drive out Israel's enemies. Had they been faithful, and obedient (Deuteronomy 20:16–18), they could have conquered all the land promised to their ancestors (Joshua 1:14). Instead, the Lord will leave those enemies thriving in the land of Canaan, so they can test Israel. Some will live among Israel in captured lands, tempting the people to idolatry and sin (Judges 3:5–6). Others will remain in their un-disturbed kingdoms, launching raids and war against the tribes of Israel (Judges 3:1–4).

The "testing" performed here is really more of a "proving." God knows exactly what the results will be. Creating these opportunities, however, makes it clear whether the Israelites will turn to Him when their enemies torment them—or if they will remain unfaithful. The Lord will leave hostile nations intact to test—really, to demonstrate—Israel's lack of repentance over their sinful ways.
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