In Judges chapter 2, Stephen discusses the cycle of Israel's disobedience and God's discipline. After Joshua's death, a new generation arose that did not know God, leading to their failure to drive out enemies and a decline in faith. This resulted in oppression from surrounding nations, as God allowed their enemies to rise against them due to their unfaithfulness. Despite their distress, God raised judges to deliver them, providing temporary relief and peace. However, once the judges died, the Israelites returned to idolatry, prompting God to discipline them again. This cycle of declension, oppression, repentance, and revival occurred repeatedly over 450 years, illustrating the need for a deeper, personal relationship with God rather than a mere traditional belief. Stephen emphasizes that while revivals occurred, they were not permanent solutions; true recovery involves moving forward in faith and obedience to God's will. He draws parallels between the Israelites' experiences and the history of the church, highlighting the importance of remaining faithful to God to avoid the world's influence and the flesh's desires.
14 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
16 Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.
18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
20 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;
21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died: