Judges 3-4   The Lord "allowed" some of the nations to remain in the promised land of Israel, "to put to the test all the people of Israel".   (3:1)

Would the people that God called His own remain obedient to the covenant?  God chose to test them to see if they would be faithful.  All too soon, they failed.  They intermarried with the people of Canaan and began to serve their idols.  "Thus the people of Israel did what was evil from Adonai's perspective,  forgot Adonai, and served the Baals and the Asheroth." 

In His anger, Adonai sent Kushan-Risha'atayim to overtake Israel.  For 8 years they were in his hands.  But, when Israel cried out to the Lord, He raised up Othniel, sent the Holy Spirit upon him, and "he judged Israel".  He went to war and and prevailed.  For 40 years the land had rest.

But then...

Israel did evil.
Moab conquered and ruled for 18 years.
Israel cried out.
God gave them Ehud who killed Eglon, the king of Moab.
Israel had rest for 80 years.

But then...
Ehud died... Israel did evil..
This time Jabin, king of Canaan was given rule over Israel for 20 years.
Deborah became judge of Israel and Barak was sent to war against Canaan.
Victory was given.
Israel had 40 years of rest.

But then...

Over and over again.. generation after generation.. the sin of idolatry crept into the hearts of God's chosen people.  They failed the test.  They failed to remain faithful to their Lord.  Yet, again and again, God heard their cries and came to their rescue.

When Jesus told his disciples to forgive 70 times 7.. He knew what He was asking.  Our God is a forgiving God.  He is infinite in wisdom and understanding.. He knows our weaknesses.  He desires us to be pure and holy and faithful.. He chooses to test us so that He might refine us.. And thankfully He is infinitely patient.

Father, we feel that we are being tested by this virus pandemic.. yet it is nothing compared with the testing that Israel went through due to their rebellion against You.  Our nation is rebellious also. There is so much evil.  There are so many that have forgotten You and have failed to obey Your words. May we use this opportunity to repent and return to You and know Your deliverance.  Forgive us Lord Jesus and come reign and rule.  Help us to turn back and follow You.  By Your infinite mercies, shower our land with repentance and revival.  Our hope is in You!  Strengthen Your people that we will stand firm, resisting evil in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, for we cry out in His name. Amen.