1. Nations left to test Israel (1-6)

Israel was to drive out the Canaanites from the promised land. This was God's will and it would require warfare, since the Canaanites weren't just going to walk out. But the Israelites didn't drive them out. They lived among them, intermarried with them, and served their gods. For Christians, we are not to fight against people but against sin and evil and compromise (Gen 4:7; Eph 6:12; Mt 5:29).

2. Othniel, the first judge (7-11)

Israel forgot God and worshiped idols. So God gave them up to Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim for eight years. Israel cried out to the Lord and he raised up Othniel to lead and deliver them. Othniel overpowered the enemy by the Spirit of the Lord. They had peace for forty years.