And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.
When Israel was strong ... they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.
Josephus ('Antiquities,' b. 5:, ch. 7:) gives a full commentary on this passage. 'Contenting themselves with the tributes which were paid to them, the Israelites grew effeminate, as to fighting any more against their enemies; but applied themselves to the cultivation of their lands, which producing them great plenty and riches, they neglected the regular disposition of their settlement, and indulged themselves in luxuries and pleasures.'