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. (Judges 2:18)
That is, the Lord was grieved that they had to suffer oppression. The basic meaning of the word translated “repented” is “to be grieved,”“to have compassion,”“to pity.” It does not mean that God changed His mind. God allowed the punishment for their good. When the punishment brought forth desired effects, God’s pity raised up deliverance for the oppressed. God’s purpose was to have the suffering bring about a change in conduct. When the objective was achieved, the oppression was removed or mitigated. This was entirely consistent with His original purpose.