The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and forgot Yahweh their God, and served the Baals and the Asheroth.
Since the years of peace that followed four deliverances numbered 40 (Judges 3:11; Judges 5:31; Judges 8:28) and 80 (Judges 3:30), some scholars believe these are round numbers indicating one and two generations. [Note: E.g., Block, Judges . . ., p. 155.] We also read of the Canaanites dominating Israel for 20 years (Judges 4:3), the Philistines doing so for 40 years (Judges 13:1), and Samson judging for 20 years (Judges 16:31). However, other lengths of oppressions and judgeships are not round numbers (Judges 3:8; Judges 3:14; Judges 6:1; Judges 10:2-3; Judges 10:8; Judges 12:11 [?], 14). Note, too, that the reports of Israel enjoying rest end with Gideon’s judgeship; after that there was no more rest.