The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: and Yahweh strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.
"Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years"  (Judges 3:14). During this period Israel was required to pay tribute regularly to the king of Moab, and there can be little doubt that many other circumstances of Moabite domination of Israel had produced widespread resentment and hatred of the Moabite oppressors.