The Spirit of Yahweh came on him, and he judged Israel; and he went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand: and his hand prevailed against Cushan Rishathaim.
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.