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.
After the "war" with the Mesopota-mians (Judges 3:10), a period of 40 years of peace followed (Judges 3:11). During this time Othniel probably continued to judge Israel and then died. Judges 3:11 probably indicates that Ehud followed Othniel chronologically. [Note: See David L. Washburn, "The Chronology of Judges: Another Look," Bibliotheca Sacra 147:588 (October-December 1990):418.] 