Judges 3

The cycle of disobedience begins immediately. The Israelites serve the god Baal, and God allows their first oppressor, Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, to rule them for eight years. When they cry out, God raises up their first judge, Othniel (Caleb's nephew), who delivers them, securing forty years of peace. After Othniel’s death, the people sin again. God sends Eglon, the obese king of Moab, who oppresses them for eighteen years. God raises Ehud, a left-handed judge who skillfully assassinates Eglon and leads a successful revolt, followed by eighty years of peace.