Here's a link to Bill's preferatory comments.
Because of their disobedience in following God's commands regarding the conquest of the Promised Land, the Israelites spent over three centuries of unrest with cycles of sin, rescue, repentance and sin. This time of the Judges is wrapping up as the narrative picks up in 1st Samuel. 1st and 2nd Samuel describe the transition to the monarchy under Saul and then David.