שופטים, פרק י׳, פסוק ב׳

After a long period of guiding the nation, a leader's time eventually draws to a close. During this era, the role of a judge went far beyond sitting in a courtroom and settling legal disputes. Taking on this position meant acting as a savior, actively rescuing and delivering the Israelites [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

His passing occurred right in the middle of his twenty-third year of leadership, before that full year could be completed. This timing creates a unique overlap in the historical timeline. Because he died mid-year, that specific year is counted as a shared year in the historical record. It serves as both his final year of leadership and the very first year of Jair, the judge who immediately stepped up to lead the nation after him [מצודת דוד].