Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh. (Judges 10:17)
Literally, “were called together,”“were summoned.”
Encamped in Gilead.
For the past 18 years the Ammonites had come every season to Israelite territory to carry off crops and to exact tribute. No doubt they were expecting servile submission again such as they had wrung from the people each year before.
Assembled themselves.
By the same medium that the divine reproof had been brought to Israel (vs. 11-14), they had probably received word that God had accepted their repentance. At any rate they now had gathered sufficient courage to plan resistance.
Mizpeh.
Literally, “outlook point.” Generally the word indicates a watchtower or point of observation on high walls. The place is probably identical with the “Mizpeh of Gilead” (ch. 11:29). It may have been the same Mizpah where Jacob and Laban parted (Gen. 31:25, 49). Some would identify Mizpeh of Gilead and Ramathmizpeh (Joshua 13:26) with Ramoth-gilead (Joshua 20:8; 1 Kings 4:13; 22:3, 6). It was situated in the territory of Gad and was a strong place of much importance.