Judges 10:17
In this part of Scripture, we see the unfolding tensions between Israel and their longtime relatives to the east. *Then the sons of Ammon were summoned and they camped in Gilead. And the sons of Israel gathered together and camped in Mizpah.* (v.17). The sons of Ammon descended from Ben-ammi, the son born to Lot’s younger daughter around 2100 BC, making them distant kinsmen to the Israelites (citeturn0file16). Nonetheless, the Ammonites frequently engaged in hostilities against Israel, often seeking to occupy or reclaim territory east of the Jordan River (citeturn0file13). Gilead, where the Ammonites set up camp, was a fertile region known for its rich pastureland and balsam ointments. It lay on the eastern side of the Jordan, in the area that is now part of the modern kingdom of Jordan (citeturn0file13).
The verse further states that *the sons of Israel gathered together and camped in Mizpah* (v.17). Mizpah, which means “watchtower,” served as a strategic assembly place for Israel on multiple occasions in the Old Testament (citeturn0file19). In this context, Mizpah was located within Gilead, making it a critical vantage point from which Israel could prepare for defense. By gathering there, Israel demonstrated a unified front against the encroaching Ammonite forces, seeking the Lord’s guidance and strength as they stood ready for battle.
This gathering sets the stage for the leadership of Jephthah in the subsequent verses, illustrating how God often raises a deliverer amid crisis. The conflict with the Ammonites that begins here in Judges 10:17 shows Israel’s ongoing cycle of turning away from the Lord, being oppressed by hostile neighbors, and eventually calling out in desperation for divine intervention. Though the Ammonites and Israelites shared a familial connection going back to Lot, their relationship had soured through repeated acts of aggression and mistrust (citeturn0file13).
The tensions between Israel and the sons of Ammon compelled both sides to assemble for a significant confrontation in Gilead.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 4:4-10 meaning. This passage introduces Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, who calls upon Barak to lead an army against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s forces. Deborah delivers a divine command to Barak, instructing him to gather ten thousand men and promising victory over Sisera. Barak agrees to go but insists that Deborah accompany him. Deborah agrees, but because of Barak’s fear, Deborah predicts that the honor of victory will ultimately go to a woman. Together, Barak and Deborah lead the forces of Zebulun and Naphtali to battle.
- Deuteronomy 17:8-13 meaning. Moses advises local judges to appeal to the Levitical priests or to the judge in office at the central sanctuary in order to seek guidance when some cases seem too difficult for them to handle.
- Judges 4:11 meaning. Judges 4:11 introduces Heber the Kenite. The details concerning Heber’s location and lineage in this verse foreshadow his involvement in the unfolding events of Sisera’s defeat, though it seems incidental at first.