Then the Ammonites were called to armsThe Ammonites, descendants of Lot, were often in conflict with Israel. This phrase indicates a mobilization for war, a common occurrence in the period of the Judges when Israel faced frequent threats from neighboring nations. The Ammonites' hostility can be traced back to territorial disputes and historical enmity (
Judges 11:4-5). This mobilization reflects the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance seen throughout the Book of Judges.
and camped in Gilead
Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was part of the territory allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Ammonites' encampment here signifies a direct threat to these tribes. Gilead's strategic location made it a frequent battleground, and its mention highlights the geographical and tribal tensions of the time.
and the Israelites assembled
The assembly of the Israelites indicates a response to the Ammonite threat. This gathering was likely a call to arms for the tribes affected by the Ammonite aggression. It reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where tribes would unite against common enemies. This assembly is a precursor to the leadership of Jephthah, who would later deliver Israel from the Ammonites (Judges 11:1-11).
and camped at Mizpah
Mizpah, meaning "watchtower," was a significant site for gatherings and covenant renewals in Israel's history. Its location is debated, but it served as a rallying point for the Israelites. Mizpah's role as a place of assembly is seen in other biblical accounts, such as in1 Samuel 7:5-6, where Samuel gathered Israel for repentance and renewal. The choice of Mizpah underscores the seriousness of the threat and the need for divine intervention, foreshadowing the deliverance to come.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AmmonitesA group of people descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. In this context, they are preparing for battle against Israel.
2.
GileadA region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It is significant as a battleground in this account.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Here, they are gathering to confront the threat posed by the Ammonites.
4.
MizpahA place of gathering and strategic importance in Israel. It often served as a site for assembly and decision-making.
5.
ConflictThe event of the Ammonites preparing for war against Israel, prompting the Israelites to respond by assembling at Mizpah.
Teaching Points
Dependence on God in Times of ConflictThe Israelites' assembly at Mizpah signifies a collective response to a threat. Believers today can learn the importance of coming together in prayer and seeking God's guidance during challenging times.
The Importance of UnityThe gathering of the Israelites at Mizpah underscores the need for unity among God's people when facing external threats. Unity in the body of Christ is crucial for spiritual battles.
Historical Context and Its LessonsUnderstanding the historical enmity between Israel and the Ammonites can help believers appreciate the ongoing spiritual battles they face and the need for vigilance.
Strategic PreparationJust as the Israelites prepared for battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, putting on the full armor of God as described in
Ephesians 6.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 10:17?
2.How can we prepare for spiritual battles like the Israelites in Judges 10:17?
3.What does Judges 10:17 teach about unity among God's people?
4.How does Judges 10:17 relate to Ephesians 6:10-18 on spiritual warfare?
5.What steps can we take to gather support in times of crisis?
6.How does the Israelites' assembly in Judges 10:17 inspire community in our church?
7.What historical evidence supports the events described in Judges 10:17?
8.How does Judges 10:17 reflect the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness?
9.What theological significance does the gathering of the Ammonites hold in Judges 10:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 10?
11.Who was Nahash the Ammonite in the Bible?
12.(Judges 10:4) How feasible is it that Jair had thirty sons, all uniquely ruling thirty cities with their own donkeys?
13.(Judges 10:7) Is there any historical or archaeological verification of simultaneous oppression by Philistines and Ammonites?
14.Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges?What Does Judges 10:17 Mean
Then the Ammonites were called to arms“Then the Ammonites were called to arms” (Judges 10:17a).
• The phrase signals a deliberate, organized mobilization. The Ammonites are not acting in random raids but in unified aggression, echoing earlier hostility described inJudges 3:13 andDeuteronomy 2:19.
• Their rally follows God’s declaration of Israel’s discipline (Judges 10:13–14). The timing underscores how foreign oppression often becomes God’s instrument of chastening when Israel lapses into idolatry (Psalm 106:40–42).
and camped in Gilead“…and camped in Gilead” (Judges 10:17b).
• Gilead, east of the Jordan, belongs to the tribes of Gad and half-Manasseh (Numbers 32:1, 33). Ammon’s encroachment into this covenant land is an affront to God’s promise (Genesis 15:18–21).
• Setting up camp indicates a long-term staging ground, similar to Midian’s encampments inJudges 6:33. The enemy intends occupation, not merely intimidation.
and the Israelites assembled“…and the Israelites assembled…” (Judges 10:17c).
• After years of oppression (Judges 10:8), Israel finally unites. God’s earlier refusal to deliver (10:13) has broken their complacency; now repentance moves them to action (10:15–16).
• Corporate gathering parallels previous rallies under Deborah (Judges 4:10) and Gideon (Judges 6:34-35), demonstrating that God still calls His people to stand together once their hearts return to Him (2 Chronicles 7:14).
and camped at Mizpah“…and camped at Mizpah” (Judges 10:17d).
• This Mizpah lies in Gilead (Judges 11:29), not the Benjaminite Mizpah ofJudges 20:1. The word means “watchtower,” fitting for a defensive posture.
• By mirroring the Ammonite camp with their own, Israel shows trust that God can match the enemy strength for strength, as later affirmed when “the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah” (Judges 11:29).
• The site becomes both a military base and a place of covenant renewal, recalling Samuel’s later gathering at Mizpah for repentance and victory over Philistia (1 Samuel 7:5-11).
summaryJudges 10:17 pictures two armies poised on covenant soil: Ammon, confident in human muster, and Israel, newly repentant and gathering under God’s watchful eye. The verse sets the stage for the Lord’s forthcoming deliverance through Jephthah, reminding readers that when God’s people turn back to Him, He equips and positions them to confront every encroaching foe.
(17)
Then.--Rather,
and,a general note of time.
Were gathered together.--Literally,were cried together. Conclamati sunt.
In Mizpeh.--A very common name, since it means "watch-tower." This is doubtless the Mizpeh in Gilead (Judges 11:29;Joshua 11:3), also called Ramoth-Mizpeh, or Ramoth-Gilead (Joshua 13:26;Joshua 20:8). (Comp.Genesis 31:49). . . .
Verse 17. - This verse ought to begin the new chapter. The preliminary matter of Israel's sin, of their oppression by the Ammonites, of their repentance and return to the God of their fathers, and of God's merciful acceptance of their penitence and prayer, was concluded in the last verse. The history of their deliverance by Jephthah begins here.
And the children of Ammon, etc.,
i.e. they encamped, as they had done during the previous seventeen years, in Gilead, either to carry off the crops or to wring tribute from the people, or in some other way to oppress them, expecting no doubt to meet with tame submission as before. But a new spirit was aroused among the Israelites. By whatever channel the bitter reproach in vers. 11-14 had been convey. ed to them, probably by the same channel, whether angel, or prophet, or high priest, had an answer of peace come to them on their repentance, and so they were roused and encouraged to resistance. As a first step, they
encamped in Mizpeh (see
Judges 11:11, 29, 34). Mizpeh, or Mizpah of Gilead, is probably the same as Mizpah in Gilead where Laban and Jacob parted (
Genesis 31:25, 49); as Ramoth-Mizpeh (
Joshua 13:26), called simply
Ramoth in Gilead (
Joshua 20:8;
1 Chronicles 6:80); and as the place well known in later Israelite history as
Ramoth-Gilead (
1 Kings 4:13;
1 Kings 22:3, 6), situated in the tribe of Gad, and a strong place of much importance. It was the place of national meeting for the whole of Gilead.
Mizpah means
the watch-tower, and would of course be upon a height, as the name
Ramoth-Mizpeh, the heights of Mizpeh, also shows. It almost always preserves its meaning as an appellative, having the article prefixed,
ham-mizpah, which is its usual form; only once
ham-mizpeh (
Joshua 15:38), and
Mizpeh (
Joshua 11:18;
Judges 11:29;
1 Samuel 22:3), and once
Mizpah (
Hosea 5:1). Whether Mizpeh in
Judges 20:1-3 is the same will be considered in the note to that passage. The modern site is not identified with certainty; it is thought to be es-Salt.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the Ammonitesבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonwere called to armsוַיִּצָּֽעֲקוּ֙(way·yiṣ·ṣā·‘ă·qū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6817:To shriek, to proclaimand campedוַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ(way·ya·ḥă·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583:To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encampin Gilead,בַּגִּלְעָ֑ד(bag·gil·‘āḏ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1568:Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelitesand the Israelitesבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonassembledוַיֵּאָֽסְפוּ֙(way·yê·’ā·sə·p̄ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, removeand campedוַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ(way·ya·ḥă·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583:To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encampat Mizpah.בַּמִּצְפָּֽה׃(bam·miṣ·pāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4709:Mizpah -- the name of several places in Israel
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OT History: Judges 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
