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 10:17KJV
Know the Bible

Judges 10:17 (KJV)

What does Judges 10:17 mean?

Judges 10:17 describes how the people of Ammon gathered and set up camp in Gilead, while the Israelites also assembled and camped at Mizpeh, preparing for a confrontation. This verse sets the stage for a coming conflict between the Ammonites and the Israelites by showing both sides organizing their forces.

The verse is part of a narrative where the Ammonites, a neighboring group often in conflict with Israel, have moved into the region of Gilead, which is east of the Jordan River. In response, the Israelites gather at Mizpeh, a place often used for important assemblies or military mustering. The focus is on the buildup to a significant event, highlighting the tension and readiness for battle on both sides.

The Hebrew behind Judges 10:17

  • The word "children" (בְּנֵי, bənê) is used for both "children of Ammon" and "children of Israel," emphasizing group identity and lineage rather than just age or literal offspring.
  • "Together" (וַיִּצָּעֲקוּ, wayyiṣa‘ăqû for Ammon; וַיֵּאָסְפוּ, wayyē’āspû for Israel) uses different Hebrew words for gathering, with the one for Israel (אָסַף, ’āsaf) often carrying the sense of assembling with purpose or unity.
  • "Encamped" (חָנָה, ḥanah) appears for both groups, indicating they set up temporary military camps, a common practice before battles in the ancient world.
  • "Gilead" (גִּלְעָד, Gil‘ad) and "Mizpeh" (מִצְפֶּה, Miṣpeh) are specific locations east of the Jordan, showing the geographical setting and the strategic positions each group chose.

Why Judges 10:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that both the Ammonites and Israelites are preparing for a direct military conflict, not just a minor skirmish or border dispute.
  • By naming Gilead and Mizpeh, the verse connects to earlier stories in Judges, showing continuity in Israel’s history and the importance of these locations for major decisions and battles.
  • The parallel structure—both groups gathering and encamping—emphasizes the seriousness of the confrontation and sets up the narrative tension for what follows in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“Mizpeh” Hebrew H4709 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • 1 Samuel 7:11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
  • Nehemiah 3:19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

“together” Hebrew H6817 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
  • Deuteronomy 26:7 And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:
  • 2 Kings 8:5 And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

“Ammon” Hebrew H5983 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 19:38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
  • Judges 12:1 And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.

“Gilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:18 And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.