יהושע, פרק י״א, פסוק ג׳

The vast military alliance that united against the Israelites spanned a massive geographical area, stretching across rugged mountains and deep valleys. This sweeping deployment included the Canaanites positioned on both the eastern and western edges of the northern region. Settled in the central mountainous terrain were the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Further north, the Hivites occupied the valley directly at the foot of Mount Hermon [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

The exact nature of the area known as the land of Mizpah is understood in two distinct ways. One approach views it as a simple geographical detail, indicating that Mount Hermon itself was situated within this specific region [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. An alternative perspective suggests that this location served as the grand staging ground for the coalition. All of these various kings convened in the land of Mizpah to launch their unified campaign against Joshua.

This massive confrontation resulted in a great salvation for the Israelites, marking a victory over a far greater number of kings than their previous battle, which involved only five. Because of this monumental triumph, it is possible that Joshua built an altar at the site. Consequently, Mizpah was transformed into a sacred place of prayer and a central national gathering point for future generations. Throughout history, the Israelites would assemble there before major conflicts and significant national events, such as during the times of Jephthah, the tragedy of the concubine in Gibeah, and the eras of Samuel and Saul [רד״ק].