שופטים, פרק י׳, פסוק י״ז

A sudden military buildup by the Ammonite army sparks an immediate gathering of the Israelites. The Ammonites assemble with the goal of conquering Gilead, a city historically captured by the descendants of Machir, the son of Manasseh [רד״ק]. However, the specific location of this conflict reveals the guiding hand of God. The Ammonite forces had previously crossed the Jordan River to attack the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Through divine intervention, they retreat back to Gilead, an area they have already oppressed for eighteen years. This shift prevents the war and its resulting destruction from spreading across all the Israelite tribes [מלבי״ם].

In response to the threat, a public herald sounds the alarm, calling the Israelites to battle [רש״י, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It is possible that this defensive effort actually begins earlier, during the initial Ammonite crossing of the Jordan [מלבי״ם]. The Israelites gather to defend Gilead and establish their camp at Mizpah, a location recognized as a respected and holy site since the days of Joshua [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Despite the mutual preparations for war, the standoff does not result in an immediate clash. When the Ammonites see the Israelite army forming against them at Mizpah, they choose to avoid a battle and return to their own land. This tactical retreat explains later events in the narrative, clarifying why Jephthah the Gileadite eventually has to send messengers and engage the Ammonites within their own borders, as they have already evacuated the territory of Gilead [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Even though the immediate threat withdraws, the people of Gilead understand that the enemy will soon return. They continue their preparations for war but face a critical crisis. They are left without a military leader, as the fear of the upcoming campaign is so intense that no one dares to take command [אברבנאל].