שופטים, פרק י׳, פסוק י״ח

Faced with a severe military threat from the Ammonites, the leaders of Gilead find themselves in a desperate crisis without a commander to lead them in battle. In their distress, they issue a public declaration, offering the leadership of the entire region to anyone willing to take charge. This urgent call is not directed at a specific individual, but serves as a sweeping offer to anyone who will accept the heavy task [מצודת דוד]. The invitation simply asks for a volunteer to take the first step and begin the military campaign [מצודת ציון].

The impending war is not driven by a desire for conquest or an ambition to subjugate the enemy. Instead, the leaders of Gilead are searching for a military commander for a strictly defensive and existential purpose. Their only goal is to repel the Ammonite attacks and eliminate the threat looming over their settlements [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In exchange for the dedication and initiative of the volunteer who steps forward, he is promised the ultimate reward: becoming the recognized head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.