שופטים, פרק י״א, פסוק ה׳

Intense military pressure often forces leaders into uncomfortable positions. Facing a severe threat from the Ammonites, the leadership of Gilead is driven to a desperate solution. They are forced to seek out the very man they previously rejected and chased away.

The timing of their approach reveals their true motives. Their plea does not come from a place of honesty or genuine remorse for the injustice they caused him. Instead, it is born entirely out of the harsh reality of their situation and an immediate need for his help [מלבי״ם]. The leaders are well aware of his reputation for military success, making him the most capable candidate to rescue them [רלב״ג]. The delegation of elders sent to retrieve him likely includes his own brothers, as they are the sons of Gilead [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Their primary goal is to bring him back home to Gilead [מצודת דוד]. To secure his participation, they plan to offer him the position of officer and military commander. The leadership fully understands that granting him this official authority is the necessary condition for him to lead their fight against the Ammonites [רלב״ג, אברבנאל].