שופטים, פרק ט׳, פסוק ל״ז

After his initial warnings about advancing troops are dismissed as mere mountain shadows, Gaal stands his ground. He makes it clear that the approaching figures are a very real and immediate military threat [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Realizing the danger, he carefully observes the enemy forces, noting that they are divided into separate units moving from different directions. Taking stock of their exact positions, he prepares to retreat to the safety of the city [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

He points out the first group of fighters descending from a prominent, elevated central location. This area is understood as the geographical center of the region, compared to the center of a human body where the middle is prominent and visible [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, this location refers to the primary stronghold of the land, specifically the tallest peak among the surrounding mountains [רש״י, רד״ק].

At the same time, Gaal spots a second, separate company of soldiers [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Unlike the first group descending from the heights, this distinct unit approaches from a flat, lowland plain [רש״י, רד״ק].