Definition: Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 10:17. It's a really important part of understanding how God used to protect the Israelites during a difficult time. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a period of intense hardship and hiding for the Israelites. “Then the children of Ammon were gathered together…” – This refers to a group of people from Ammon, a nation located south of Israel, who were feeling restless and rebellious. They weren’t necessarily attacking Israel, but they were acting like it. Think of them as being in a state of tension or plotting something. “…and encamped in Gilead.” – They formed a large camp near Gilead. Gilead was a place of refuge, a secret location. It’s important to understand that Gilead wasn’t just any place; it was a carefully chosen and fortified area. “And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.” – This is where it gets interesting. The Israelites, also under a leader named Benjamin, decided to go into hiding again . They formed another large camp, this time near Mizpeh. Mizpeh means “peace” or “settlement” in Hebrew. So, they were essentially trying to find a place of peace and safety for themselves – but it was a very risky move. So, what’s the big takeaway? This passage shows that God was deliberately setting up a situation where the Israelites would be vulnerable and needing to hide. It wasn't just a random event; it was orchestrated by God as a way to protect them from danger. It’s a powerful example of how God uses difficult situations to test and strengthen his people. Why is this important? This story illustrates a key theme in the Bible: God often uses hardship to reveal who he wants to show to us. It's a reminder that even when things seem chaotic, He has a plan and purpose for us. --- Do you want me to explain why this passage is significant or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of it? For example: Are you curious about the context of the story? Would you like me to compare this passage to other stories in the Bible that deal with hardship?