Verse 18
18. The people and princes of Gilead The English version adds and, but it should be omitted. Princes is in apposition with people. The people spoke on this occasion in the persons of their representatives, the princes or chief men. The people of Gilead here means the Israelitish tribes that dwelt in Gilead.
What man is he The object of Israel’s gathering at Mizpeh evidently was to choose a leader, and to prepare to defend themselves against their oppressors. The gathering of the Ammonites in Gilead (Judges 10:17) prompted to this. Far down the slopes of Gilead, plainly visible from Mizpeh, were the camps of the enemy, all ready, apparently, to proceed to battle. That gathering of the hated foe seemed ominous of further oppressions and woes, and, exasperated over past and present afflictions, they resolved to fight against the children of Ammon. The result of that conflict is brought out in the next chapter.
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