What does Judges 10:17 mean?

Prior verses followed a back-and-forth conversation between God and the people of Israel. God had said He would not save Israel again; a deliberately shocking statement meant to emphasize the depths of their sin (Judges 10:11–14). As intended, Israel responded with humility and repentance, and God reached the limit of His intended discipline (Judges 10:15–16). The Israelites acknowledged their sins, which include forsaking the Lord (Judges 10:6). They have thrown out their idols and have begun to serve the Lord again.

While the question of God's rescue is still unanswered, the writer of Judges reveals a threat. The Ammonites (Judges 10:7–9) are staging a major offensive against Israel once more. They are camped on the east side of the Jordan River in the region known as Gilead. In response, the people of Israel have gathered their fighting men at a place called Mizpah. Scholars are certain that this is not the same Mizpah located in the territory of Benjamin, since that would be too far away. Instead, this Mizpah is likely also in the region of Gilead. As the text continues, it will become clear that this army of Israelites is made up mostly of those living in the local region of Gilead.