Matthew Poole and continuators on Judges 20:1

THEN all the children of Israel went out , and the congregation was gathered together as one man , from Dan even to Beersheba , with the land of Gilead , unto the LORD in Mizpeh

i. e. A great number, and especially the Rulers of all the Tribes, except Benjamin, v. 3, 12.

From their several habitations.

i. e. With one consent.

Dan was the Northern border of the Land, near Lebanon; and Beersheba the Southern border, Gen. 21. 33. Compare 1 King. 4. 25.

Beyond Iordan, where Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh were.

As to the Lords Tribunal: for God was not only present in the place where the Ark and Tabernacle was, but also in the Assemblies of the Gods, or Judges, Psal. 82. 1. and in all the places where Gods name is recorded, Exod. 20. 24. and where two or three are met together in his name, Matth. 18. 20. for his service, and to seek for Counsel and mercy from him: compare Iudg. 11. 11.

A place in the borders of Iudah and Benjamin, and therefore ascribed to both of them, Ios. 15. 38. and 18. 26. This they chose, as a place most fit and proper in many respects: First, as a place they used to meet in upon Solemn occasions, See Iudg. 10. 17. and 11. 11. 1 Sam. 7. 5, 16. and 10. 17. Secondly, For its convenient Scituation for all the [illegible: 1+ letters]ribes within and without Iordan. Thirdly, As being near the place where the Fact was done, that it might be more throughly examined: and not far from Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was, whither they might go or send, if need were.