With the Israelites having been under Philistine control (see Judges 15:11; 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Samuel 13:3, 1 Samuel 13:19), there would have probably been restrictions on any clan and tribal meeting. When the Philistines heard about a new gathering at Mizpah, they were concerned that it could be the beginning of another revolt against them.1 As a result, they dispatched a suitably sized military detail to enforce their regulations and protect their interests.
7 Les Philistins apprirent que les enfants d'Israël s'étaient assemblés à Mitspa, et les princes des Philistins montèrent contre Israël. A cette nouvelle, les enfants d'Israël eurent peur des Philistins,