The Gathering at Mizpah is a significant event in the biblical narrative, occurring at various times and serving different purposes throughout the history of Israel. Mizpah, meaning "watchtower" or "lookout," is a location mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often as a site of assembly for the Israelites. It is situated in the territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem.

1. Mizpah in the Time of Samuel

One of the most notable gatherings at Mizpah occurred during the time of the prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 7, the Israelites assembled at Mizpah to seek the LORD's help against the Philistines. Samuel instructed the people to rid themselves of foreign gods and to serve the LORD only. The people fasted and confessed their sins, and Samuel offered a burnt offering to the LORD. As the Philistines approached to attack, the LORD thundered with a mighty sound, throwing the Philistines into confusion, and they were defeated by the Israelites.

1 Samuel 7:5-6 : "Then Samuel said, 'Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.' When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, 'We have sinned against the LORD.' And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah."

This gathering marked a spiritual renewal for Israel and a turning point in their struggle against the Philistines. It underscored the importance of repentance and reliance on God for deliverance.

2. Mizpah in the Time of Saul

Mizpah also played a role in the establishment of Saul as the first king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 10, Samuel called the people to Mizpah to present Saul as king. The selection process involved casting lots, and Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen. This event signified a major transition in Israel's governance from judges to a monarchy.

1 Samuel 10:17-19 : "After this, Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah and said to the Israelites, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you. But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.'"

3. Mizpah in the Time of the Judges

Earlier, in the time of the Judges, Mizpah was the site of a significant assembly in response to a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a town in Benjamin. Judges 20 describes how the tribes of Israel gathered at Mizpah to address the atrocity and seek justice. This led to a civil conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel.

Judges 20:1-3 : "Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out as one man, and the congregation assembled before the LORD at Mizpah. The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords. (Now the Benjamites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) And the Israelites asked, 'Tell us, how did this wicked thing happen?'"

4. Mizpah in the Time of the Exile

After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, Mizpah became the administrative center under Gedaliah, whom Nebuchadnezzar appointed as governor over the remnant in Judah. This is recorded in 2 Kings 25 and Jeremiah 40. Mizpah served as a refuge for those who remained in the land and those who returned from surrounding nations.

Jeremiah 40:6 : "So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah and stayed with him among the people who were left in the land."

Throughout these events, Mizpah served as a focal point for communal decision-making, spiritual renewal, and political transition. It was a place where the Israelites sought divine guidance and justice, reflecting the broader themes of covenant faithfulness and leadership in the biblical narrative.