Gathered themselves together — The various tribes had already dispersed to their homes, and were now summoned together again.

To go up to war against them. —There is no more striking proof of Israel’s obedience to the law and veneration for it in the days …

And when the children of Israel heard [of it]
Of the building the altar in the above place, namely, the nine tribes …

Here we see the diligence of the separated tribes in maintaining their adherence to the religion of Canaan. At first glance, it appeared to be a pl…