John Gill Commentary Judges 10:18

"And the people, the princes of Gilead, said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." — Judges 10:18 (ASV)

And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another Being thus assembled and encamped:

what man is he that will begin to fight with the children of Ammon ? for though the forces were assembled together for battle, yet it seems they had no general to command them, and lead them on to it:

he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead , this they ordered to be proclaimed, to encourage some person to take the command of them, and go before them to battle, promising him that he should be judge or governor over all the tribes on that side Jordan.