Commentators explain that this tragic civil war was fueled by reproachful language. The Ephraimites likely insulted the Gileadites, calling them 'fugitives' or runaways. Matthew Henry notes that such quarrels, born from pride, often have terrible consequences and warns that 'no contentions are so bitter as those between brothers.' This serves as a powerful warning about the destructive nature of contemptuous speech within the community of faith.