The name Mizpah means place of watching and implies a high vantage point. It is likely chosen as a gathering location because it is at the top of a hill and offers a good view of the surrounding land. It was previously used as a place of assembly in Judges 20:1 – 21:25 and will be used again in 1 Samuel 10:17–27.1
5 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD for you.”