1 Samuel 13:16
And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.
Saul, Jonathan his son, and the Israelites who remained with them stayed at Gibeah of Benjamin, while the Philistines were encamped at Michmash. The Israelite position is also identified as Geba, facing the Philistine encampment at Michmash across a deep, rugged valley. The two armies faced each other from opposite sides of that deep, rugged valley or gorge.
Michmash lay to the north of the Israelite position, and Philistine detachments ranged out from their camp to plunder the country. Israel was in crisis because of the opposing positions and the great difference in numbers and equipment between the small Israelite force and the Philistines. This military crisis was the setting for Saul's impatience and fear, leading him to blame his scattering troops and the Philistine gathering for his decision to offer sacrifice against God's command. God used the crisis to rebuke Saul's perversity and to teach the people humility and faith.