1 Samuel 13:17
And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:
The Philistine army lay encamped at Michmash, facing Saul's place of refuge at Geba across a deep valley. From that camp the spoilers went out as raiding detachments to raid and ravage the surrounding country. They moved in different directions, spreading outward from the Philistine base to spoil the land.
This raiding activity created severe military pressure on Israel and forms the background of Saul's crisis. Israel's army was at the same time in danger of scattering. It was under this threat that Saul became fearful and decided to offer the sacrifice himself instead of waiting for Samuel.