When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait,(for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

1 SAMUEL 13:6KJV
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1 Samuel 13:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 13:6 mean?

1 Samuel 13:6 describes how the men of Israel, seeing themselves trapped and under great pressure, became so afraid that they hid wherever they could—caves, thickets, rocks, high places, and pits. The verse shows the depth of their fear and desperation as they faced a powerful enemy.

This moment takes place as Saul and the Israelites are confronted by the Philistine army, which greatly outnumbers and outmatches them. The verse highlights the panic among the people, who feel "distressed" and "in a strait," meaning they see no way out and are overwhelmed by the situation. The details about hiding places paint a vivid picture of just how dire and frightening the circumstances were for Israel at this point in the story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 13:6

  • "Strait" (צַר H6887, tsar): This word means being pressed or hemmed in, often used for situations of extreme difficulty or danger. Here, it emphasizes how trapped and hopeless the Israelites felt.
  • "Distressed" (נָגַשׂ H5065, nagas): This word carries the idea of being pressed hard or oppressed, underlining the intense emotional and physical pressure on the people.
  • "Hide" (חָבָא H2244, chaba): This verb means to conceal oneself, often out of fear. The use here shows the Israelites’ instinct to seek safety in any available shelter, not just strategic retreat but desperate hiding.

Why 1 Samuel 13:6 matters

  • This verse makes clear just how overwhelming the Philistine threat was, helping the reader understand the fear and chaos among the Israelites before Saul’s later actions.
  • The vivid list of hiding places shows the total breakdown of morale and order, not just a military setback but a crisis of confidence and faith among the people.
  • Seeing the people’s reaction in this verse sets up the tension and urgency for what Saul will do next, shaping the unfolding story of his kingship and Israel’s struggle.

Where else these words appear

“places” Hebrew H6877 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 9:46 And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.
  • Judges 9:49 And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.

“distressed” Hebrew H5065 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
  • 1 Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
  • Isaiah 14:2 And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

“hide” Hebrew H2244 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
  • 1 Samuel 14:11 And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.

“caves” Hebrew H4631 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
  • Joshua 10:16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
  • 2 Samuel 23:13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.