5. The Philistines gathered to fight Israel with three thousand chariots and six thousand men to ride in them. Their soldiers were as many as the grains of sand on the seashore. The Philistines went and camped at Micmash, which is east of Beth Aven.
6. When the Israelites saw that they were in trouble, they went to hide in caves and bushes, among the rocks, and in pits and wells.
7. Some Hebrews even went across the Jordan River to the land of Gad and Gilead.But Saul stayed at Gilgal, and all the men in his army were shaking with fear.
8. Saul waited seven days, because Samuel had said he would meet him then. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the soldiers began to leave.
9. So Saul said, “Bring me the whole burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” Then Saul offered the whole burnt offering.
10. Just as he finished, Samuel arrived, and Saul went to greet him.
11. Samuel asked, “What have you done?”Saul answered, “I saw the soldiers leaving me, and you were not here when you said you would be. The Philistines were gathering at Micmash.
12. Then I thought, ‘The Philistines will come against me at Gilgal, and I haven’t asked for the Lord’s approval.’ So I forced myself to offer the whole burnt offering.”