דברי הימים א, פרק י׳, פסוק ז׳

Following a devastating military defeat and the sudden loss of the royal family, a wave of panic sweeps through the civilian population living near the battlefront. The primary approach among commentators is that this fear specifically grips the residents of the Jezreel Valley, an area situated close to the fighting. These civilians witness the Israelite soldiers fleeing in the aftermath of their crushing loss. Realizing that King Saul and his sons have fallen in battle, the locals understand they are now completely defenseless against the advancing enemy.

Driven by fear and a total lack of military protection, the valley's inhabitants abandon their homes and escape to safer regions. This mass evacuation leaves their cities entirely empty, allowing the Philistines to easily move in and occupy the settlements without facing any resistance.