ישעיהו, פרק י׳, פסוק כ״ט

The threatening advance of the Assyrian army toward Jerusalem spreads terror across the land. Rather than marching directly to besiege the capital, the invaders first launch a campaign to conquer the surrounding satellite cities, only later turning their sights on Jerusalem [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The army's invasion begins with the crossing of a strategic pass or ford. Commentators offer different perspectives on the exact location of this movement. It may represent the crossing of the Jordan River [רד״ק, מצודת דוד], or perhaps the geographic pass of Michmash, situated between two large rocks [מלבי״ם, שד״ל]. Alternatively, it might simply be the proper name of a specific place or river [אבן עזרא].

After making this crossing, the soldiers stop for the night. They establish their camp within the city of Geba, located in the territory of Benjamin near Michmash [רד״ק, שד״ל]. By choosing to sleep inside the city walls as a safe haven rather than setting up camp in the open field, as is customary for an army at war, the soldiers display immense self-confidence. They feel entirely secure and show no fear of an attack [מצודת דוד].

News of the Assyrian army's arrival at Geba spreads instantly to everyone in the region, both near and far, sparking mass panic [מלבי״ם]. The local population reacts in two distinct ways. In the nearby city of Ramah, the residents are gripped by intense fear and trembling [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Gibeah of Saul take a more drastic step and completely flee their homes to escape the approaching soldiers [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק].

Geba and Gibeah of Saul are two distinct cities within the tribal territory of Benjamin [רד״ק, שד״ל, מלבי״ם]. Also known as Gibeah of Benjamin, Gibeah of Saul takes its name from King Saul, who was born there and later established it as his royal capital [שד״ל, מלבי״ם]. The city bears his name either because he built his royal palace there or because he originally founded and built the city itself [רד״ק].