6-7 When the Israelites saw that they were way outnumbered and in deep trouble, they ran for cover, hiding in caves and pits, ravines and brambles and cisterns—wherever. They retreated across the Jordan River, refugees fleeing to the country of Gad and Gilead. But Saul held his ground in Gilgal, his soldiers still with him but scared to death.

He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel. Samuel failed to show up at Gilgal, and the soldiers were slipping away, right and left.

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When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid(A) in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns.(B) Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad(C) and Gilead.

Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking(D) with fear. He waited seven(E) days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter.

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