Michmash
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(hidden place, refuge) (1 Sam. 13:2, Is. 10:28, and others)—a city of the tribe of Benjamin, several English miles north of Jerusalem, known at present under the name Mukhmas. It is mentioned in connection with the description of Saul’s war against the Philistines (1 Sam. 13:2–23), and also in connection with the prophetic reference to the invasion of the kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians (Is. 10:28). The inhabitants of Michmash, one hundred twenty-two persons, returned with Ezra from the captivity (1 Ezra 2:27).
It is supposed that Michmash lay on the road to Ramah. It is very likely that the narrow ravine, formed by two enormous precipitous rocks of Mount Ephraim, was called the Michmash pass, and served as a convenient ford. Here the Philistine camp stood during the war of the Philistines with Saul, and it was at this place that the Philistines were struck down by the Israelites.