Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 13:23

"And the garrison of the Philistines went out unto the pass of Michmash." — 1 Samuel 13:23 (ASV)

The passage of Michmash is the steep and precipitous path from Michmash to Geba, over the valley of Suweinit. The same term is used in Isaiah 10:28-29, where the march of the Assyrian army is described.