A town on a plateau 3 3/4 mi. (6 km.) southeast of Hebron. Hebron is situated west of two mountains of 3,000 ft. (915 m.) elevation. A deep wadi lies between these two hills. On the slope of the eastern hill toward the Dead Sea begins the Wilderness of Ziph, which extends eastward for several miles. This district is a barren, sun-scorched desert, full of deep wadies that make excellent hiding places. The “strong holds,” or fortresses, were lookouts commanding large areas of country, and placed near enough together so that it was impossible for anyone to traverse this section without being noticed. Probably David placed his men at various strategic positions, and every day word reached him of the location of Saul’s forces. Water and food were almost unobtainable.