1 Samuel 11:14
Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֔ם
to the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
to the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְכ֖וּ
H1980
לְכ֖וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְנֵֽלְכָ֣ה
H1980
וְנֵֽלְכָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
הַגִּלְגָּ֑ל
to Gilgal
H1537
הַגִּלְגָּ֑ל
to Gilgal
Strong's:
H1537
Word #:
7 of 10
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
1 Samuel 10:8And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.1 Samuel 7:16And he went from year to year in circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.
Historical Context
Gilgal, meaning 'circle' or 'rolling,' commemorated God 'rolling away' the reproach of Egypt (Joshua 5:9). It served as Israel's first base of operations in Canaan and retained sacred significance. Later, it would become associated with Saul's failures (1 Samuel 13:8-14; 15:12-23).
Questions for Reflection
- Why is returning to foundational commitments important after experiencing God's deliverance?
- How do significant places in our spiritual journey become occasions for renewed dedication?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.
Samuel's call to 'renew the kingdom' at Gilgal indicates a recommitment ceremony, not a second coronation. Gilgal held profound significance as the site where Israel first camped after crossing the Jordan (Joshua 4:19) and where circumcision renewed the covenant (Joshua 5:2-9). By choosing Gilgal, Samuel connects Saul's confirmed kingship to Israel's foundational covenant relationship with Yahweh. The renewal implies that Saul's proven leadership through the Ammonite crisis has legitimized what some had questioned.