1 Samuel 11:15

Gilgal. The site is uncertain. Modern tradition favored en–Nitla, 3 mi. (4.8 km.) southeast of OT Jericho, but more likely is Khirbet el–Mefjer, 1 1/4 mi. (2 km.) to the northeast. According to Joshua 15:7 it was north of the valley of Achor and therefore in the territory belonging to Benjamin. All during the six-year period of war for the possession of Palestine it was the headquarters of Israel, but once the land was subdued the tabernacle was moved to Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). Gilgal was nevertheless still considered a most sacred spot. Samuel visited it in his yearly circuit (1 Sam. 7:16). It was a special resort for sacrifices (ch. 13:8; 15:21; etc.), later, possibly, for idolatry (see p. 850).

To this place, so fragrant with memories of God’s miraculous dealings, Samuel called the children of Israel to renew the kingdom. Here, without doubt, he rehearsed in their ears the loving watchcare and the long-suffering patience of a heavenly Father during the past centuries. It would have been far better had they been satisfied with God’s original plan of government, but inasmuch as they desired a king, God promised to bestow His Spirit upon the new king as He had upon the judges. Though they had rejected Him they had abundant witness that God would still be with them. By establishing a line of succession on the basis of heredity, Israel was throwing the doors open for many problems and dangers they had not encountered under the judges. But through Samuel, God affirmed His everlasting love and devotion, and promised to surround them with the same solicitous protection that had been theirs in centuries past.