King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 11:14 Mean?
“Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.”
Context
12
And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
13
And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.
14
Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.
15
And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal.**—This was the well-known sanctuary of that name, and was selected as the place of solemn assembly, no doubt, because it was in the now royal tribe of Benjamin. It is situated in the Jordan Valley, not far from Jericho, and has been the scene of many of the most striking events in Israelitic history.
**And renew the kingdom there.**—There had been, as Samuel and Saul well remembered, many murmurings on the occasion of the original royal election at Mizpeh. Then the people had by no means unanimously accepted as sovereign the Benjamite who was now crowned with the glory of a splendid success. The seer, with striking generosity to one who superseded him in his position as judge, again presented the hero Saul to Israel as their anointed king.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 11:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 11:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge