Gilgal had been the place of Israel's first encampment in the Promised Land. It was here that Joshua, by divine direction, set up the pillar of twelve stones to commemorate the miraculous passage of the Jordan. Here circumcision had been renewed. Here they had kept the first Passover after the sin at Kadesh and the desert sojourn. Here the manna ceased. Here the Captain of the Lord's host had revealed Himself as chief in command of the armies of Israel. From this place they marched to the overthrow of Jericho and the conquest of Ai. Here Achan met the penalty 614 of his sin, and here was made that treaty with the Gibeonites which punished Israel's neglect to ask counsel of God. Upon this plain, linked with so many thrilling associations, stood Samuel and Saul; and when the shouts of welcome to the king had died away, the aged prophet gave his parting words as ruler of the nation.

Israels første lejr i det forjættede land lå i Gilgal. Det var her, Josua på Guds befaling rejste tolv sten til minde om den mirakuløse overgang over Jordan. Her blev omskærelsen genindført. Her holdt de den første påske efter frafaldet i Kadesj og efter ørkenvandringen. Her ophørte mannaen. Her åbenbarede fyrsten over Herrens hær sig som Israels hæres øverstbefalende. Det var herfra, de marcherede imod Jeriko og Aj, da de erobrede disse byer. Her blev Akan straffet for sin synd, og det var på dette sted, at de sluttede pagt med gibeonitterne til deres egen skade, fordi de ikke bad om Guds vejledning. Nu stod Samuel og Saul på denne slette, der var så rig på minder, og da hyldestråbene til kongen havde forstummet, tog den gamle profet afsked som nationens leder.