“Go down ahead of me to Gilgal; and behold, I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings. Wait seven days, until I come to you and show you what you are to do.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Galgal. Here also by dispensation was an altar of God. Challoner.—To do. Saul went thither, after the victory which he had obtained over the Ammonites, when he was confirmed in his dignity. Calmet. 11:14. But the mention of seven days, seems to indicate that Samuel is here speaking of that event, when the war against the Philistines was at hand, and Saul neglected to wait the appointed term, before he ventured to offer sacrifice. Calmet. 13:8. Calmet.—Some think that Samuel engages always to meet him at Galgal, on any important business, within the space of seven days. Serar.—Others translate, “I will be at Galgal with thee, and we will offer sacrifices, for seven days.” Calmet.—Prot. “I will come down to thee to offer burnt-offerings,” and so forth which is conformable to the Septuagint Indeed Saul was probably blamed for offering the victims himself. Bible.—Obedience was enjoined him to try his humility. Saint Gregory Worthington.