heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison Heard saying, Saul hath smitten the garrison of the Philistines. The first blow in the war of independence was doubtless struck by Jonathan under Saul's direction.

was had in abomination The same word meaning literally, "to make one's self stink" occurs in Genesis 34:30; Exodus 5:21; 1Sa 27:12; 2 Samuel 10:6.

the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal Gilgal (see note on 1 Samuel 7:15) was probably chosen for the rendezvous as being the usual meeting-place, and the least liable to an attack from the Philistines.

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