Samuel invited the people to go forth with him to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there. Sacrifices of peace-offerings were offered before the Lord, and “there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” Gilgal was the place of the people's first encampment when they entered the land under Joshua, and to which they repeatedly returned in his day. There the sharp knives of circumcision were used, typical of the practical application of death to every working of the flesh. It was fitting, therefore, that Israel should resort thither after their great victory over the Ammonites. If Saul and the people could have entered into the spiritual significance of the place and had walked before God accordingly, their whole subsequent history would have been different from what it was.
In like manner, we may indeed have accepted death and resurrection with Christ, but still more is needed; hence the exhortation in Colossians 3:55Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (Colossians 3:5), “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness...” Here lies the secret of a happy and fruitful life for God.