And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines — the people understand that Saul has struck the enemy, and Saul is credited with the action. and also that Israel was odious unto the Philistines — the Philistines view Israel's attack as a provocation (va-yiba'ashu yisrael ba-plishtim, Israel became odious/hateful to the Philistines). The language suggests the beginning of escalation toward major conflict. Therefore the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal — Israel gathers at Gilgal, the sacred sanctuary, suggesting both military mobilization and religious significance.

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