GILGAL

A rolling, 1. A celebrated place between the Jordan and Jericho, where the Israelites first encamped, after the passage of that river; where also they were circumcised, and kept their first Passover in Canaan, Jos 4:19 5:9,10. It continued to be the headquarters of the Israelites for several years, while Joshua was occupied in subduing the land, Jos 9:6 10:6,15,43. A considerable city was afterwards built there, Jos 15:7, which became famous for many events. Here the tabernacle rested, until its removal to Shiloh; here also, according to the prevalent opinion, Samuel offered sacrifices, and held his court as a judge of Israel; and here Saul was crowned, 1Sa 7:16 10:8 11:15 1Sa 13:7-9 15:33. A school of the prophets was established, 2Ki 4:38; and yet it afterwards appears to have become a seat of idolatry, Ho 4:15 9:15 12:11 Am 4:4 5:5. At this day, no traces of it are found. According to Josephus, it lay within two miles of Jericho. 2. Another Gilgol lay near Antipatris, Jos 12:23 Ne 12:29. And perhaps a third in the mountains of Ephraim, north of Bethel, De 11:30 2Ki 2:1-6. There are not wanting those who would make the Gilgal near Antipatris the seat of Samuel’s judgeship, and of one of the schools of the prophets.

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Gilgal. Gilgal
Rolling. (1.) From the solemn transaction of the reading of the law in the valley of Shechem between Ebal and Gerizim the Israelites moved forward to Gilgal, and there made a permanent camp (Josh. 9:6; 10:6). It was “beside the oaks of Moreh,” near which Abraham erected his first altar (Gen. 12:6, 7). This was one of the three towns to which Samuel resorted for the administration of justice (1 Sam. 7:16), and here also he offered sacrifices when the ark was no longer in the tabernacle at Shiloh (1 Sam. 10:8; 13:7-9). To this place, as to a central sanctuary, all Israel gathered to renew their allegiance to Saul (11:14). At a later period it became the scene of idolatrous worship (Hos. 4:15; 9:15). It has been identified with the ruins of Jiljilieh, about 5 miles south-west of Shiloh and about the same distance from Bethel.

(2.) The place in “the plains of Jericho,” “in the east border of Jericho,” where the Israelites first encamped after crossing the Jordan (Josh. 4:19, 20). Here they kept their first Passover in the land of Canaan (5:10) and renewed the rite of circumcision, and so “rolled away the reproach” of their Egyptian slavery. Here the twelve memorial stones, taken from the bed of the Jordan, were set up; and here also the tabernacle remained till it was removed to Shiloh (18:1). It has been identified with Tell Jiljulieh, about 5 miles from Jordan.

(3.) A place, probably in the hill country of Ephraim, where there was a school of the prophets (2 Kings 4:38), and whence Elijah and Elisha, who resided here, “went down” to Bethel (2:1,2). It is mentioned also in Deut. 11:30. It is now known as Jiljilia, a place 8 miles north of Bethel.

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Gilgal. wheel; rolling; heap

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GILGAL. 1. Place of the first encampment of the Israelites west of the Jordan River Jos 4:19; 9:6; 10:6,43; 14:6
* Monument erected in, to commemorate the passage across the Jordan River by the people of Israel Jos 4:19-24
* Circumcision renewed at Jos 5:2-9
* Passover kept at Jos 5:10,11
* Manna ceased at, after the Passover Jos 5:12
* Quarries at Jud 3:19
* Eglon, king of Moab, resides and is slain at Jud 3:14-26
* A judgment seat, where Israel, in that district, came to be judged by Samuel 1Sa 7:16
* Saul proclaimed king over all Israel at 1Sa 11:15
* An altar built at, and sacrifice offered 1Sa 11:15; 13:4-15; 15:6-23
* Agag, king of the Amalekites, slain at, by Samuel 1Sa 15:33
* Tribe of Judah assembles at, to proceed to the east side of the Jordan River to conduct King David back after the defeat of Absalom 2Sa 19:14,15,40-43
* A school of the prophets at 2Ki 4:38-40
* Prophecies concerning Ho 4:15; 9:15; 12:11; Am 4:4; 5:5

2. A royal city in Canaan
* Conquered by Joshua Jos 12:23

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De 11:30; Jos 4:19; 5:9; Jud 3:19; 1Sa 10:8; 2Sa 19:15; 2Ki 4:38 Ho 4:15; Am 4:4