Gilgal is an important place in the Bible, especially in relation to the Israelites entering and conquering the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. The name Gilgal means “circle of stones” and it was located just east of Jericho. Here are some key events and themes related to Gilgal in the Bible:
Circumcision at Gilgal
After crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Joshua commanded that all the Israelite males who had been born in the wilderness needed to be circumcised. This was because circumcision had been neglected during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Gilgal was the location where this mass circumcision took place (Joshua 5:2-9). This signified a renewal of God’s covenant with Israel as they prepared to take possession of Canaan.
First Passover in the Promised Land
Right after the circumcision at Gilgal, the Israelites celebrated the Passover for the first time in the Promised Land (Joshua 5:10). This was an important milestone, as the first generation to be born in the wilderness was now partaking of this commemorative feast in the land God had promised to their fathers. The manna also ceased at this point, as the Israelites were now able to eat the produce of Canaan.
Israel’s Military Headquarters
Gilgal served as the base of operations for Israel’s army during the initial conquest of Canaan under Joshua (Joshua 9:6, 10:6-9). It was strategically located near Jericho and served as the staging ground for military campaigns into the heart of the Promised Land. Many victories were launched from Gilgal during this period.
Monument of Stones
When the Israelites first crossed the Jordan River, Joshua had one man from each tribe take a stone from the riverbed and set it up as a memorial at Gilgal (Joshua 4:19-24). This was a monument reminding future generations of God’s faithfulness in parting the Jordan so Israel could enter Canaan. The name “Gilgal” likely comes from this “circle of stones” set up there.
Site of Covenant Renewal Ceremonies
After entering Canaan, Gilgal was a site where the Israelites would gather together to renew their commitment to the covenant with God. There were large covenant renewal ceremonies at Gilgal led by both Joshua (Joshua 8:30-35) and Samuel (1 Samuel 11:14-15). These ceremonies reminded the people of their obligation to be loyal to Yahweh.
Location of Saul’s Coronation
When Saul was chosen as the first king over Israel, Gilgal was the place where he was publicly acclaimed and crowned as king (1 Samuel 11:14-15). The coronation ceremony took place there because that was where the people had gathered for the covenant renewal ceremony.
Rebukes Against Sin at Gilgal
Although Gilgal was a site of spiritual renewal early on, the prophets Hosea and Amos later rebuked the Israelites for the idolatrous worship that was taking place there (Hosea 9:15, 12:11; Amos 4:4). Gilgal had gone from a place of covenant fidelity to a center of false religion and empty ritualism devoid of true loyalty to God.
Jesus’ Possible Visit to Gilgal
Although not certain, some scholars think that when Jesus “needed to go through Samaria” in John 4:4 that he may have been on his way to Gilgal near the Jordan River. Some manuscripts of John 4:4 actually read “Gilgal” instead of Samaria. If so, it is interesting to consider Jesus visiting this historic site of Israel’s early history in the Promised Land.
In summary, Gilgal was significant in Israel’s conquest and settlement of Canaan under Joshua. It later became a gathering place for covenant renewal ceremonies. But the prophets lamented when idolatrous worship replaced true loyalty to God there. When we read the word “Gilgal” in the Bible, it should call to mind both Israel’s early victories and renewals of faith, as well as their later spiritual failures at the same location.
Key Events at Gilgal in the Bible
- Mass circumcision of the new generation before entering Canaan – Joshua 5:2-9
- Celebration of the first Passover in the Promised Land – Joshua 5:10
- Establishment as Israel’s military headquarters during the conquest – Joshua 9:6, 10:6-9
- Erection of a memorial “circle of stones” from the Jordan River – Joshua 4:19-24
- Covenant renewal ceremony under Joshua – Joshua 8:30-35
- Covenant renewal ceremony under Samuel – 1 Samuel 11:14-15
- The coronation of Saul as king took place at Gilgal – 1 Samuel 11:14-15
- Later becomes a center of idolatrous worship – Hosea 9:15, 12:11; Amos 4:4
- Possible site visited by Jesus – John 4:4
Themes Associated with Gilgal in the Bible
- Covenant – Circumcision and Passover commemorated God’s covenant with Israel
- Conquest – Gilgal was Israel’s military headquarters in conquering Canaan
- Renewal – The site of ceremonies re-committing the people to following the Lord
- Remembrance – The stone monument reminded Israel of God’s faithfulness
- Disobedience – Later used for idol worship instead of true worship of God
- Backsliding – Israel moved from obedience to disobedience at Gilgal
Further Details on Key Events at Gilgal
Circumcision at Gilgal (Joshua 5:2-9)
Before entering Canaan, God commanded Joshua to circumcise all the Israelite males born in the wilderness who had not yet been circumcised. This was because their fathers failed to perform this sign of the covenant during the 40 year wandering. So Joshua carried out this task, circumcising the entire new generation at the place they named Gilgal. This brought them back into conformity with God’s covenant first made with Abraham. It also consecrated the people as they prepared to fight the inhabitants of the land.
The First Passover in Canaan (Joshua 5:10)
After being circumcised at Gilgal, the Israelites then celebrated the Passover on the plains of Jericho. This commemorated their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and God passing over their firstborn when he struck down the firstborn of the Egyptians. By celebrating the Passover, the Israelites renewed their dedication to God at the beginning of their conquest of Canaan.
Military Headquarters (Joshua 9:6, 10:6-9)
As Israel’s army set out to conquer Canaan, Gilgal became their base of military operations. Troops were mustered and dispatched from Gilgal to wage war against cities like Jericho, Ai, and the southern cities during the campaign under Joshua. Located east of Jericho, it was a strategic forward basecamp for Israel’s forces as they began to take possession of the Promised Land.
Samuel’s Covenant Renewal (1 Samuel 11:14-15)
After defeating the Ammonites, Samuel gathered the people together at Gilgal to renew their commitment to the Lord. There they “made Saul king before the Lord”. This covenant renewal ceremony demonstrated that Israel’s human kingship was to be subject to God’s kingship over the nation. Samuel used this occasion to emphasize national obedience to God’s laws.
A Center of Idolatry (Hosea 9:15, 12:11)
Although Gilgal was a positive site early in Israel’s history, the prophets Hosea and Amos later denounced it as a place of false worship. Hosea said Gilgal’s wickedness caused God to hate them. Amos criticized empty sacrifices made there not from a true heart of worship. Gilgal became representative of Israel’s tendency to turn away from true devotion to God.
The Significance of Gilgal for Israel
For the generation entering Canaan, Gilgal marked a new beginning. The rite of circumcision renewed their covenant with God, while their first Passover in the land commemorated God’s mighty deliverance. Gilgal was symbolic of leaving the wilderness wanderings behind and embracing the promises of God.
Gilgal was also a memorial site that reminded Israel of God’s miraculous works in bringing them across the Jordan into Canaan. The stone monument was a physical symbol of God’s faithfulness that they could return to and recall Yahweh’s steadfast commitment to them.
However, Gilgal later became a place of syncretistic worship and religious ritual devoid of true meaning. The prophets’ harsh words against it remind us that locations and objects associated with God’s working can lose their spiritual significance over time. Physical things must not replace direct relationship with and obedience to God.
For the modern reader, Gilgal represents both the height of Israel’s faithful trust in God to lead them into Canaan, and also their tendency over generations to drift into empty religion separated from an upright walk with God. Gilgal presents a warning even for us today not to substitute external ritual for wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
Key Theological Themes Related to Gilgal
God’s Faithfulness
Gilgal represents God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham’s descendants. For 40 years, Israel wandered without a homeland. At Gilgal, God rolled away their “reproach” (Joshua 5:9) and brought them into the land sworn to their fathers. The monument there testified to God finishing what He started.
Covenant Loyalty
By circumcising the new generation and celebrating the Passover at Gilgal, Israel renewed their covenant vows to the Lord. This was a re-commitment to loyal relationship with Yahweh as He gave them victory in Canaan. Their covenant mandate was to love, serve, and obey God alone in the land.
God’s Requirements
Gilgal reminds us that relationship with God is not just outward signs like circumcision, but also inward obedience to His commands. The prophets’ rebukes of Gilgal show that God requires wholehearted devotion, not just empty ritual. External acts of piety must flow from spiritual fidelity to God.
Generational Decline
Within generations, Gilgal went from covenant consecration under Joshua to corrupt idolatry. This rapid spiritual decline illustrates humanity’s tendency to drift from pure allegiance to God over time. Each generation must commit itself to wholeheartedly following the Lord.
Although Gilgal has an important history in Israel’s early days in the Promised Land, its legacy is mixed. It moved from consecration to corruption within generations. For Christians today, Gilgal stands as a warning to pursue pure devotion to God and not substitute external religion for wholehearted loyalty to Him alone.