The Definition of the word 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."