Gilgal
Overview
- Type: Camp / Sacred Site
- Testament: Old
- Modern Location: Near the Jordan Valley, east of Jericho
Biblical Significance
Gilgal is Israel’s first major camp in Canaan and the site of covenant renewal after the Crossing the Jordan. In 1 Samuel it later becomes a testing ground where Saul’s impatience and disobedience are exposed.
Key Events
- Crossing the Jordan - Memorial stones set up
- Renewal at Gilgal - Circumcision and Passover observed
- Gibeonite Deception - Treaty made from Israel’s camp
- Saul Anointed - Kingdom renewal celebrated there
- Saul Spares Agag - Saul is rejected after disobedience there
Key People Associated
- Joshua (Son of Nun) - Leads Israel from Gilgal
- Commander of the LORD’s Army - Appears near Jericho after Gilgal renewal
- Saul - Fails a major test there
- Samuel - Rebukes Saul there
Important Verses
“This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you.” - Joshua 5:9
Cross-References
Notes
Gilgal’s name is tied to the rolling away of Egypt’s reproach. In 1 Samuel it also becomes a place where the danger of hollow ritual is exposed.