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Place

Gilgal

Gilgal, also known as Geliloth, Beth-gilgal, or Gibeath-haaraloth, was a significant site during Israel's early history in Canaan, serving as a base for Joshua and a place of worship (Deu.11.30; Joshua 4:19-20; 5:3,9-10; 14:6; Judges 2:1; 11:14-15; 15:12-33; Hosea 9:15).

Also known as Geliloth · Beth-gilgal · Beth Gilgal · house of Gilgal · Gibeath-haaraloth · Gibeath Haaraloth · hill of the foreskins

Gilgal, also referred to as Geliloth, Beth-gilgal, or Gibeath-haaraloth, was a significant site during Israel's early history in Canaan. It was located in the Jordan Valley, near Jericho. Gilgal served as the first campsite for the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan River under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 4:19-20). It was at Gilgal that the Israelites set up twelve memorial stones taken from the Jordan and where Joshua circumcised the new generation born in the wilderness (Joshua 5:3, 9). The Passover was also celebrated at Gilgal (Joshua 5:10). Gilgal served as a base of operations for Joshua during the conquest of Canaan, with the Gibeonites coming to seek a treaty there (Joshua 9:6) and Joshua launching campaigns against the Amorite kings from Gilgal (Joshua 10:6-9, 15, 43). Later, it became a place where the Israelites assembled and where Saul was confirmed as king (1Sa.11.14-15). Samuel included Gilgal in his circuit as a judge (1Sa.7.16). However, Gilgal also became associated with idolatrous worship, as evidenced by the prophets' condemnations (Hosea 4:15; 9:15; 12:11; Amo.4.4; 5:5). Despite its significance in Israel's history, Gilgal's importance declined over time.

Approximate location: 31.864, 35.519 · view on a map · on the Bible atlas

Where Gilgal appears

38 verses in 9 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H1537

Deuteronomy1
Joshua14
Judges2
1 Samuel12
2 Samuel2
Nehemiah1
Hosea3
Amos2
Micah1

Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.