Gilgal in the Bible - Location and Significance | Biblical Archaeology

Where is Gilgal in Israel? What is Gilgal? In this video, we'll take a deep dive into the history of Gilgal as it relates to scripture in the Bible.

Excerpt:
The story of Israel’s emergence and entry into Canaan includes a very interesting but largely unheard-of feature that centers around Gilgal. In the book of Joshua, particularly in chapters 4-10, Israel is said to be camping at a place called Gilgal. We later learn the place was named Gilgal because of the prescribed circumcision of the Israelite males. That event was a sign that the Lord had “rolled away the reproach of Egypt” (Josh 5:9). The word “Gilgal” means “a rolling, or a wheel,” indicating something circular, round, or ringed.

There is still another biblical mention of Gilgal at yet another location. A third mention of Gilgal in the Bible is also found in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 12:23, the king of the people of “Gilgal” is mentioned along with kings of Megiddo, Jokneam, Dor, and Tirzah, most of which are part of the Mediterranean coastal region. So this his “Gilgal” is an even different location than the other two previously mentioned in the Bible. In fact, some scholars argue that there are five different “Gilgal” sites described in the Bible.

At their most promising, the gilgalim could have served as early-Israel’s visual reminder that the Lord had promised them the land and that He himself would be with them as they were entering that land. As the people of Israel migrated and participated in their religious activities, they would build a Gilgal at certain places to be a reminder of Yahweh’s promise and presence. “Arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. . . . Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 4:2-3, 5).

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[carolinemcgreal]

Very interesting, the gilgals as a foot shaped area seems to make a lot of sense, thank you for sharing.

[FrJohnBrownSJ]

This is very interesting! I've never heard of this, but it seems plausible. Thank you again for another fine video.

[pipperjohn]

Indeed very interesting topic! and really well made video!

[not_a_cleverman]

Hosea 9:15 All their wickedness is in Gilgal,
For there I hated them.
Because of the evil of their deeds
I will drive them from My house;
I will love them no more.

"Gilgal" I learned here, means the place of stagnation or "round and round" not coming out or moving on from deliverance.

[scottleigh]

imho Gilgal in Hebrew is 'round-round' or 'circle-circle'. It's ancient-ancient! The 'footprint' is two rounded spaces typically with a middle stone/section. It's where two covenant as one. cp. Gen. 31. As a 'sacred event space' it served multiple functions in the communities. It acted as a court for two parties, or a synagogue for celebrations, renewals, etc. It's shape affords seperation of genders like at the Western Wall. A living breathing gilgal where two (Jewish men and women) become one. The Heb. for pulley is gilgal. Two wheels acting as one to make the tension less, the pressure controllable.

[lowfatedes]

More likely they were made to symbolise possession of the land they trod, if everywhere their feet were was given them

[holisticcatalyst]

This Yahweh is one of the Elohim, the one obedient to the Father of Jesus Christ. YHVH is not the Father. Jesus said no man has seen God, he said the Father judgeth no man, and so on. Mauro Biglino is a Hebrew translator and has a channel explaining the powerful ones of the old testament not being the most high God of Jesus Christ. Jesus saves and told us the truth. Judges 5:4 describes a Titan, LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water. Also, YHVH quit being the God of Isreal 2 Kings 26-27. Make sure you tell the Jehovah witness that when they knock. Jesus is Lord and God, repent and obey.