Introduction:
Beth-gilgal is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the early history of Israel in the Promised Land. The name "Beth-gilgal" translates to "house of Gilgal," indicating its connection to the significant site of Gilgal. This entry explores the biblical references and historical significance of Beth-gilgal.

Biblical References:
Beth-gilgal is not directly mentioned as a distinct location in the Bible; however, it is often associated with the broader region of Gilgal. Gilgal itself is a significant site in the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of Joshua and Samuel.

1. Joshua's Campaigns:
Gilgal served as the first encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. It was here that Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the Jordan as a memorial (Joshua 4:19-20). The site became a base for Joshua's military campaigns in Canaan. The Berean Standard Bible states, "On the tenth day of the first month, the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho" (Joshua 4:19).

2. Religious Significance:
Gilgal held religious importance as the place where the Israelites renewed their covenant with God through circumcision and celebrated the Passover for the first time in the Promised Land (Joshua 5:2-12). The BSB records, "At that time the LORD said to Joshua, 'Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again'" (Joshua 5:2).

3. Prophetic Activity:
Gilgal is also noted as a site of prophetic activity. The prophet Samuel visited Gilgal regularly, and it was here that Saul was confirmed as king (1 Samuel 11:14-15). The BSB notes, "Then Samuel said to the people, 'Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there'" (1 Samuel 11:14).

4. Judgment and Reproof:
The prophets later used Gilgal as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness. Hosea and Amos both mention Gilgal in the context of judgment and reproof (Hosea 4:15, Amos 4:4). The BSB states, "Though you play the harlot, O Israel, do not let Judah become guilty. Do not go to Gilgal or go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, 'As surely as the LORD lives!'" (Hosea 4:15).

Historical and Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of Beth-gilgal is not definitively identified, Gilgal is traditionally associated with several sites near Jericho. Archaeological evidence suggests that these sites were used during the period of the Israelite settlement. The significance of Gilgal as a religious and military center is supported by its frequent mention in the biblical narrative.

Theological Implications:
Beth-gilgal, as part of the broader Gilgal region, represents themes of covenant, obedience, and renewal. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel and the importance of Israel's commitment to the covenant. The events at Gilgal underscore the necessity of spiritual renewal and the consequences of disobedience.

Conclusion:
Beth-gilgal, while not explicitly detailed as a separate location in the Bible, is integrally connected to the significant events at Gilgal. Its association with covenant renewal, prophetic activity, and divine judgment highlights its importance in Israel's history and spiritual journey.House of Gilgal, a place from which the inhabitants gathered for the purpose of celebrating the rebuilding of the walls on the return exile (Nehemiah 12:29). (see GILGAL.) BETH-GILGAL

beth-gil'-gal (beth ha-gilgal; Bethaggalgal; the King James Version house of Gilgal): The Gilgal which lay in the plain East of Jericho (Nehemiah 12:29).

See GILGAL.

1019. Beth Haggilgal -- "house of the Gilgal," a place in ...
... "house of the Gilgal," a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Beth Haggilgal Phonetic
Spelling: (bayth hag-gil gawl') Short Definition: Beth-gilgal. ... Beth-gilgal. ...
/hebrew/1019.htm - 6kBethgilgal
... the return exile (Nehemiah 12:29). (see GILGAL.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BETH-GILGAL. beth-gil'-gal (beth ha-gilgal; Bethaggalgal ...
/b/bethgilgal.htm - 7k

Beth-gilgal (1 Occurrence)
Beth-gilgal. Bethgilgal, Beth-gilgal. Bethhaccerem . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Bethgilgal, Beth-gilgal. Bethhaccerem . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-gilgal.htm - 7k

Gilgal (39 Occurrences)
... It could not have been said that they went down from Gilgal to Bethel in the Jordan
valley. The place seems to be referred to in Nehemiah 12:29 as Beth-gilgal. ...
/g/gilgal.htm - 27k

Gallim (2 Occurrences)
... identified with the Gilgal on the North border of Judah (Joshua 15:7), the Geliloth
of the parallel passage (Joshua 18:17), and the Beth-gilgal of Nehemiah 12 ...
/g/gallim.htm - 8k

Daughter-towns (17 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:29 And from Beth-gilgal and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for
the music-makers had made daughter-towns for themselves round about Jerusalem ...
/d/daughter-towns.htm - 12k

Music-makers (18 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:29 And from Beth-gilgal and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for
the music-makers had made daughter-towns for themselves round about Jerusalem ...
/m/music-makers.htm - 12k

Beth-ga'mul (1 Occurrence)
Beth-ga'mul. Beth-gamul, Beth-ga'mul. Bethgilgal . ... Jeremiah 48:23 And on
Beth-Gamul, and on Beth-Meon, (See RSV). Beth-gamul, Beth-ga'mul. Bethgilgal . ...
/b/beth-ga'mul.htm - 6k

Bethhaccerem (2 Occurrences)

/b/bethhaccerem.htm - 7k

Az'maveth (8 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Nehemiah 12:29 also from BethGilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and
Azmaveth: for the singers had built them villages around Jerusalem. (See RSV) ...
/a/az'maveth.htm - 8k

Azmaveth (8 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:29 also from BethGilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth:
for the singers had built them villages around Jerusalem. ...
/a/azmaveth.htm - 10k

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