Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Bethgilgal, often simply referred to as Gilgal, is a significant location in biblical history, particularly in the Old Testament. It is associated with several key events in the narrative of the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. The name "Gilgal" is derived from the Hebrew word "galgal," meaning "circle" or "wheel," which is thought to refer to the circle of stones set up by Joshua. Biblical References and Significance: Bethgilgal is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua as the place where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River. It served as a base of operations for the conquest of Canaan. Joshua 4:19-20 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. And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan." Memorial of the Crossing: The twelve stones set up at Gilgal served as a memorial to the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. This act was intended to remind future generations of God's faithfulness and power. Joshua 4:21-24 records Joshua's instructions: "In the future, when your children ask their fathers, 'What is the meaning of these stones?' you are to tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over." Renewal of the Covenant: Gilgal was also the site of the renewal of the covenant through the rite of circumcision. Joshua 5:2-9 describes how the new generation of Israelites, who had not been circumcised during the wilderness wanderings, underwent this rite at Gilgal. This act symbolized the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The place was named Gilgal because, as the LORD said, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you" (Joshua 5:9). Passover Celebration: Following the circumcision, the Israelites celebrated the Passover at Gilgal, marking their first observance of this feast in the Promised Land. Joshua 5:10-12 notes, "On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites kept the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain." Military Campaigns: Gilgal served as a strategic military base during the conquest of Canaan. Joshua returned to Gilgal after various battles, and it was from here that he launched further campaigns. Joshua 10:6-7 recounts how the Gibeonites called for Joshua's help, and he "went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor." Prophetic and Monarchical Associations: In later biblical history, Gilgal continued to hold religious and political significance. It was a place where Samuel judged Israel and where Saul was confirmed as king. 1 Samuel 11:14-15 states, "Then Samuel said to the people, 'Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.' So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD." Conclusion: Bethgilgal, or Gilgal, stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and the obedience of His people. It is a place of remembrance, covenant renewal, and divine intervention, playing a crucial role in the history of Israel as they transitioned from a nomadic existence to a settled nation in the land promised to their forefathers. Smith's Bible Dictionary BethgilgalSame as Gilgal. (Nehemiah 12:29) Easton's Bible Dictionary 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.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-GILGALbeth-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). Thesaurus Bethgilgal/b/bethgilgal.htm - 7k Beth-ga'mul (1 Occurrence) Beth-gilgal (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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