Topical Bible: School: Gilgal

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Introduction:
Gilgal holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. It is mentioned multiple times throughout the Old Testament, serving as a site of memorial, worship, and pivotal events in Israel's history. The name "Gilgal" is often associated with the Hebrew word "galal," meaning "to roll," which is reflected in the biblical account of the Israelites' encampment there.

Biblical References and Significance:

1. Joshua's Encampment and Memorial (Joshua 4:19-24):
Gilgal is first prominently mentioned in the Book of Joshua as the location where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. 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 Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan." These stones served as a memorial to the miraculous crossing, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the beginning of a new chapter for Israel.

2. Circumcision and Passover (Joshua 5:2-12):
At Gilgal, the new generation of Israelites born in the wilderness was circumcised, renewing the covenant with God. Joshua 5:9 records, "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.' So that place has been called Gilgal to this day." This act of obedience was followed by the celebration of Passover, marking the end of their wilderness wanderings and the beginning of their life in the land promised to their forefathers.

3. Base of Operations (Joshua 9:6, 10:6-15):
Gilgal served as a strategic base for Joshua and the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. It was from Gilgal that Joshua launched military campaigns, including the defense of the Gibeonites and the southern campaign against the Amorite kings. Joshua 10:7 notes, "So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his whole army, including all the mighty men of valor."

4. Religious and Political Center (1 Samuel 7:16, 10:8, 11:14-15):
In the time of Samuel, Gilgal was a place of religious significance where Samuel judged Israel. It was also the site 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."

5. Prophetic Activity (2 Kings 2:1, 4:38):
Gilgal is mentioned in the narratives of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. It was a location where the sons of the prophets resided and where Elisha performed miracles. 2 Kings 4:38 records, "When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land, and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him."

Theological Themes:

· Covenant Renewal: Gilgal is a symbol of covenant renewal and faithfulness. The events that took place there, such as circumcision and Passover, underscore the importance of obedience and remembrance in the life of God's people.

· Divine Deliverance and Provision: The memorial stones and the miraculous crossing of the Jordan at Gilgal serve as a testament to God's deliverance and provision, encouraging future generations to trust in His promises.

· Leadership and Authority: Gilgal was a place where leadership was affirmed and authority was exercised, as seen in the anointing of Saul and the military campaigns led by Joshua.

Conclusion:
Gilgal's role in the biblical narrative is multifaceted, serving as a site of historical events, religious observance, and divine interaction. Its repeated mention throughout the Old Testament highlights its enduring significance in the account of Israel and God's unfolding plan for His people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 4:38
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Prophet of Peace
... It was on the occasion of one of his visits to the school established
at Gilgal that he healed the poisoned pottage. "There was ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 19 a prophet of.htm

The Sins of Society
... These correspond respectively to 'Jehovah,' and 'Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba,'
in former ... society without religion, might do worse than go to school to Amos. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the sins of society.htm

The Call of Elisha
... As Elisha accompanied the prophet on his round of service from school to school,
his faith and resolution were once more tested. At Gilgal, and again at Bethel ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

Stones Crying Out
... Gilgal, the first encampment, lay defenceless in the open plain, and the first thing
to ... Christians, are too apt to say, 'Ask your Sunday-school teacher,' when ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/stones crying out.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... He was trained in the school of Moses and exhibited the same devotion to Jehovah
and ... With his central camp established at Gilgal (5:10; 9:6) and the forces of ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

The Shepherd-King
... After that sad day at Gilgal, he and Saul met no more, though their homes were but
a few ... It is a hard school; but where it does not sour, it makes strong men. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

The Historical Books.
... dry-shod, its waters having been miraculously divided; they encamp at Gilgal, and
are ... himself one of the greatest of the prophets, established a school of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... agree here with Dr. Bernard, and approve of Josephus's interpretation of Gilgal
for liberty ... It seems the tabernacle was now at Nob, and probably a school of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... one of the greatest of the prophets, and he established a school of the ... to understand
the ancient sacred places, such as Ramah, Bethel, and Gilgal, where the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... as his straw hat was very cold and none of the boys at school wore straw ... heard in
the multiplication of the twenty loaves during the dearth at Gilgal, was made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm