Topical Bible: Tabernacle: Pitched: At Gilgal

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The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. It was a central element of worship and a symbol of God's presence with His people. The Tabernacle was constructed according to the divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31).

Location at Gilgal

The Tabernacle was pitched at various locations during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. One significant location was Gilgal, which served as the first encampment of the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. Gilgal holds historical and spiritual significance as the place where the Israelites renewed their covenant with God and celebrated the Passover in the Promised Land for the first time (Joshua 4:19-24, 5:10-12).

Biblical Context

The pitching of the Tabernacle at Gilgal is not explicitly detailed in the Scriptures, but the presence of the Israelites at Gilgal is well-documented. 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 Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan." This passage highlights the significance of Gilgal as a place of remembrance and consecration.

Spiritual Significance

Gilgal was a place of new beginnings for the Israelites. It was here that the reproach of Egypt was rolled away, symbolizing a fresh start in their covenant relationship with God (Joshua 5:9). The Tabernacle's presence at Gilgal would have reinforced the centrality of worship and obedience to God as the Israelites began their conquest of Canaan.

Worship and Sacrifice

While the specific activities of the Tabernacle at Gilgal are not detailed, it can be inferred that the regular practices of worship, sacrifice, and offerings continued as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The Tabernacle served as the focal point for these activities, ensuring that the Israelites maintained their spiritual duties and connection to God.

Historical and Theological Implications

The pitching of the Tabernacle at Gilgal underscores the continuity of God's presence and guidance as the Israelites transitioned from a nomadic existence to settling in the Promised Land. It reflects the ongoing fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's sovereign rule.

In summary, while the Bible does not provide explicit details about the Tabernacle's activities at Gilgal, its presence there is implied through the broader narrative of Israel's journey and settlement in Canaan. Gilgal remains a significant site in biblical history, symbolizing renewal, covenant faithfulness, and the enduring presence of God among His people.

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Joshua 4:18,19
And it came to pass, when the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the middle of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up to the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned to their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
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Library

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... the ark with them; then went the Levites bearing the tabernacle and the ... 11. Now the
place where Joshua pitched his camp was called Gilgal, which denotes ...
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Properly speaking, there were no pitched battles between them ... forced an entrance,
Ehud had reached Gilgal and was in ... who "served at the door of" the tabernacle. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm