Topical Bible: Tabernacle was Set Up: At Gilgal

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Topical Encyclopedia

The setting up of the Tabernacle at Gilgal marks a significant event in the history of Israel as they transitioned from their wilderness wanderings to the conquest of the Promised Land. Gilgal served as the first encampment of the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan River under the leadership of Joshua. This location holds considerable importance in the biblical narrative, symbolizing a new beginning for the nation of Israel.

Biblical Context

The account of the Tabernacle being set up at Gilgal is closely tied to the events described in the Book of Joshua. After the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, the Israelites camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. It was here that they erected the Tabernacle, which had been their portable sanctuary throughout their journey in the wilderness. The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

Scriptural References

While the Bible does not explicitly state that the Tabernacle was set up at Gilgal, the location is mentioned as the Israelites' first encampment in the Promised Land. Joshua 4:19 notes, "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." This passage highlights the significance of Gilgal as the initial staging ground for the conquest of Canaan.

Significance of Gilgal

Gilgal holds a multifaceted significance in the biblical narrative. It was at Gilgal that the Israelites renewed their covenant with God through the rite of circumcision, as recorded in Joshua 5:2-9. This act symbolized the nation's renewed commitment to the covenant established with their forefathers. Additionally, the Passover was celebrated at Gilgal, marking the first observance of this feast in the Promised Land (Joshua 5:10-12).

The name "Gilgal" itself is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "circle" or "rolling." This is significant in light of Joshua 5:9 , where the Lord declares, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." The encampment at Gilgal thus represents a turning point, where the shame of the past was removed, and the people of Israel were prepared to take possession of the land promised to their ancestors.

Theological Implications

The setting up of the Tabernacle at Gilgal underscores the centrality of worship and obedience to God as the Israelites embarked on their conquest of Canaan. The presence of the Tabernacle signified God's continued guidance and favor, serving as a constant reminder of His covenant promises. The events at Gilgal highlight the importance of spiritual preparation and renewal before undertaking significant endeavors.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention the Tabernacle being set up at Gilgal, the location's role as the Israelites' first encampment in the Promised Land and its association with covenant renewal and worship make it a pivotal site in the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 5:10,11
And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... of the people there, and took their prey, he came to the camp at Gilgal. ... month came
to him to the city of Shiloh, where they had set up the tabernacle. 22. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

Power "In" and "Upon. "
... about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging ... of God came and just filled
the Temple as the Tabernacle. ... here at Gilgal, and I will go up to Bethel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... and approve of Josephus's interpretation of Gilgal for liberty. ... 8:1-22; although,
if such kings are set up as own ... the house of God, or the tabernacle, Judges 20 ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Three Decisive Steps
... At the [37]Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. ... shades, must be hurled down, if God
is to be set up in the ... Let the prayer go up from your heart to him who poured ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/three decisive steps.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... he says boldly: "We will go into His tabernacle: we will ... Abiram his firstborn and
of which he set up the gates ... 2843] She looked upon the camp of Gilgal and the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Appointment of a King Over the Israelites, Whose Name was Saul ...
... they sent men to bring him; and when he was come, they set him in the ... and read it
in the hearing of the king, and laid up the book in the tabernacle of God ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 the appointment of.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... near this tree and erected the tabernacle containing the ... places round Jerusalem,
such as Gilgal, Bethlehem, and ... place where Job first went to set up his own ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of ... and, behold, the Lord hath
set a king over you.14 ... and his sons were rioting at the Tabernacle door, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... upon him his five senses, and didst set over his ... of lions, and tames whales, and
raises up the sick ... fiery furnace; [3521] of Hannah in the tabernacle before the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... both hands indifferently, and always ready to set out on ... extreme age to annoy those
who came up to worship ... the women who "served at the door of" the tabernacle. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm