Near Eastern Institute

Gilgal Across the Jordan River

If we open the Book of Joshua we read that Gilgal was the place where the Israelite’s lingered, just after traversing the River Jordan. Once they had made camp there, they were instructed by Joshua to gather stones from Jordan and set them up ‘in memory’. Each tribe was represented, so there were 12 stones in all. Joshua further instructed those born during the years of the Exodus to undergo circumcision. Thus we have a situation comprising circumcision and a mysterious structure raised up to help them to remember something important.

Some experts opine that this tale may simply be a myth. They believe it may have been introduced by the author of the Book of Joshua, to provide an explanation for the presence of a circle of stones. The place where this circumcision took place is mentioned in the Bible as ‘Gibeath Haaraloth’. Other Biblical references to the area call it Gilgal. The name ‘Gibeath Haaraloth’ can be translated as ‘Foreskin Hill’, and is thought by scholars to perhaps be a vague reference to a myth of the time.Several latter-day Bible translations tend to agree.

The Israelite tale continues to intrigue by informing us that the area was called Gilgal in memory of the Israelite’s breaking free of ‘The Reproach’ of Egypt, which had fallen on them. They broke free of this ‘Reproach’ by undergoing circumcision. The words ‘Gilgal’ and ‘Gallothi’ have phonetic similarities. In Hebrew, ‘Gallothi’ means ‘I have removed’.

Despite this evidence, scholars remain convinced that Gilgal means a ‘Circle of Upright Stones’ and simply refers to the existence of a stone circle in the area. Their inability in finding common acceptable ground stems from the following fact. Language scholars believe that the ‘circumcision tale’ and the ‘story of the stones’ differ in their textual sources. They think that the circumcision tale was simply a method of explaining why the area was important from a religious viewpoint. This could therefore be seen as credible without putting pressure on the author of Joshua and his religious beliefs when mentioning the stone circle.

The ‘Gilgal’ mentioned in this story is believed to have been stood on Jericho’s East border. Josh 4:19. We find further mention of Gilgal in Joshua’s account of those he had conquered and overthrown. Josh  12:7.   Scholars are not entirely in agreement that this location is the same as the Gilgal where the Israelites originally made camp. It’s thought that this may have arisen through a simple mistake and that the word Gilgal in the above verses actually should read as ‘Galilee’.

The book of Samuel also mentions an area called Gilgal. This was one of the places that Samuel visited annually to perform sacrifices. Once Saul was chosen as King, Samuel also returned to Gilgal to strengthen Saul’s leadership role with the people. This Gilgal may possible refer to a totally different circle of stones than the one mentioned in the Israelite encampment story. It is perhaps worth pondering the fact that Biblical language presents it more as a place of Holiness as opposed to a place of pagan worship.

Gilgal is furthermore seen as a place of rest for all of Israel, both from a spiritual and physical standpoint. It is a place where Gods faithful people will receive their reward. Joshua 10:43 refers to 144.00 from all the Israelite tribes who will stand with God when he returns to deal with earthly sinners. After a final battle against those who denounce God, those remaining servants will find their eternal rest and utter peace in Gilgal.