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Gilgal


Gil´gal; Heb., “circle,” probably of stones

1 Between Jericho and the Jordan, the Israelites’ first encampment after crossing the Jordan (Josh 3-4), which became Joshua’s base of operations. It was one of the places visited by Samuel on his yearly circuit (1Sam 7:16), and a number of the early traditions about Saul are set here (1Sam 11:14-15; 1Sam 13:4-7; 1Sam 8-15:4). This Gilgal is denounced by the eighth-century prophets as the site of a national sanctuary under royal patronage with a corrupt sacrificial cult (Hos 4:15; Hos 9:15; Hos 12:11; Amos 4:4; Amos 5:5; Mic 6:5). 2 Location associated with Elijah and Elisha (2Kgs 2:1-4; 2Kgs 4:38), probably about seven miles north of Bethel. 3 Place near Dor mentioned in the Hebrew text of a list of conquered Canaanite kings in (Josh 12:23) (LXX reads “Galilee” here instead).

  • Powell, Mark Allan, ed. HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. Abridged Edition. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2009.