Gilgal in the Bible

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Rest

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, God stopped the flow of the Jordan River and allowed the Israelites to cross over dry ground into the Promised Land. They made camp at Gilgal, a place of rest and victory.  From this place, they would fight their battles to conquer the land, then come back to retreat and rest. 

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Remember

When the Israelites arrived at Gilgal, the Lord commanded Joshua to appoint 12

men to carry a stone out of the Jordan River.  They built a memorial altar using these 12 stones to remind Israel of God's miracles. This would serve as a place to remember God's faithfulness, protection, and deliverance in the years to come.

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Renew

The Hebrew word Gilgal means "to roll".  It was in this place that God renewed His covenant with Israel through circumcision, and the reproach of Egypt was rolled away.  The Israelites observed the first Passover since leaving Egypt and communion was restored. This was a pivotal moment for the Israelites as they transitioned from a wandering people into a covenant-bound nation ready to claim their inheritance.

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Through the years, Israelites would return to Gilgal to seek rest, remember the miracles, and renew their commitment to God.​  

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