gilgal

1 definition found

gilgal - Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary :

  Gilgal
  rolling. (1.) From the solemn transaction of the reading of the
  law in the valley of Shechem between Ebal and Gerizim the
  Israelites moved forward to Gilgal, and there made a permanent
  camp (Josh. 9:6; 10:6). It was "beside the oaks of Moreh," near
  which Abraham erected his first altar (Gen. 12:6, 7). This was
  one of the three towns to which Samuel resorted for the
  administration of justice (1 Sam. 7:16), and here also he
  offered sacrifices when the ark was no longer in the tabernacle
  at Shiloh (1 Sam. 10:8; 13:7-9). To this place, as to a central
  sanctuary, all Israel gathered to renew their allegiance to Saul
  (11:14). At a later period it became the scene of idolatrous
  worship (Hos. 4:15; 9:15). It has been identified with the ruins
  of Jiljilieh, about 5 miles south-west of Shiloh and about the
  same distance from Bethel.
  
    (2.) The place in "the plains of Jericho," "in the east border
  of Jericho," where the Israelites first encamped after crossing
  the Jordan (Josh. 4:19, 20). Here they kept their first Passover
  in the land of Canaan (5:10) and renewed the rite of
  circumcision, and so "rolled away the reproach" of their
  Egyptian slavery. Here the twelve memorial stones, taken from
  the bed of the Jordan, were set up; and here also the tabernacle
  remained till it was removed to Shiloh (18:1). It has been
  identified with Tell Jiljulieh, about 5 miles from Jordan.
  
    (3.) A place, probably in the hill country of Ephraim, where
  there was a school of the prophets (2 Kings 4:38), and whence
  Elijah and Elisha, who resided here, "went down" to Bethel
  (2:1,2). It is mentioned also in Deut. 11:30. It is now known as
  Jiljilia, a place 8 miles north of Bethel.