Where is Gilgal in the Bible?

What happened at Gilgal?

Gilgal, also referred to as Geliloth, Beth-gilgal, or Gibeath-haaraloth, was a significant site during Israel's early history in Canaan. It was located in the Jordan Valley, near Jericho. Gilgal served as the first campsite for the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan River under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 4:19-20). It was at Gilgal that the Israelites set up twelve memorial stones taken from the Jordan and where Joshua circumcised the new generation born in the wilderness (Joshua 5:3, 9). The Passover was also celebrated at Gilgal (Joshua 5:10). Gilgal served as a base of operations for Joshua during the conquest of Canaan, with the Gibeonites coming to seek a treaty there (Joshua 9:6) and Joshua launching campaigns against the Amorite kings from Gilgal (Joshua 10:6-9, 15, 43). Later, it became a place where the Israelites assembled and where Saul was confirmed as king (1Sa.11.14-15). Samuel included Gilgal in his circuit as a judge (1Sa.7.16). However, Gilgal also became associated with idolatrous worship, as evidenced by the prophets' condemnations (Hosea 4:15; 9:15; 12:11; Amo.4.4; 5:5). Despite its significance in Israel's history, Gilgal's importance declined over time.

Where does Gilgal appear in the Bible?

Gilgal is referenced in 33 verses across 8 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 1 Samuel 7:16
• 1 Samuel 10:8
• 1 Samuel 11:14
• 1 Samuel 11:15
• 1 Samuel 13:4
• 1 Samuel 13:8
• 1 Samuel 13:12
• 1 Samuel 13:15
• 1 Samuel 15:21
• 1 Samuel 15:33
• 2 Samuel 19:15
• 2 Samuel 19:40
• Amos 4:4
• Amos 5:5
• Deuteronomy 11:30
• Hosea 4:15
• Hosea 9:15
• Hosea 12:11
• Judges 2:1
• Judges 3:19
• Joshua 4:19
• Joshua 4:20
• Joshua 5:9
• Joshua 5:10

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Gilgal.