GILGAL (tA ; Sept. PoX-y6X, PalviciA, and 7:• Pdk-yaXa), a place in the plain of the Jordan, on the right bank of the river, and on the east border of Jericho' (Josh. iv. r9). It was the first encampment of the Israelites in Palestine, where they pitched their tents immediately after the miraculous passage of the river, and where they set up the twelve stones brought out of the river's bed. It would appear that Gilgal was the name of the place before the Exodus, for Moses describes the Canaanites as dwelling over against Gilgal' (Deut. xi. 3o). The difficulties connected with this passage have been already explained under EBAL. Keil supposes this Gilgal to have been near Shechem. (See C0111111. on 7osh., pp. 219, 232). In Josh. v. 7 we read that after the Israelites had been circumcised the Lord said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away (41-6) the reproach of Egypt from off you.' 'Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.' The meaning does not seem to be that a new name was given ; but rather that a new meaning and significancy were attached to the old name. The word Gilgal means a 'circle,' and also a `rolling away.' A similar play upon a word was noticed in the case of GILEAD ; and Bethal is an example of an old name having attached to it a new significancy (Gen. xxviii. 19 ; xxxv. 15). This explanation, simple, natural, and in full accordance with the genius of the Oriental languages and the literary tastes of the people, removes at once the hosts of infidel objections that have been brought against the passage (Keil, in loe.) The camp of Gilgal became permanent ; and probably in grateful memorial of the Lord's mercy in bringing them into the land, and of his appear ance there to Joshua as captain of the host ' (Josh. v. 14), the people made it for centuries the great gathering place of the tribes (ix. 6 ; x. 6, 43). The Tabernacle remained there during the long wars in the interior, and until it was removed to Shiloh (xvifi. r). Gilgal was one of the three assize towns in which Samuel judged (r Sam. vii. 16) ; and in its sacred groves were celebrated the solemn as semblies of Samuel and Saul, and of David on his return from exile (Stanley, S. and P., p. 302 ; Sam. x. 8 ; xi. 14 ; xiii. 4, sq. ; XV. 12, Sq.; 2 Sam. xix. Is). After the erection of the temple Gilgal appears to have been neglected. Probably when
Jericho was rebuilt the traditional sanctity of Gil gal was transferred to it, and there a school of the prophets was established and remained until a late period (2 Kings ii. 5—JEatcH0). Gilgal was de nounced by the prophets because of the sins com mitted there at the high place (Hos. iv. 15 ; Amos iv. 4 ; v. 5). These idolatrous practices are spe cially mentioned by Epiphanius and others (Reland, p. 782, sq.) The utter desolation of its site, and the whole surrounding region, shews how fearfully the prophecies have been fulfilled.
The site of Gilgal is fixed by Josephus fifty fur longs from the Jordan and ten from Jericho (Antiq.
v. 4). Jerome's description agrees with this ; and he farther states that in his day it was desert (Onomast., s. v. Galgala). These specifications shew that Gilgal must have been at, or very near, the site of the modern village of Mho. (Handbook for S. and P,, p. 196). Arculf locates it five miles from Jericho, and says a church stood upon the spot (Early 7'ravels in Pal., p. 7). It is probable, however, that the ecclesiastical architects had not been very particular about topogmphy (Robinson, B. R., i. 557).
2. Gilgal, a royal city of the Canaanites, appears to have been situated on the western plain, as it is connected with the region of Dor (Josh xii. 23). Jerome places it six miles north of Antipatris (now Kerr Saba). The modern village of "ilAleh, about four miles south of Antipatris, may mark its site, as it bears its name (Onomast., s. v. Gelgel, Robinson, B. R., ii- 243).
3. Gilgal in the mountains. A Gilgal is men tioned in 2 Kings ii. ; and it is said of Elijah and Elisha that they went a'own from it to Bethel. It must, consequently, have been different from the Gilgal in the plain of Jericho, which is more than 3000 feet below Bethel (ver. 2). Also in Neh. xii. 29 we read of Gilgal in connection with Geba. These may perhaps be identical with the Galgala supposed by Jerome and Eusebius to be near to Bethel (Onomast. s. v.); Keil (Commentary on yoskua, p. 2'9), Van de Velde (Memoir, 316), and others, would identify it with the village of jzyilia, sbc miles north of Bethel. Keil argues that this was the site of the permanent camp, and the place where the tabernacle was set up ; but his proofs are not conclusive (See, however, Keil 011 ,oshua, pp. 219, 232).—J. L. P.