GILGAL
A rolling,
1. A celebrated place between the Jordan and Jericho, where the Israelites first encamped, after the passage of that river; where also they were circumcised, and kept their first Passover in Canaan, Joshua 4:19; Joshua 1:5, Joshua 1:5. It continued to be the headquarters of the Israelites for several years, while Joshua was occupied in subduing the land, Joshua 9:6; Joshua 1:10, Joshua 1:10, Joshua 1:10. A considerable city was afterwards built there, Joshua 15:7, which became famous for many events. Here the tabernacle rested, until its removal to Shiloh; here also, according to the prevalent opinion, Samuel offered sacrifices, and held his court as a judge of Israel; and here Saul was crowned, 1 Samuel 7:16; 1 Samuel 1:10; 1 Samuel 1:11 1 Samuel 1:13-9; 1 Samuel 1:15. A school of the prophets was established, 2 Kings 4:38; and yet it afterwards appears to have become a seat of idolatry, Hosea 4:15; Hosea 1:9; Hosea 1:12 Amos 4:4; Amos 1:5. At this day, no traces of it are found. According to Josephus, it lay within two miles of Jericho.
2. Another Gilgol lay near Antipatris, Joshua 12:23 Nehemiah 12:29. And perhaps a third in the mountains of Ephraim, north of Bethel, Deuteronomy 11:30 2 Kings 1:2-6. There are not wanting those who would make the Gilgal near Antipatris the seat of Samuel’s judgeship, and of one of the schools of the prophets.