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.
 Gilgal, wheel; rolling; heap