Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision at GilgalThe event of circumcision at Gilgal is a significant moment in the history of Israel, marking a renewal of the covenant between God and His people. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 5:2-9. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Lord instructed Joshua to circumcise the sons of Israel a second time. This was necessary because all the males who had come out of Egypt had been circumcised, but those born during the forty years in the wilderness had not undergone this covenantal rite. The act of circumcision at Gilgal served as a physical and spiritual preparation for the Israelites as they were about to undertake the conquest of Canaan. It was a reaffirmation of their identity as God's chosen people and a sign of their obedience and commitment to the covenant established with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). The place was named Gilgal, which means "rolling," because the Lord declared, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you" (Joshua 5:9). This act symbolized the removal of the disgrace of their past and a new beginning in the land promised to their forefathers. Passover at Gilgal Following the circumcision, the Israelites observed the Passover at Gilgal, as recorded in Joshua 5:10-12. This was the first Passover celebrated in the Promised Land, occurring on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, in the plains of Jericho. The observance of Passover was a critical act of worship and remembrance for the Israelites, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the Lord's mighty acts on their behalf. The celebration of Passover at Gilgal was significant for several reasons. It was a reaffirmation of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and a reminder of His faithfulness and provision. The timing of the Passover, immediately following the circumcision, underscored the importance of obedience and purity before God. It also marked the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the establishment in the Promised Land, as the manna that had sustained them ceased the day after they ate the produce of the land (Joshua 5:12). The events at Gilgal—both the circumcision and the Passover—highlight the themes of covenant, identity, and divine faithfulness. They underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands and the remembrance of His mighty works in the life of His people. These acts of faith and worship set the stage for the subsequent conquest of Canaan, as the Israelites, now consecrated and unified, were prepared to fulfill God's promises to their ancestors. Subtopics Circumcision was Performed by Persons in Authority Circumcision was Performed by the Heads of Families Circumcision was Performed in the Presence of the Family Circumcision was Performed with Knives of Flint Circumcision was Performed: Even on the Sabbath Day Circumcision was Performed: On Males Home-Born and Bought Circumcision was Performed: On the Eighth Day Circumcision without Faith, Vain Circumcision without Obedience, Vain Circumcision: A Designation of Christians Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: A Painful and Bloody Rite Circumcision: A Prerequisite of the Privileges of the Passover Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: A Seal of the Covenant Circumcision: Abolished by the Gospel Circumcision: Accompanied With Naming the Child Circumcision: Called The: Circumcision in the Flesh Circumcision: Called The: Concision Circumcision: Called The: Covenant of Circumcision Circumcision: Characterized by Paul As a Yoke Circumcision: Child Named at the Time of Circumcision: Covenant Promises of Circumcision: Enforced by the Law Circumcision: First Performed on Abraham and his Family Circumcision: Instituted by God Circumcision: Introductory Jewish Ordinances Circumcision: Israelites at Gilgal Circumcision: John the Baptist Circumcision: Necessary to Enjoying the Privileges of the Jewish State Circumcision: Necessity of, Asserted by False Teachers Circumcision: Necessity of, Denied by Paul Circumcision: Necessity of, Falsely Taught by Judaizing Christians Circumcision: Neglect of, Punished Circumcision: Not Performed in the Wilderness Circumcision: Paul Denounced for Opposing Circumcision: Paul's Argument Against the Continuance of Circumcision: Performed by Joshua at Gilgal Circumcision: Performed on all Males on the Eighth Day Circumcision: Performed on Timothy As a Matter or Expediency Because of The Circumcision: Promises to Abraham Previous To Circumcision: Punishment for Neglecting Circumcision: Purity of Speech Circumcision: Readiness to Hear and Obey Circumcision: Rite of, Observed on the Sabbath Circumcision: Saints the True Spiritual Circumcision: Sometimes Performed on Slain Enemies Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held It Unlawful to Intermarry With Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held No Intercourse With Those not of The Circumcision: Trusting To, a Denial of Christ Related Terms |
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