Biblical Context:
The events of the circumcision and Passover at Gilgal are recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 5:2-12. These events occur after the Israelites have crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, marking a significant transition from their wilderness wanderings to the conquest of Canaan.

Circumcision at Gilgal:
Upon entering the Promised Land, the LORD commanded Joshua to circumcise the sons of Israel a second time. This was necessary because all the males born during the forty years in the wilderness had not been circumcised. The act of circumcision was a reaffirmation of the covenant between God and Israel, as originally established with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). Joshua 5:2-3 states, "At that time the LORD said to Joshua, 'Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.' So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth."

The circumcision at Gilgal symbolized the renewal of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. It was a physical and spiritual preparation for the battles ahead, signifying their commitment to obeying God's commands and their identity as His chosen people. The place was named Gilgal, which means "rolling," as the LORD declared, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you" (Joshua 5:9).

Passover at Gilgal:
Following the circumcision, the Israelites observed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month, while encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho (Joshua 5:10). This was the first Passover celebrated in the Promised Land and served as a reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt. The Passover commemorated the night when the LORD passed over the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn (Exodus 12:27).

The observance of Passover at Gilgal was significant for several reasons. It marked the end of the Israelites' reliance on manna, as they began to eat the produce of the land. Joshua 5:11-12 records, "The day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. And the manna ceased the day after they ate from the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna, for they ate from the produce of the land of Canaan that year."

Theological Significance:
The circumcision and Passover at Gilgal highlight themes of covenant, obedience, and divine provision. The renewal of circumcision underscored the importance of covenant fidelity and the distinct identity of the Israelites as God's people. The celebration of Passover reinforced the memory of God's past deliverance and His ongoing faithfulness.

These events also foreshadow the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Just as circumcision was a sign of the Old Covenant, baptism serves as a sign of the New Covenant, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Colossians 2:11-12). The Passover, with its themes of deliverance and redemption, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice delivers believers from the bondage of sin (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Historical and Cultural Context:
Gilgal served as the first encampment of the Israelites in Canaan and became a significant site for subsequent events, including the renewal of the covenant under Samuel (1 Samuel 11:14-15) and the anointing of Saul as king. The name "Gilgal" itself, meaning "rolling," reflects the transformative nature of the events that took place there, as the Israelites transitioned from a nomadic existence to establishing a foothold in the land promised to their forefathers.