Because of rebellion at Kadesh, God had been unable to lead Israel into Canaan—the very purpose for which He had led them forth from Egypt. They had not been permitted to receive circumcision, the sign that marked them as God’s chosen people. The suspension of this rite was a constant witness to them that they had broken the covenant.

Though the “Angel” of the covenant continued to lead Israel throughout their wilderness wanderings, they were, nevertheless, not completely restored to covenant relationship during that long period. So long as they remained, in a measure at least, outside of the covenant, they stood in the same relationship to God as if they had never left Egypt. The “reproach of Egypt” was still upon them. Now, by the restoration of the Passover—the memorial of deliverance from Egypt—and the reinstitution of circumcision the “reproach” was effectively removed, or “rolled” away. Already their feet were planted on the soil of the Promised Land. The removal of the curse was memorialized by naming the site of their first encampment in Canaan, Gilgal, which means “rolling.”

 There is a measure of reproach resting upon God’s people today. They too should have been in the kingdom long ago, but like Israel they have been wandering about in the wilderness (GC 458). “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” in our day (Heb. 4:9). “Let us labour” diligently “to enter into that rest”(v. 11).

 The name thus transliterated is from the root galal, “to roll.” From this time onward Gilgal occupies a place of importance in sacred history. Here the Israelites pitched camp the first night after entering the Promised Land. Here the reinstitution of the rite of circumcision signified the renewal of the covenant (vs. 2-8). Here Israel celebrated their first Passover in the Promised Land (v. 10). Here the manna ceased to fall (v. 12). Gilgal served as the base for military operations during the early part of the conquest of Canaan. It appears also to have been the place where the women, children, and cattle remained during this time. In later history it was here that Saul was confirmed as first king of Israel (1 Sam. 11:15). Here the ark remained till, after the conquest of the country, it was removed to Shiloh (Joshua 18:1; PP 514).

Gilgal cannot now be definitely located. According to Josephus, it was about 5 mi. (8 km.) from the Jordan and about 1 mi. (1.6 km.) from New Testament Jericho. But see p. 501.