Beth-gilgal

Beth-gilgal (meaning: house of Gilgal) was a place near Jerusalem from which singers and Levites gathered for the celebration of the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. The name suggests it was a settlement in the vicinity of the famous Gilgal associated with Israel's initial crossing of the Jordan, though it may represent a different site closer to Jerusalem.

The Nehemiah passage provides the only biblical reference to Beth-gilgal, in the context of the great public ceremony of wall dedication that involved two processions of thanksgiving moving in opposite directions around the city walls. The Levites from surrounding towns and villages gathered to participate in the celebration with musical instruments and singing. Beth-gilgal's inclusion among these gathering places indicates it was a recognized Levitical or priestly settlement in the Jerusalem area during the postexilic period of the restoration community.