Gilgal

Gilgal (meaning wheel; rolling; heap of stones) is the name of several places in the Old Testament, the most important being the first Israelite camp west of the Jordan River after crossing on dry ground. At Gilgal, Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the riverbed as a memorial (Josh. 4:20), and all the males born in the wilderness were circumcised there (Josh. 5:2–9). Gilgal became Israel's base of operations for the Canaan campaign and the site of the first Passover celebration in the land. The tabernacle was stationed at Gilgal before moving to Shiloh. The prophet Samuel made circuit there (1 Sam. 7:16), and it was where Saul was confirmed as king (1 Sam. 11:14–15). A second Gilgal, near Bethel, was later associated with the schools of the prophets (2 Kings 2:1; 4:38) and condemned by Amos and Hosea as a center of corrupt worship (Amos 4:4; 5:5; Hos. 4:15).