Return to Gilgal
Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.
Joshua 10:43
Joshua and the Israelites were marching into the Promised Land and were, therefore, engaged in battle against the Canaanites. Repeatedly, they witnessed God’s power working on their behalf as they defeated their enemies in the south. Their enemies in the north were yet to be defeated. But instead of marching northward, Joshua led the Israelites back to Gilgal.
What did Gilgal represent?
Gilgal was a place of remembrance. There the Israelites set up stones to remember God’s miraculous enabling to cross the Jordan during flood stage.
Gilgal was a place of devotion and new identity. God instructed Joshua to have the men circumcised, and He said, Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you (Joshua 5:9). God rolled away the Israelites’ shame and disgrace as slaves, giving them a new identity as followers of the mighty, one true God.
Gilgal was a place of celebrating redemption and deliverance. There the Israelites once again celebrated the Passover.
Gilgal was a place of encouragement and guidance. It was near Gilgal that Joshua encountered the Commander of the army of the LORD. The holy LORD assured Joshua of victory against his enemies and gave him a detailed battle plan.
God’s people were involved in warfare, even as we believers are involved in spiritual warfare against our enemy. Can you imagine the stories around the campfires after the Israelites returned from battle—stories of God’s power and deliverance? Surely the Israelites were encouraged and strengthened for future battles as they heard testimonies of God’s greatness.
We believers need time around the campfire with other believers to share God’s mighty acts on our behalf. We need time together to worship the One we follow and reflect upon who we are in Him. Our time together with other believers strengthens, encourages, and prepares us for the battles that lie ahead.
Lord, thank you for Gilgal. Thank you for times of recommitment, reflection, and renewal as we gather with other believers. May your mighty deeds be declared among your people!
Jan Burkhart
