Memory Verse:
Joshua 5:9 (NIV) – "Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.' So the place has been called Gilgal to this day."
Meditation:
As we reflect on Mount Gilgal (often referred to as the hilly encampment area known as Gilgal near Jericho), let us meditate on the profound act of God rolling away shame and reproach. Just as the Israelites left behind the bondage and humiliation of Egypt through circumcision and covenant renewal, so too does Christ roll away our sins and past burdens when we enter into His promised rest. Gilgal reminds us that entry into God's promises requires a fresh commitment, a cutting away of the old life, and a memorial of His faithfulness. In quiet moments today, ponder: What "reproach" or shame from your past is God desiring to roll away? Allow the Holy Spirit to circumcise your heart anew, removing anything that hinders your walk in victory.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, welcome to this devotional reflection on **Mount Gilgal**, a pivotal location in the biblical narrative that marks a turning point for the people of Israel. Though often called Gilgal rather than strictly "Mount Gilgal," the site is associated with hills and elevated plains east of Jericho, where the Israelites first encamped after crossing the Jordan River miraculously on dry ground (Joshua 4-5). This place was not just a campsite; it became a sacred memorial ground where God reaffirmed His covenant, removed the shame of slavery, and prepared His people for conquest.
Gilgal, meaning "rolling" or "circle" (from the Hebrew root galal, to roll), symbolizes a divine rolling away of obstacles and past burdens. Here, twelve stones were set up as a lasting memorial of God's power, the males were circumcised as a sign of covenant renewal, and the first Passover in the Promised Land was observed. For us as believers today, Gilgal represents the transition from wilderness wandering to victorious living in Christ—leaving behind the old life of sin and embracing the new identity in Him. In a world full of distractions and past regrets, Gilgal calls us to remember God's mighty acts, renew our commitment, and step boldly into the promises He has for us.
The story of Gilgal unfolds primarily in Joshua chapters 4 and 5, immediately after the dramatic crossing of the Jordan River. The waters parted when the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped in, mirroring the Red Sea crossing but now ushering Israel into the land promised to Abraham. Upon reaching the other side, God commanded Joshua to have twelve men—one from each tribe—take stones from the middle of the Jordan and set them up at their lodging place, later named Gilgal (Joshua 4:1-9, 20-24). These stones served as a perpetual memorial: "When your children ask... 'What do these stones mean?' ... tell them that Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground" (Joshua 4:21-22). The purpose was clear—to proclaim God's mighty hand so that all peoples would fear Him and Israel would remember forever.
Another set of twelve stones was placed in the riverbed itself, where the priests stood, symbolizing burial in death (hidden under restored waters) and resurrection to new life on the other side—a beautiful foreshadowing of baptism and our union with Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
At Gilgal, God instructed Joshua to circumcise the new generation born in the wilderness (Joshua 5:2-8). The older generation had been circumcised, but due to disobedience and wandering, this rite had been neglected. Circumcision was the sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:10-14), marking separation unto God. The place was called Gibeath Haaraloth ("Hill of Foreskins") before the event, but afterward, God declared, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you" (Joshua 5:9). The "reproach of Egypt" referred to the shame of slavery, uncircumcision (symbolizing covenant neglect), and the mockery of surrounding nations who saw Israel as wanderers without identity. Gilgal thus became a place of restoration, identity renewal, and preparation for battle.
Following this, Israel celebrated Passover (Joshua 5:10), ate the produce of the land (manna ceased), and encountered the Commander of the Lord's army (Joshua 5:13-15), who instructed Joshua on conquering Jericho. Gilgal served as headquarters during early conquests (Joshua 9-10, 14), a place of worship, sacrifice, and gathering.
Later biblical references show Gilgal as a center for prophets (2 Kings 2:1, where Elijah and Elisha departed from there) and unfortunately, a site of idolatrous practices condemned by prophets like Amos (Amos 4:4; 5:5) and Hosea (Hosea 4:15; 9:15; 12:11). This warns us that even sacred places can be corrupted if hearts turn away.
Typologically, Gilgal points to Christ. The Jordan crossing symbolizes baptism into death and resurrection. The rolling away of reproach mirrors how Jesus removes our shame through His blood (Hebrews 9:14; Romans 8:1). The memorial stones remind us to testify of God's works. Circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:29; Colossians 2:11) is the spiritual reality we experience in Christ—cutting away the fleshly nature. Gilgal teaches that entering God's promises requires death to the old self, covenant renewal, remembrance of grace, and readiness for spiritual warfare.
In the broader narrative, Gilgal stands as the gateway to inheritance. The wilderness was testing and preparation; Gilgal was consecration and commissioning. For believers, it is the moment after salvation where we fully surrender, remove hindrances, and claim victory in Jesus.
Beloved, let Mount Gilgal inspire practical steps in your walk with Christ. First, build memorials in your life—journal God's faithfulness, share testimonies, or create tangible reminders (photos, verses on walls) so your children and others ask, "What does this mean?" and you proclaim His deeds. Second, allow the Holy Spirit to "circumcise" your heart daily—confess sins, cut off worldly habits, unforgiveness, or pride that carry the "reproach" of your past. Third, celebrate the Lord's Supper regularly as your Passover, remembering Christ's sacrifice and feasting on His provision. Fourth, stay alert against complacency; even holy places like Gilgal can become sites of backsliding if vigilance wanes. Surround yourself with accountable fellowship, study the Word, and pray fervently. Finally, from Gilgal, advance—don't camp indefinitely; move into your "Jericho" battles with faith, knowing the Commander goes before you.
Today's Food for Thought:
- What "stones of memorial" can you set up today to remind yourself and others of God's past deliverances?
- Is there any "reproach" (shame, guilt, old patterns) that God wants to roll away in your life right now?
- How does the transition from wilderness to Gilgal mirror your spiritual journey—from salvation to maturity?
- In what areas are you still eating "manna" (basic provision) when God calls you to the produce of the land (deeper maturity and victory)?
- If Gilgal later became a place of idolatry, what safeguards can you put in place to keep your heart pure?
The good news is that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Gilgal. He crossed the Jordan of death for us, was buried, and rose again, rolling away the stone of our condemnation. Through faith in Him, the reproach of sin—our slavery to it—is forever removed (Colossians 2:13-15). No longer wanderers in guilt, we enter the Promised Land of God's presence. Circumcision of the heart happens at conversion, where the old self is cut away, and we are raised to new life (Colossians 3:1-3). The memorial is the cross and empty tomb—eternal reminders of God's power. Accept Christ today if you haven't; confess your sins, believe He died and rose for you, and step into freedom. For believers, return to your "Gilgal" moment—renew your covenant daily through repentance and surrender.
Today's Word Quotes:
- "The Lord your God dried up the waters... that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty." (Joshua 4:23-24)
- "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." (Joshua 5:9)
- "In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands." (Colossians 2:11)
- "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other." (Isaiah 46:9)
- "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us." (1 John 1:9)
Prayer point:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Gilgal, where You rolled away reproach and established memorials of Your power. Circumcise our hearts afresh, remove every shame, and help us remember Your mighty works. Lead us from wilderness to victory in Christ. May we proclaim Your faithfulness to generations. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Post a Comment