Joshua 10:15

Analysis & Commentary

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.

This verse presents a textual curiosity—Joshua returns to Gilgal only to immediately pursue and capture the five kings (verses 16-27), then conduct further campaigns (verses 28-43) before finally returning to Gilgal (verse 43). Many scholars view verse 15 as either a scribal note, an editorial summary anticipating the final return, or indication of a brief strategic withdrawal to Gilgal before resuming operations. Regardless of interpretive resolution, Gilgal's centrality in the conquest narrative carries theological significance.

Gilgal functioned as Israel's operational base throughout the conquest, the location where they first camped after crossing the Jordan (4:19), where they renewed circumcision (5:2-9), and where they celebrated Passover in the Promised Land (5:10). The name "Gilgal" (gilgal, גִּלְגָּל, "circle" or "rolling") commemorates the "rolling away" of Egypt's reproach (5:9). Joshua's repeated returns to Gilgal emphasize covenant faithfulness—military campaigns launch from and return to the place of covenant renewal, suggesting that conquest serves covenant purposes rather than mere territorial acquisition.

From a Reformed perspective, Gilgal typifies the believer's need to return regularly to the place of initial consecration. Just as Joshua returned to Gilgal between campaigns, Christians must regularly return to the gospel, to baptismal identity, to core covenant commitments. Success in spiritual warfare requires maintaining connection to foundational truths and communities of worship. Gilgal represents the liturgical center that sustains military/missional activity, reminding us that worship grounds mission.

Historical Context

Gilgal's exact location remains debated, though it was clearly in the Jordan valley near Jericho. Archaeological surveys have identified several possible sites, none conclusively verified. The site's strategic importance was obvious—it provided a secure base camp east of the central hill country, with the Jordan River providing defensive barrier against counterattack from the east. From Gilgal, Israel could strike north, west, or south while maintaining lines of supply and communication.

Ancient military campaigns typically established base camps where non-combatants, supplies, and wounded could be secured. The alternation between offensive operations and returns to base camp follows standard ancient warfare patterns. Joshua's mobile campaign strategy—striking multiple targets rapidly rather than attempting to garrison conquered territory immediately—resembles later successful military operations where speed and surprise offset numerical disadvantage.

The theological emphasis on Gilgal in Joshua parallels the tabernacle's centrality in Leviticus and Numbers. Just as Israel's camp in the wilderness organized around the tabernacle, Israel's conquest operations organized around Gilgal. This pattern anticipates Jerusalem's future role as religious and political capital under David and Solomon. The progression from Gilgal to Shiloh (18:1) to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6) traces Israel's journey from conquest to kingdom, with each location representing stages in redemptive history.

Questions for Reflection

• How does Joshua's pattern of returning to Gilgal between campaigns challenge our tendency to move from one activity to another without regular spiritual renewal?
• What "Gilgal" practices—worship, community, covenant renewal—do you need to return to regularly for spiritual sustaining?
• How does the connection between worship (Gilgal) and mission (conquest) inform the church's relationship between gathered worship and scattered witness?