Joshua 10:43
And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֤שָׁב
returned
H7725
וַיָּ֤שָׁב
returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
and all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
and all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עִמּ֔וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Gilgal was located near Jericho in the Jordan Valley, about 2 miles from the Jordan River and 10 miles from Jerusalem. It served as Israel's military headquarters during the conquest period, strategically positioned to launch campaigns into both the central hill country and the southern regions. The site remained significant in Israel's history, later visited by Samuel (1 Samuel 7:16) and where Saul was made king (1 Samuel 11:15).
Questions for Reflection
- What is your 'Gilgal'—the place where you remember God's faithfulness and return for spiritual renewal?
- How does returning to foundational covenant truths between ministry efforts strengthen our effectiveness?
- What does the unity of 'all Israel with him' teach about the importance of corporate obedience and fellowship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal—Gilgal (גִּלְגָּל, "circle [of stones]") served as Israel's base camp throughout the conquest (Joshua 4:19, 5:10, 9:6). The return to Gilgal after victory wasn't retreat but strategic repositioning. Gilgal represented the place where Israel crossed Jordan, was circumcised, celebrated Passover, and first ate the produce of Canaan—a place thick with covenant memory.
The phrase "all Israel with him" emphasizes national unity under Joshua's leadership. Unlike the later period of the Judges when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25), here we see Israel functioning as am echad (עַם אֶחָד, "one people") under God's appointed leader. This unity, combined with covenant obedience, resulted in victory. The pattern is clear: advance in obedience, conquer in faith, return to the place of covenant remembrance, then advance again.