Metaphysical meaning of Gilgal (mbd)
Gilgal, gll'-gal (Heb.)--circle; rolling away; a wheel; a whirlwind; chaff; stubble.
A place on the east border of Jericho, where the Israelites first encamped after entering the Promised Land (Josh. 4: 19). At Gilgal Samuel sacrificed to the Lord; there Saul was made king over Israel (I Sam. I0:8; 11:15). Gilgal was the place where Elisha neutralized the poison in the pottage that the prophets were eating (II Kings 4:38-41). Elijah went from Gilgal to the place whence he was taken up in a chariot of fire (II Kings 2:1).
Meta. A total denial of sense bondage. In Joshua 5:9 it is written, "And Jehovah said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of that place was called Gilgal, unto this day." When we have, in the positive spirit of Elijah, rolled away the Egyptian darkness of sense thoughts, we are paving the way for a permanent ascent into a higher state of consciousness (II Kings 2:1).
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Preceding Entry: Gileadite
Following Entry: Giloh
