* brethren.
23,32,37,54
* Gather.
Jos 4:5-9,20-24 7:26 2Sa 18:17 Ec 3:5
* an heap.
The word {gal,} rendered "heap," properly signifies a round
heap or circle; probably like the Druidical remains in this
country, which have been traced in India, Persia, Western
Asia, Greece, and Northern Europe. These usually consist of
irregular circles of large stones, with a principal one in the
midst; the former probably being used for seats, and the
latter for an altar; corresponding to the stone set up as a
pillar by Jacob, and the heap of stones collected by his
brethren. They appear to have been used, as Gilgal
undoubtedly was, (Jos 4:5; Jud 2:1; 3:19; ch. 20. 1; Sa 7:16;
10:8, 17; 11:15; 13:7; 15:33. 2; Sa 19:15, 40. 2; Ki 2:1.) as
temples, and as places for holding councils, and assembling
the people. For a satisfactory elucidation of this subject,
consult the Fragments to Calmet, Nos. 156, 735, 736.
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