Bible Dictionaries
Gibeath-Haaraloth
Holman Bible Dictionary
(gihb' ih ath-hah ahr' uh lahth) Place name meaning, “hill of foreskins.” KJV translates the place name in Joshua 5:3 , while modern translations transliterate it. Joshua used traditional flint stone knives rather than more modern metal ones to circumcise the Israelite generation about to conquer Canaan. A whole generation had neglected God's commandment and lived as strangers or sojourners in the wilderness. The new generation forsook the sojourner status with God and became His people through circumcision at the cultic site near Gilgal.
This site marked Joshua's and the nation's obedience to divine command showing readiness to receive the divine gift of the land. The exact location is not known.
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Gibeath-Haaraloth'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/g/gibeath-haaraloth.html. 1991.