Joshua 4:20: If the memorial at Gilgal was significant, why does no clear archaeological evidence support its existence?

1. Overview of the Memorial at Gilgal

Joshua 4:20 states, “And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.” These stones marked Israel’s crossing of the Jordan River under miraculous circumstances. Because this event affirmed the faithfulness of the God who led Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, the memorial carried profound significance as a physical reminder of divine deliverance.

Despite this importance, no definitive archaeological evidence has been uncovered that clearly identifies the site or structure of the exact memorial at Gilgal. This absence of clear, undisputed finds has led to questions about whether such a monument ever existed or if the biblical account has been embellished. Below are thorough considerations addressing why we may not have conclusive archaeological data, yet can remain confident in the biblical record.

2. Biblical Context and Meaning

Gilgal was the first place Israel camped after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:19). According to Scripture, twelve stones—one for each tribe—were placed at what became a sacred location. Joshua declared:

“Then you shall inform them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea.” (Joshua 4:22–23)

These verses highlight that the memorial’s primary function was pedagogical and devotional. It served as a teaching tool for future generations to recount God’s acts and inspire devotion. Due to their importance, some might expect that these stones would be easily discoverable today. Nevertheless, the process of archaeology is not so straightforward.

3. Transience of Ancient Structures

Many ancient structures, especially simple stone buildings or monuments left in open landscapes, can be altered, destroyed, or repurposed over time. It is common in the ancient Near East for larger or more spectacular sites—Biblical Jericho, Hazor, or Megiddo, for example—to be extensively evaluated and recognized, whereas smaller or more temporary memorials constructed with unworked stones might be overlooked, moved, or buried.

Even certain altars, stelae, or stone circles that once marked significant events in antiquity have disappeared through normal wear, erosion, farming practices, or the reuse of stones in subsequent constructions. Thus, the absence of a clear discovery of the Gilgal stones can be explained by the natural processes and historical developments that frequently obscure ancient landmarks.

4. Multiple Sites Called “Gilgal”

There is some debate among scholars and archaeologists regarding the precise location of the Gilgal described in Joshua 4. It appears there may have been more than one Gilgal—or multiple sites that carried the same name—across the broader region near the Jordan. These alternate sites, referred to in varying biblical passages, can create confusion over which area should be explored or how such explorations should be conducted.

In certain locations proposed as Gilgal, archaeologists have found elliptical or circular stone arrangements believed by some to be related to early Israelite worship or encampment. However, these findings have not been conclusively linked to Joshua 4:20. The challenge of accurately matching biblical references with physical sites often arises when more than one place name is used or centuries of habitation have intervened.

5. Cultural Practices and Reuse of Stones

Another plausible explanation for the lack of archaeological evidence is the strong tradition of reusing materials in ancient times. Stones were commonly repurposed for building city walls, houses, or other local structures. If the stones at Gilgal were dismantled or integrated into another communal project, the original arrangement would be lost.

Also, as new generations took residence, stone markers or altars could have been altered to reflect changing customs. This would not negate Scriptural veracity but instead highlight how memorials and cultural markers are subject to the practical and spiritual shifts of societies over the centuries.

6. Limitations of Archaeological Investigations

Archaeological findings often represent only a fraction of what once existed. Many historical sites remain unexcavated, unexplored, or underexplored for a variety of reasons:

• The land may be privately owned or difficult to access.

• Explorations can be limited by political, financial, or environmental constraints.

• Some soil layers could have shifted due to floods, tectonic activity, or regional development.

Because archaeology depends on meticulous digging, recording, and methodical interpretation, large portions of ancient Israel remain to be systematically studied. Much evidence that once existed may be lost or deeply buried, and in many cases, what remains does not easily match the shape of centuries-past structures. The absence of proof does not constitute disproof; it merely reflects the current limits of research.

7. The Broader Archaeological Record Supporting Scripture

While direct evidence of the Gilgal memorial has not been discovered, substantial archaeological findings bolster broad Old Testament historicity:

• The Merneptah Stele (c. 1209 BC) references a people called “Israel” in Canaan.

• The Tel Dan Inscription (9th century BC) mentions the “House of David,” confirming the biblical king’s dynasty.

• Extensive excavations at Jericho, Hazor, and Gezer corroborate the existence of fortified cities with histories paralleling biblical narratives.

Additionally, the discovery of thousands of ancient manuscripts—including the Dead Sea Scrolls—demonstrates that the biblical text has been transmitted with remarkable fidelity. Although these documents do not detail the Gilgal stones, they provide strong support for the reliability of the overall scriptural record. If biblical accounts can be shown trustworthy in these greater matters, one can reasonably trust their testimony regarding the Gilgal memorial, even if the exact arrangement of stones is currently lost to history.

8. The Memorial’s Enduring Significance

From a spiritual and historical standpoint, the memorial’s purpose—to remind the people of God’s saving power—remains intact through the biblical text itself. Joshua 4:24 states, “…that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”

The perpetual witness of Scripture accomplishes the objective for which the stones were established. Even if the physical monument is no longer visible, the lessons embodied in Joshua 4 are alive in the biblical record.

9. Conclusion

The lack of clear archaeological evidence for the Gilgal memorial does not diminish the historicity or message of Joshua 4:20. Traditions of reusing stones, environmental shifts, incomplete excavations, and multiple proposed Gilgal locations all contribute to this absence of an indisputable find.

The Scriptures, supported by a wide range of archaeological, textual, and manuscript evidence in other areas, stand consistent in proclaiming that God brought His people across the Jordan miraculously. That truth remains firmly preserved through both the written Word and an unbroken historical testimony that underscores the power and faithfulness of the God who acts on behalf of those who trust Him.