Why Were Mysterious Foot-Shaped Structures Found in Israel?

Many researchers have attempted to identify and locate structures built by the Israelites upon their entry into the land. One well-known example is the “four-room house,” a typical residential structure. However, beyond private dwellings, the Israelites undoubtedly constructed public buildings as well—so how can those be identified?

Archaeologist Professor Adam Zertal made a fascinating discovery. At sites associated with the earliest stages of Israelite settlement, he identified massive public structures shaped like a foot. These structures date to the period of the Exodus.

Six such sites have been uncovered at Mount Ebal, in Tirzah, and throughout the Jordan Valley. They consist of large installations surrounded by circular enclosures resembling the shape of a foot. Zertal suggested that these sites may be the “Gilgal” repeatedly mentioned in biblical accounts of Israelite settlement.

Why were they shaped like a foot?

One proposal is that the Israelites viewed this form as a literal fulfillment of the verse, “Every place upon which your foot treads shall be yours.” Another possibility is that, since these sites served as locations for prayer and festival observance, they were meant to reflect the verse, “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool.” It may also represent a literal expression of pilgrimage.

The Israelites celebrated their first Passover at Gilgal, having entered the land on the tenth of Nisan, when there was not yet sufficient time to establish the Tabernacle in Shiloh.

Archaeological interpretations are, by nature, speculative. Still, it is compelling to consider that one may be standing today at the very site where the Israelites camped with Joshua bin Nun and celebrated their first Passover on the soil of Israel.