Albert Barnes Commentary Joshua 4:19

"And the people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, on the east border of Jericho." — Joshua 4:19 (ASV)

Gilgal, mentioned here by anticipation , the modern Jiljulieh (Conder), was on rising ground , and, according to Josephus, was nearly five miles from the river, and consequently about two miles from the city itself. The site of the camp was no doubt fortified by Joshua, as it served for some time as the permanent foothold in Canaan, from which he launched attacks to subdue the country. It was also the place of safety where the ark, and no doubt also the women, children, cattle, and other property of the people were kept. Therefore, the demolition of Jericho and Ai, strong fortresses in the vicinity of Gilgal, was no doubt dictated by sound policy as well as by religious obligations.