Gideon's Spring (Harod Spring) (Israel)

City:

Gidona

State, Province, Region, or District:

Northern District

Country:

Israel

Overview

Gideon’s Spring (Harod Spring, "Ein Harod" in Hebrew) is the area where the famous battle took place between Gideon and his 300 men and the Midianites, who were in number like the sand of the sea (Judges 7:1-25). All the places mentioned in the Bible story can be found in this vicinity: the Hill of Moreh (where the Midianites camped); the Midianite Camp; Jezreel Valley, the battle area; Gideon’s Spring (where Gideon chose 300 men for battle) and the Gilboa Mountains (where the Israelites hid out).

Alternate Names

Gideon’s Spring; Harod Spring; "Ein Harod" (Hebrew)

Geography & Location

Gideon’s Spring (Harod Spring, "Ein Harod" in Hebrew) is located in the fertile Jezreel Valley about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the Mediterranean Sea and about 17 miles (28 kilometers) south of the Sea of Galilee. Just to the south of Gideon’s Spring are the Gilboa Mountains.

Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information

The area around Gideon’s Spring (Harod Spring, "Ein Harod" in Hebrew) has historical significance and has been mentioned in various contexts, such as mentioned in the Biblical account of Gideon and his troops drinking water from the spring in the process of narrowing down his troops.

Biblical & Historical References

Gideon’s Spring (Harod Spring, "Ein Harod" in Hebrew) is the area where the famous battle took place between Gideon and his 300 men and the Midianites, who were in number like the sand of the sea (Judges 7:1-25).

Spiritual Lessons and Application

We should look at the size of our God rather than the size of our difficulties. God chooses the weak things to show His glory: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

Etymology

Gideon (גִּדְעוֹן): derived from the Hebrew verb “gāda” (גָּדַע), which means “to cut off” or “to hew down.” The name can be interpreted to mean “one who cuts down” or “mighty warrior.” This meaning is quite fitting considering Gideon’s role in the biblical narrative as a leader who led a smaller group of warriors to victory against a larger enemy force.