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Spring of Harod Body of Water
About Spring of Harod
The spring at the foot of Mount Gilboa where Gideon's army was reduced from twenty-two thousand to three hundred. The Lord thinned the ranks twice, lest Israel claim the victory as its own: first the fearful went home, then all but those who lapped the water from their hand.
Events at Spring of Harod
History of Spring of Harod
Old Testament~1191 BC
Gideon and all the people with him camp beside the spring of Harod, the Midianite camp to the north in the valley
Old Testament~1191 BC
The Lord says the people are too many, lest Israel claim the victory as its own
Old Testament~1191 BC
Whoever is fearful may return home; twenty-two thousand leave and ten thousand remain
Old Testament~1191 BC
At the water they are sifted again: three hundred lap from the hand, and the rest kneel down to drink
Old Testament~1191 BC
With three hundred, trumpets and jars, Gideon goes down against the camp by night
Notable Characters in Spring of Harod
Locations Related to Spring of Harod
Biblical Significance of Spring of Harod
The spring is where an army is taken apart on purpose. Twice the Lord thins the ranks, and the stated reason is given before either sifting: lest Israel say, my own hand has saved me. The second test at the water has puzzled readers for centuries, since the text never explains what lapping proved. That may be the point. The number was reduced from twenty-two thousand to three hundred by a criterion nobody could claim credit for.
Key Verses about Spring of Harod
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