Original Word: עֵין חֲרֹד
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: `Eyn Charod
Pronunciation: khaw-rode'
Phonetic Spelling: (ane khar-ode')
KJV: well of Harod
Word Origin: [from H5869 (עַיִן - eyes) and a derivative of H2729 (חָרַד - tremble)]

1. fountain of trembling
2. En-Charod, a place in Israel

En-Charod, a place in Palestine -- well of Harod

From ayin and a derivative of charad; fountain of trembling; En-Charod, a place in Palestine -- well of Harod.

see HEBREW ayin

see HEBREW charad

Word Origin
see ayin and Charod.

חֲרֹד proper name, of a location only ׳עֵין ח (see below עַיִן), a camping-place of Gideon and Israel. Judges 7:1.

Location and Topography

En-harod lies on the north-western slope of Mount Gilboa at the south-eastern edge of the Jezreel Valley. A strong perennial flow breaks from a limestone grotto, gathers in a clear pool, and spills down the broad Valley of Harod toward the Jordan River. Modern identification points to ʽAin Jalûd (“Spring of Goliath”), whose abundant waters, natural amphitheater, and open view toward the Hill of Moreh fit the description in Judges 7:1. The site commands the major east–west corridor between the coastal plain and the Jordan Rift, making it an ideal mustering ground and proving ground alike.

Biblical Narrative Context

Judges 7:1 records the only explicit mention:

“Early in the morning, Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped beside the spring of Harod, and the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh” (Berean Standard Bible).

1. Assembly of the Militia: Gideon rallies some 32,000 Israelites at the spring. The fresh water, level terrain, and natural cover welcome a large encampment.
2. Purging by Fear: At this very spot the Lord commands Gideon to dismiss the fearful (Judges 7:3). Twenty-two thousand depart, matching the place-name’s underlying idea of “trembling.”
3. Selection by Water: The remaining ten thousand are led down to the water for the famous “lapping” test (Judges 7:4–7). Whether the test occurs at the pool itself or a nearby tributary, the spring remains the focal setting for reducing the force to three hundred.
4. Strategic Staging: From En-harod the remnant moves west of the Midianite camp under cover of night, splits into three companies, and routs an enemy countless “like locusts” (Judges 7:12, 16–22).

Theological and Spiritual Significance

• Dependence, not Numbers: En-harod frames the dramatic contrast between human calculation and divine sufficiency. Thirty-two thousand men beside a strong spring suggest security; three hundred men armed with trumpets and torches underscore that “salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8).
• Fear and Faith: The “spring of trembling” becomes the classroom where fear is acknowledged, sifted, and ultimately replaced by faith. Gideon himself moves from secret threshing (Judges 6:11) to public leadership, mirroring the inner work God accomplishes in every servant.
• Purity of Motive: The water test exposes posture and alertness. While Scripture does not moralize the drinking styles, it does reveal God’s prerogative to refine motives hidden beneath routine actions (Proverbs 16:2).
• Foretaste of Kingdom Victory: The small, obedient remnant prefigures the principle Jesus states: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). En-harod foreshadows the eschatological victory of the Messiah accomplished through apparent weakness.

Historical and Archaeological Notes

• Ancient Sources: Early Christian pilgrims such as Theodosius (sixth century AD) mention a spring at the foot of Gilboa linked to Gideon.
• Toponym Continuity: The Arabic name Jalûd preserves the consonants of the Hebrew root for “tremble,” reinforcing the identification.
• Military Use Through the Ages: From Egyptian Pharaohs to modern armies, the Jezreel corridor has seen repeated musters beside this dependable water supply, illustrating the perennial tactical value of the site described in Judges.

Practical Lessons for Ministry

1. Start Where Resources Are Plentiful, Finish Where Only God Suffices. Ministry may begin amid abundance but must never rely on it.
2. Encourage the Fainthearted to Honesty. Gideon’s invitation to depart liberates those unready for battle and strengthens corporate resolve (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:14).
3. Accept Divine Reduction. When personnel or funds shrink unexpectedly, the Lord may be positioning His people for unmistakable testimony.
4. Maintain Vigilance in the Ordinary. The manner of drinking water—seemingly mundane—became the criterion for service. Everyday habits often reveal readiness for larger assignments.

Cross-References and Related Springs

• Spring as Place of Divine Revelation: Beer-lahai-roi (Genesis 16:14) and the Well of Jacob (John 4:6) show how God meets people at water sources.
• Small Forces and Great Victories: Jonathan’s two-man assault at Michmash (1 Samuel 14:6–15) and Asa’s outnumbered stand at Mareshah (2 Chronicles 14:9–13).
• Triumph Over Fear: Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 1:7; Revelation 2:10.

En-harod thus stands as both geographical landmark and theological marker, reminding every generation that the Lord who sifted Gideon’s ranks still secures victory for those who trust Him wholeheartedly.

חֲרֹ֑ד חרד chaRod ḥă·rōḏ ḥărōḏInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts