### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **ʻÊyn Chărôd**, represented by `{{H5878}}`, refers to a specific location, the **well of Harod**. Its name translates to "fountain of trembling." This place name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5878}}` is in the book of Judges, setting the stage for a significant battle. In the narrative, Jerubbaal{H3378}, who is identified as Gideon{H1439}, gathers all the people{H5971} with him and they rise up early{H7925}. They pitched{H2583} their camp beside the **well of Harod{H5878}**. This location places them directly opposite the enemy, as the host{H4264} of the Midianites{H4080} was situated on the north side{H6828} of them, near the hill{H1389} of Moreh{H4176} in the valley{H6010} [[Judges 7:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of the well of Harod is defined by several key figures and actions:
* `{{H1439}}` **Gidʻôwn** (Gideon): The Israelite leader, described as a "feller (i.e. warrior)," who is chosen to lead the people against their oppressors [[Judges 7:1]].
* `{{H3378}}` **Yᵉrubbaʻal** (Jerubbaal): A symbolic name for Gideon, meaning "Baal will contend," which is explicitly linked to him in this passage [[Judges 7:1]].
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to encamp): This word describes the action of Gideon's forces as they "pitched" or set up their camp by the well, signifying a strategic preparation for conflict [[Judges 7:1]].
* `{{H4080}}` **Midyân** (Midianite): This term identifies the enemy host encamped against Gideon, referring to the descendants of Midjan and their country [[Judges 7:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5878}}` is tied directly to its role in the narrative of Gideon's campaign.
* **Strategic Staging Ground:** The well of Harod serves as the critical location where Gideon's people{H5971} assembled before confronting the Midianite{H4080} host{H4264} [[Judges 7:1]].
* **A Place of Preparation:** By pitching{H2583} camp here, Gideon positioned his forces for the impending divine deliverance of Israel from the Midianites. The LORD later told Gideon{H1439} that the people{H5971} with him were too many [[Judges 7:2]].
* **Symbolic Name:** The name's definition, "fountain of trembling," foreshadows the nature of the location as a place of testing for the army gathered there, setting the scene for a confrontation with fear before the battle itself.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5878}}` is not just a geographical marker but a narrative anchor. Its single mention in scripture at the **well of Harod** is pivotal, establishing the setting for one of Gideon's most defining moments. The name itself, "fountain of trembling," imbues the location with a deeper meaning that resonates with the events of Gideon's preparation for a battle that would be won not by numbers, but by faith.
TRV