from עַיִן and a derivative of חָרַד; fountain of trembling; En-Charod, a place in Palestine; well of Harod.
Transliteration:ʻÊyn Chărôd
Pronunciation:ane khar-ode'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻÊyn Chărôd (`{{H5878}}`) is a compound proper noun, functioning as a geographical place name. Its meaning is derived from its two constituent elements: עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`) and חָרַד (chârad, `{{H2729}}`). The noun ʻayin primarily denotes "eye," but in a broader semantic range, it also signifies a "spring," "fountain," or "well," likely due to the visual resemblance of a bubbling spring to an eye. The verb chârad means "to tremble," "to be terrified," "to be anxious," or "to be in dread." Therefore, ʻÊyn Chărôd literally translates to "Fountain of Trembling" or "Well of Harod." This etymology immediately suggests a location associated with fear, apprehension, or a shaking event, providing a rich backdrop for its single biblical appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻÊyn Chărôd appears exclusively in [[Judges 7:1]]: "Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod; and the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley." This verse places the encampment of Gideon and his Israelite forces at this specific spring, directly opposite the vast Midianite army. The context is crucial: it is at this "Fountain of Trembling" that God orchestrates the dramatic reduction of Gideon's army. Initially, 32,000 men gathered. God instructed Gideon to send home those who were "trembling and afraid" ([[Judges 7:3]]), resulting in 22,000 men departing. The remaining 10,000 were further reduced to a mere 300 based on their manner of drinking water ([[Judges 7:4-7]]). The name "Fountain of Trembling" thus resonates profoundly with the narrative: it was the place where the fearful were dismissed, and where the remaining few faced overwhelming odds, perhaps themselves experiencing a form of "trembling" in the face of such a challenge, yet trusting in divine power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of ʻÊyn Chărôd are ʻayin (`{{H5869}}`) and chârad (`{{H2729}}`). The word ʻayin is foundational, appearing thousands of times in the Hebrew Bible, signifying not only a physical eye but also a source of water, reflecting life and provision. Its use here as "spring" or "fountain" highlights the geographical feature's importance. The verb chârad (`{{H2729}}`) is also significant, describing a range of emotional states from physical trembling ([[1 Samuel 14:15]]) to reverential fear ([[Exodus 19:16]]) or anxious dread ([[Genesis 27:33]]). In the context of ʻÊyn Chărôd, the trembling is explicitly linked to fear in the face of battle ([[Judges 7:3]]). The broader concept of God testing and refining His people, often through circumstances that induce fear or require radical trust, is a recurring biblical theme (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 8:2]], [[Psalm 66:10-12]]). The narrative at ʻÊyn Chărôd stands as a powerful example of divine strategy that intentionally magnifies human weakness to highlight God's omnipotence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻÊyn Chărôd is profound and multi-layered. Firstly, the name itself serves as a prophetic descriptor of the events that transpired there. It was indeed a place of "trembling," as the majority of Gideon's army, gripped by fear, were sent home, demonstrating that God does not need large numbers to achieve victory. This act underscores a core biblical principle: salvation and victory belong to the Lord, not to human might or multitude ([[Psalm 33:16-17]], [[Zechariah 4:6]]). Secondly, the "Fountain of Trembling" becomes a crucible for faith. For the remaining 300, it was a place where human fear was confronted with divine assurance, transforming potential dread into resolute trust. Their subsequent victory, achieved with unconventional methods and minimal human strength, magnified God's glory and prevented Israel from boasting in their own power ([[Judges 7:2]]). Thus, ʻÊyn Chărôd stands as a theological landmark, teaching reliance on God's sovereign power over human capabilities, especially when faced with overwhelming odds.
### Summary
ʻÊyn Chărôd (`{{H5878}}`), meaning "Fountain of Trembling," is a geographical location mentioned only once in [[Judges 7:1]]. Its name, derived from ʻayin (`{{H5869}}`, "spring") and chârad (`{{H2729}}`, "to tremble"), perfectly encapsulates the dramatic events that unfolded there. It was at this spring that God commanded Gideon to reduce his army, first by sending home the fearful, and then by a unique test, ultimately leaving only 300 men to face the Midianite horde. The theological significance of ʻÊyn Chărôd lies in its powerful illustration of God's method of salvation: not through human strength or overwhelming numbers, but through divine power made manifest in human weakness and radical faith. It serves as an enduring reminder that God's glory is most clearly seen when He achieves victory through means that defy human logic, thereby ensuring that all praise is directed to Him alone.
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