Rising next to a cave at the foot of the Gilboa mountains, Harod Spring (Hebrew: “Mayan Harod”) is one of the main springs in the Beit-Shean valley. As mentioned in several historical sources, Mayan Harod is a quaint national park today. Its water flows into large paddling pools, attracting locals of all ages.

History of Harod Spring

19th century Dore etching of Gideon’s soldiers drinking at Mayan Harod. source: Wikipedia

The first mention of Mayan Harod is in the book of Judges. Threatened by the Midianites, prophet Gideon assembles his army in the spring. But to determine who the elite soldiers are, Gideon invites them to drink from the spring.

“Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. The Lord told Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped, I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” (Judges 7:6-6).

Danny “the Digger” demonstrates how NOT to drink at Mayan Harod in front of Gideon

With the smaller force of 300 men, Gideon indeed defeated the Midianites. Later, at the “Spring which is in Jezreel” (1 Samuel 29:1), the Israelite king Saul gathered his army against the Philistines. However, this time, Saul lost and died in battle. Hearing this in Ziklag, David lamented his death and was crowned king.

Medieval sources confused Harod Spring as the battle site of David and Goliath. Being so, the Arabs called the spring “Ein Jalud” (Arabic: “Goliath’s spring”). In 1260 CE, near this spring, the Mamluks defeated the Mongol army (“the Battle of Ein Jalud.”) In late antiquity, the water of Mayan Harod operated several flour mills. Today, the remains of these flour mills can be seen outside the park. In 1921 the Zionist movement purchased the region of the spring and established Jewish farms in the area. However, the spring itself is a national park.

Hankin House

Yehoshua and Olga Hainkin (1864-1945) lived in the humble-sized Bauhaus-style structure above the cave and the spring. Yehoshua built the house when he was 70 and lived there for ten years. Today, the house serves as a museum dedicated to Hainkin and his lifelong commitment to redeeming Jewish land for the Zionist movement.

Tour to Harod Spring

Mayan Harod is a national park. It is open every day from 8:00 to 17:00. Visiting the Hainkin house and museum must be set in advance. A tour to Harod Spring can be combined with a private day tour in the north.