10 Biblical Springs: Waters of Faith — Leviticus 11

In the limestone regions of Palestine, naturally occurring springs were more than mere water sources — they became the centers around which villages formed. The ten springs known by the place name “En” each carry a unique meaning and are connected to significant historical events recorded in the Bible.

10 Springs in the Bible(spring, fountain)

These refer to water that flows up from a valley or deep in the mountains. They are distinct from reservoirs such as pools or wells, which collect and store water (Lev 11:36). In Palestine, which is largely composed of limestone, springs were found throughout the land. Because rainfall was scarce, most villages and cities in Palestine were formed around these springs. Such towns and cities commonly used the place name “En,” meaning “spring.”

1. En-Hazor
   Meaning “spring of the village,” this was a city belonging to the tribe of Naphtali on the western side of the northern Galilean highlands (Josh 19:37).
2. En-Haddah
   Meaning “spring of joy,” this was a city of the tribe of Issachar, located approximately 9 km southwest of the southern end of the Sea of Galilee (Josh 19:21).
3. En-Dor
   Meaning “spring of dwelling,” this was a city belonging to the tribe of Manasseh (Josh 17:11). It was the town where the medium lived whom King Saul visited on the eve of his final battle against the Philistines, seeking to know the fate of the nation and himself. Earlier, during the period of the Judges, it is believed to be the site where the army of the Canaanite king Jabin — defeated by the judge Deborah and her commander Barak — fled and was destroyed.
4. En-Tappuah
   Meaning “spring of the apple,” also simply called “Tappuah,” this city was located about 18 km south of Shechem, on the border between the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
5. En-Shemesh
   Meaning “spring of the sun,” this site was located about 5 km northeast of Jerusalem, midway between Jericho and Bethany. Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem would draw water here on their journey from Jericho. Because it is believed that Jesus and His disciples also drank from this spring on their travels to Jerusalem, it came to be known as the “Apostles’ Spring.”
6. En-Rogel
   Meaning “spring of the fuller,” this was located on the boundary between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, at the point where the Valley of Hinnom and the Kidron Valley are believed to meet. During Absalom’s rebellion, Jonathan and Ahimaaz used this place as a secret base to spy on Absalom’s camp and relay information to David. Later, in David’s old age, Adonijah gathered his supporters and held a feast at the stone of Zoheleth near this spring in an attempt to consolidate power against Solomon (1 Kgs 1:9).
7. En-Hakkore
   Meaning “spring of the one who called out,” this was a city southeast of Socoh. The name was given to a spring that God provided for Samson after he cried out in thirst following his slaughter of a thousand Philistine soldiers with the jawbone of a donkey.
8. En-Gedi
   Meaning “spring of the young goat,” this city was located 24 km east of Hebron, at the eastern edge of the Judean wilderness along the western shore of the Dead Sea. The subtropical climate favored the development of oases and caves. During the time of Abraham, Chedorlaomer and the northern coalition of Canaanite kings drove out the Amorites here. Later, while fleeing from Saul, David had the opportunity to kill Saul in one of the caves at En-Gedi but chose not to.
9. En-Gannim
   Meaning “spring of the garden,” this is believed to have been a city of the tribe of Judah, near Beth-shemesh in the south.
10. En-Mishpat
    Meaning “spring of judgment,” this is identified with “Kadesh” in the wilderness of Zin.

Source: Dictionary of Biblical Cultural Background (Word of Life Press)

The Floodgates of the Heavens 9

Originally published in Korean at bible2u.com