probably identical with "little Hermon," the modern Jebel ed-Duhy, or perhaps one of the lower spurs of this mountain. It is a gray ridge parallel to Gilboa on the north; and between the two lay the battle-field, the plain of Jezreel (q.v.), where Gideon overthrew the Midianites (Jg 7:1-12).
Gideon and all his men got up early and camped beside Harod Spring. The Midianite camp was in the valley to the north of them by Moreh Hill. Jehovah said to Gideon: The men you have are too many for me to give them victory over the Midianites. They might think that they had won by themselves and not give me credit. read more. Announce to the people: 'Anyone who is afraid should go back home.' We will stay here at Mount Gilead. Twenty-two thousand went back, but ten thousand stayed.' Jehovah said to Gideon: You still have too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will separate them for you. If I tell you a man should go with you, he will go. If I tell you a man should not go with you, he will not go. Gideon took the men to the water. Jehovah told him: Separate everyone who laps up the water with his tongue like a dog, from everyone who gets down on his knees to drink. There were three hundred men who scooped up water in their hands and lapped it. The others got down on their knees to drink. Jehovah said: I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Use the three hundred men who lapped the water. Tell everyone else to go home. Gideon sent the Israelites home, except the three hundred. They kept all the supplies and trumpets. The Midianite camp was below them in the valley. That night Jehovah commanded Gideon: Get up and attack the camp. I give you victory over it! If you are afraid to attack, go to the camp with your servant Purah. You will hear what they are saying, and then you will have the courage to attack. Gideon and his servant Purah went to the edge of the enemy camp. The Midianites, the Amalekites, and the desert tribesmen were spread out in the valley like a swarm of locusts. They had so many camels they could not be counted. They were as plentiful as there are grains of sand on the seashore.