Located at the foot of Mt Gilboa is the spring of Harod - one of the sources of fresh water flowing Into the Beth Shean valley. The spring is situated near the modern settlement of Gidonia, whose name is a reminder of momentous events that took place here in the days of the Judges of Israel.

Confronted by imminent attack by the Midianites, the tribes of Israel turned to Gideon to take up their of their defense. Gideon gathered those who wished to volunteer in his army to the spring of Harod.

The Lord wished to prove that He was the cause of victory, and that Gideon’s army did not succeed alone. Gideon was asked to screen the men and only those who "lapped the waters up with their tongues" were accepted. This left Gideon with a small fighting unit of only 300 men. Their victory, with only jars, trumpets and torches as weapons, was a testament that the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had brought victory.