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FOUNTAIN.—A word applied to living springs of water as contrasted with cisterns (Lev_11:35); specifically of Besr-lahai-roi (Gen_16:7), Elim (Num_33:8, RV [Note: Revised Version.] here ‘springs’), Nephtoah (Jos_15:9), and Jezreel (1Sa_29:1). The porous chalky limestone of Palestine abounds in good springs of water, which, owing to their importance in a country rainless half the year, were eagerly coveted (Jdg_1:15). In many springs the flow of water has been directed and increased by enlarging to tunnels the fissures through which the water trickled; many of these tunnels are of considerable length. Specimens exist at Urtas. Bittir, and other places near Jerusalem.
R. A. S. Macalister.