FOUNTAIN . A word applied to living springs of water as contrasted with cisterns ( Leviticus 11:35 ); specifically of Besr-lahai-roi ( Genesis 16:7 ), Elim ( Numbers 33:8 , RV [Note: Revised Version.] here ‘springs’), Nephtoah ( Joshua 15:9 ), and Jezreel ( 1 Samuel 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 ( Judges 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.