Bible Dictionary
En-shemesh
En-shemesh, meaning “fountain of the sun,” was a spring marking the boundary between Judah and Benjamin, east of Jerusalem.
Definition
En-shemesh, “spring of the sun,” was a spring serving as a boundary landmark between Judah and Benjamin. It lay between the ascent of Adummim and En-rogel, east of Jerusalem.
Biblical Usage
En-shemesh is named in the descriptions of the boundaries of Judah and Benjamin.
Historical Background
It is commonly identified with Ain el-Haud, also called the Apostles’ Fountain, east of Bethany and on the road descending to Jericho. A Christian tradition associated the name with the apostles drinking there.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fountain of the sun a spring which formed one of the landmarks on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin (Josh. 15:7; 18:17). It was between the “ascent of Adummim” and the spring of En-rogel, and hence was on the east of Jerusalem and of the Mount of Olives. It is the modern ‘Ain-Haud i.e., the “well of the apostles” about a mile east of Bethany, the only spring on the road to Jericho. The sun shines on it the whole day long.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>en-she'-mesh (`en shemesh, "spring of the sun"):</p><p>An important landmark on the boundary line between Judah and Benjamin (Jos 15:7; 18:17).</p><p>The little spring `Ain el chand, East of Bethany, the last spring on the road descending to Jericho, seems to suit the conditions. `Ain el chaud is usually called the "Apostles' Fountain" by Christians, on account of a tradition dating from the 15th century that the apostles drank there.</p>