The word Gilboa means bubbling in Hebrew. Gilboa is not single mountain but actually a ridge or range of hills approximately 12 km in length and 5 to 8 km in breadth, with its highest point measuring almost 1700 feet above sea level.
It was in Mount Moreh near Gilboa, Gideon assembled his army ((Judges 7:1). Also it was here that Saul, the first King of Israel and his sons (Jonathan, Abinadav and Malkishua) died fighting the Philistines, “And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa” (1 Samuel 31:8). King David lamented after hearing the news, "Ye mountains of Gilboa, [let there be] no dew, neither [let there be] rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, [as though he had] not [been] anointed with oil (2 Samuel 1:21).
However, today the whole area is scenic and rich with beautiful wild flowers, birds and ponds. The surroundings are studded with magnificent views in all directions, forests, picnic areas and hiking trails. Gilboa is very famous for the purple Gilboa Iris (Iris Haynei) that fills the whole mountains during spring season (Feb-April).
It was in Mount Moreh near Gilboa, Gideon assembled his army ((Judges 7:1). Also it was here that Saul, the first King of Israel and his sons (Jonathan, Abinadav and Malkishua) died fighting the Philistines, “And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa” (1 Samuel 31:8). King David lamented after hearing the news, "Ye mountains of Gilboa, [let there be] no dew, neither [let there be] rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, [as though he had] not [been] anointed with oil (2 Samuel 1:21).
However, today the whole area is scenic and rich with beautiful wild flowers, birds and ponds. The surroundings are studded with magnificent views in all directions, forests, picnic areas and hiking trails. Gilboa is very famous for the purple Gilboa Iris (Iris Haynei) that fills the whole mountains during spring season (Feb-April).
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