The Valley of Jezreel separates Galilee from Samaria. The name means "God sows" and reflects the fertility of the valley.
Through the Valley of Jezreel passed a major north-south route and a major east-west route making the valley a vital link in the trade and military route between Egypt and Damascus. Many battles were fought in the valley as Israel struggled with others for control of the area. Gideon won a great victory over the Midianites and Amalekites in the valley (Judg. 6:33) as did Jehu when he overthrew Ahab's dynasty (2 Kings 9:10,37). Deborah (Judg. 4:1-24), Saul (2 Sam. 4:4), and Josiah (2 Kings 23:28-30) also fought their enemies in the valley.
The name Jezreel also referred to a northern city in the tribal territory of Issachar where Naboth's vineyard was located (1 Kings 21:1), to a southern city in the tribal territory of Judah from whence came David's wife Ahinoam, to a descendant of Judah (1 Chron. 4:3), and to Hosea's oldest son (Hos. 1:4-5).
Photograph from Davka Israel Graphics Collection