Overview:
Hazor was a prominent Canaanite city-state located in the northern region of ancient Israel. It played a significant role in biblical history, particularly during the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites under Joshua. Hazor is mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament, highlighting its importance as a major urban center and its eventual destruction by the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Conquest by Joshua:
Hazor is first prominently mentioned in the Book of Joshua. It was the head of all the kingdoms in the northern coalition against Israel. Jabin, the king of Hazor, led this coalition. The Bible records that Joshua captured and burned Hazor, executing its king and inhabitants as part of the divine mandate to conquer the land. This event is detailed in Joshua 11:10-11: "Then Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and struck down its king with the sword, because Hazor had formerly been the head of all these kingdoms. They struck down everyone in it with the sword, devoting them to destruction. There was no one left who breathed, and he burned Hazor with fire."

2. Rebuilding and Later History:
Despite its destruction, Hazor was later rebuilt and reoccupied. During the period of the Judges, Hazor again became a significant power under another King Jabin. This is recorded in Judges 4, where Deborah and Barak led Israel to victory over Jabin's commander, Sisera. Judges 4:2 states, "So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim."

3. Solomonic Era:
Hazor was fortified by King Solomon as part of his extensive building projects. This is mentioned in 1 Kings 9:15: "This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon conscripted to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer."

Archaeological Significance:
Hazor is one of the most extensively excavated sites in Israel, providing valuable insights into Canaanite and Israelite history. The archaeological findings corroborate the biblical narrative of its destruction and subsequent rebuilding. The site reveals layers of occupation, including impressive fortifications, palaces, and temples, reflecting its status as a major city in the ancient Near East.

Theological Implications:
The account of Hazor underscores the theme of divine judgment and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The conquest of Hazor is seen as part of God's plan to establish Israel in the Promised Land, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness. The repeated rise and fall of Hazor also illustrate the cyclical nature of sin and redemption in Israel's history, as seen in the narratives of the Judges and the monarchy.

Cultural and Historical Context:
Hazor's strategic location on the ancient trade routes contributed to its wealth and influence. It served as a cultural and economic hub in the region, interacting with neighboring civilizations. The city's prominence is reflected in its mention in various ancient texts outside the Bible, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian records.

Conclusion:
Hazor remains a testament to the complex history of the ancient Near East and the unfolding of biblical events. Its account is integral to understanding the broader narrative of Israel's conquest and settlement in Canaan, as well as the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and idolatry in the life of the nation.Hazor

court; hay

Hazor

(castle).

1. A fortified city, which on the occupation of the country was allotted to Naphtali. (Joshua 19:36) Its position was apparently between Ramah and Kedesh, ibid. (Joshua 12:19) on the high ground overlooking the Lake of Merom. There is no reason for supposing it a different place from that of which Jabin was king. (Joshua 11:1; Judges 4:2,17; 1 Samuel 12:9) It was the principal city of the whole of north Palestine. (Joshua 11:10) It was fortified by Solomon, (1 Kings 9:15) and its inhabitants were carried captive by Tiglath-pileser. (2 Kings 15:29) The most probable site of Hazor is Tell Khuraibeh .
2. One of the "cities" of Judah in the extreme south, named next in order to Kedesh. (Joshua 15:23)
3. Hazor-Hadattah = "new Hazor" another of the southern towns of Judah. (Joshua 15:25)
4. A place in which the Benjamites resided after their return from the captivity. (Nehemiah 11:33)

Hazor

1. A chief city of northern Canaan, whose king Jabin, at the head of an allied host, was defeated by Joshua, Joshua 11:1-13. Hazor revived, however, and for a time oppressed the Israelites; but was subdued by Barak, fortified by Solomon, and remained in the possession of Israel until the invasion of Tiglathpileser, Joshua 19:36; Jud 4:2; 1 Kings 9:15; 2 Kings 15:29. It lay not far from Lake Merom.

2. A region in Arabia, laid waste by Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah 49:28 33. Its location is unknown.

3. Cities in Judah and Benjamin, Joshua 15:23; Nehemiah 11:33.

Enclosed; fortified.

(1.) A stronghold of the Canaanites in the mountains north of Lake Merom (Joshua 11:1-5). Jabin the king with his allied tribes here encountered Joshua in a great battle. Joshua gained a signal victory, which virtually completed his conquest of Canaan (11:10-13). This city was, however, afterwards rebuilt by the Canaanites, and was ruled by a king with the same hereditary name of Jabin. His army, under a noted leader of the name of Sisera, swept down upon the south, aiming at the complete subjugation of the country. This powerful army was met by the Israelites under Barak, who went forth by the advice of the prophetess Deborah. The result was one of the most remarkable victories for Israel recorded in the Old Testament (Joshua 19:36; Judges 4:2; 1 Samuel 12:9). The city of Hazor was taken and occupied by the Israelites. It was fortified by Solomon to defend the entrance into the kingdom from Syria and Assyria. When Tiglath-pileser, the Assyrian king, invaded the land, this was one of the first cities he captured, carrying its inhabitants captive into Assyria (2 Kings 15:29). It has been identified with Khurbet Harrah, 2 1/2 miles south-east of Kedesh.

(2.) A city in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:23). The name here should probably be connected with the word following, Ithnan, HAZOR-ITHNAN instead of "Hazor and Ithnan."

(3.) A district in Arabia (Jeremiah 49:28-33), supposed by some to be Jetor, i.e., Ituraea.

(4.) "Kerioth and Hezron" (Joshua 15:25) should be "Kerioth-hezron" (as in the R.V.), the two names being joined together as the name of one place (e.g., like Kirjath-jearim), "the same is Hazor" (R.V.). This place has been identified with el-Kuryetein, and has been supposed to be the home of Judas Iscariot. (see KERIOTH.)

HAZOR

ha'-zor (chatsor; Nasor; Codex Sinaiticus, Asor, 1 Maccabees 11:67):

(1) The royal city of Jabin (Joshua 11:1), which, before the Israelite conquest, seems to have been the seat of a wide authority (Joshua 11:11). It was taken by Joshua, who exterminated the inhabitants, and it was the only city in that region which he destroyed by fire (11:11-13). At a later time the Jabin Dynasty appears to have recovered power and restored the city (Judges 4:2). The heavy defeat of their army at the hands of Deborah and Barak led to their final downfall (Judges 4:23). It was in the territory allotted to Naphtali (Joshua 19:36). Hazor was one of the cities for the fortification of which Solomon raised a levy (1 Kings 9:15). Along with other cities in Galilee, it was taken by Tiglathpileser III (2 Kings 15:29). In the plain of Hazor, Jonathan the Maccabee gained a great victory over Demetrius (1 Maccabees 11:67). In Tobit 12 it is called "Asher" Septuagint Aser), and Kedesh is said to be "above" it. Josephus (Ant., V, v, 1) says that Hazor was situated over the lake, Semechonitis, which he evidently identifies with the Waters of Merom (Joshua 11:13). It must clearly be sought on the heights West of el-Chuleh. Several identifications have been suggested, but no certain conclusion can be reached. Some (Wilson and Guerin) favor Tell Harreh to the Southeast of Qedes, where there are extensive ruins. Robinson thought of Tell Khureibeh, 2 1/2 miles South of Qedes, where, however, there are no ruins. We may take it as certain that the ancient name of Hazor is preserved in Merj el-Chadireh, Southwest of Qedes, and North of Wady `Uba, and in Jebel Chadireh, East of the Merj, although it has evidently drifted from the original site, as names have so often done in Palestine. Conder suggests a possible identification with Chazzur, farther South, "at the foot of the chain of Upper Galilee. in position more appropriate to the use of the chariots that belonged to the king of Hazor" (HDB, under the word).

(2) A town, unidentified, in the South of Judah (Joshua 15:23).

(3) A town in the South of Judah (Joshua 15:25).

See KERIOTH-HEZRON.

(4) A town in Benjamin (Nehemiah 11:33) now represented by Khirbet Chazzar, not far to the East of Neby Samwil.

(5) A place in Arabia, smitten by Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 49:28, 33).

W. Ewing

5877. En Chatsor -- "a spring of Hazor," a city in Naphtali
... En Chatsor. 5878 . "a spring of Hazor," a city in Naphtali. Transliteration: En
Chatsor Phonetic Spelling: (ane khaw-tsore') Short Definition: En-hazor. ...
/hebrew/5877.htm - 6k

5516. Sisera -- a general of the king of Hazor, also the father of ...
... a general of the king of Hazor, also the father of some returning exiles.
Transliteration: Sisera Phonetic Spelling: (see-ser-aw') Short Definition: Sisera. ...
/hebrew/5516.htm - 6k

2675. Chatsor Chadattah -- a place in the desert of Judah
... a place in the desert of Judah. Transliteration: Chatsor Chadattah Phonetic Spelling:
(khaw-tsore' khad-at-taw') Short Definition: Hazor-hadattah. ...
/hebrew/2675.htm - 6k

2674. Chatsor -- the name of several places in Palestine, also one ...
... the name of several places in Palestine, also one in Arabia. Transliteration: Chatsor
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-tsore') Short Definition: Hazor. ... Hazor. ...
/hebrew/2674.htm - 6k

1178. Baal Chatsor -- "possessor of a court," a city between ...
... "possessor of a court," a city between Ephraim and Benjamin. Transliteration: Baal
Chatsor Phonetic Spelling: (bah'-al khaw-tsore') Short Definition: Baal-hazor ...
/hebrew/1178.htm - 6k

The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ]
... And they shall go out into the sea; that is, into the Dead Sea.". "The city Hazor
(saith Josephus) lies on the lake Semechonitis." This city is the metropolis ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 69 the lake samochonitis.htm

How the Canaanites Brought the Israelites under Slavery for Twenty ...
... by Jabin, the king of the Canaanites, and that before they had a short breathing
time after the slavery under the Moabites; for this Jabin out of Hazor, a city ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how the canaanites.htm

Caesarea. Strato's Tower.
... The Arabian interpreter thinks the first name of this city was Hazor, Joshua
11:1. The Jews, Ekron, Zephaniah 2:4. "R. Abhu saith," (he was of Caesarea ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 57 caesarea stratos tower.htm

How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah and Pekah Took the ...
... and had overrun all the land of Gilead, and the region beyond Jordan, and the adjoining
country, which is called Galilee, and Kadesh, and Hazor, he made the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how zachariah shallum.htm

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... he both repaired them, and made them higher, with great towers upon them; he also
built cities which might be counted among the strongest, Hazor and Megiddo ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

Letter Lxxvi. To Abigaus.
... that Jericho must fall before her, overthrown by the blasts of priestly trumpets,
[2319] that Adoni-zedec must be slain, [2320] that Ai and Hazor, once fairest ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvi to abigaus.htm

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... she may? "There was peace between Jabin the King of Hazor and the house of
Heber the Kenite [595] ," you will remind me. True: (between ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
... He might deliver him into thine hand, as appeareth this day." (Deut.2:30) Of the
allied kings of North Palestine, who under Jabin, king of Hazor, declared war ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiii the hardening in the.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... of Egypt, and them dwell in this place.9. And when they forgat the Lord their God,
He sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... not arrive in time to save Zedekiah: Sennacherib razed to the ground all his
strongholds one after another, Beth-dagon, Joppa, Bene-berak, and Hazor,* took him ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Hazor (19 Occurrences)
... result was one of the most remarkable victories for Israel recorded in the Old
Testament (Joshua 19:36; Judges 4:2; 1 Samuel 12:9). The city of Hazor was taken ...
/h/hazor.htm - 17k

En-hazor (1 Occurrence)
En-hazor. Enhazor, En-hazor. En-ha'zor . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia EN-HAZOR. en-ha'-zor (`en chatsor; pege Asor): A ...
/e/en-hazor.htm - 7k

Hazor-hadattah (1 Occurrence)
Hazor-hadattah. Hazorhadattah, Hazor-hadattah. Ha'zor-hadat'tah . Easton's
Bible Dictionary New Hazor, a city in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:25). ...
/h/hazor-hadattah.htm - 7k

Baal-hazor (1 Occurrence)
Baal-hazor. Baalhazor, Baal-hazor. Ba'al-ha'zor . ... Probably it is the same with
Hazor (Nehemiah 11:33), now Tell' Asur, 5 miles north-east of Bethel. Int. ...
/b/baal-hazor.htm - 7k

Jabin (8 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Discerner; the wise. (1.) A king of Hazor, at the time
of the entrance of Israel into Canaan (Joshua 11:1-14), whose overthrow and ...
/j/jabin.htm - 11k

Hazorhadattah
... Easton's Bible Dictionary New Hazor, a city in the south of Judah (Joshua
15:25). ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HAZOR-HADATTAH. ...
/h/hazorhadattah.htm - 7k

Kerioth-hezron (1 Occurrence)
... ke'-ri-oth-hez'-ron (qeriyoth chetsron; Joshua 15:25 says, "The same is Hazor";
the King James Version "Kerioth and Hezron which is Hazor"): One of the cities ...
/k/kerioth-hezron.htm - 7k

Sisera (18 Occurrences)
... SISERA. sis'-er-a (cicera', of doubtful meaning; S(e)isara): (1) Given in
Judges 4 as the captain of the army of Jabin, king of Hazor. ...
/s/sisera.htm - 17k

Madon (2 Occurrences)
... Madon (Joshua 11:1); Codex Vaticanus Marmoth; Codex Alexandrinus Maron (Joshua
12:19)): A royal city of the Canaanites named along with Hazor of Galilee. ...
/m/madon.htm - 8k

Baalhazor (1 Occurrence)
... Probably it is the same with Hazor (Nehemiah 11:33), now Tell' Asur, 5 miles
north-east of Bethel. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BAAL-HAZOR. ...
/b/baalhazor.htm - 7k

Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Jebusites? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Mount Tabor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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