The title "King of Hazor" refers to the monarch who ruled over the ancient Canaanite city of Hazor, a significant city-state in the northern region of Canaan. Hazor is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a powerful and influential city, particularly during the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua.

Historical and Biblical Context

Hazor was strategically located in the upper Galilee region, near the waters of Lake Huleh, and served as a major hub for trade and military activity. Archaeological evidence suggests that Hazor was one of the largest and most fortified cities in Canaan during the Late Bronze Age, with a population that may have reached tens of thousands.

Jabin, King of Hazor

The most notable King of Hazor mentioned in the Bible is Jabin. During the conquest of Canaan, Jabin is described as a formidable adversary of the Israelites. In Joshua 11, Jabin is depicted as the leader of a coalition of northern kings who sought to resist the advancing Israelite forces. The biblical narrative states:

"Then Jabin king of Hazor sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the kings of Shimron and Achshaph, and to the kings of the north in the hill country, in the Arabah south of Chinnereth, in the foothills, and in Naphoth-dor to the west" (Joshua 11:1-2).

This coalition, however, was decisively defeated by Joshua and the Israelites. The Bible records that Hazor was captured and burned, and Jabin was killed, marking a significant victory for the Israelites in their conquest of the Promised Land:

"Then Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword, because Hazor had formerly been the head of all these kingdoms. They struck down everyone in the city with the sword, devoting them to destruction. There was no one left who breathed, and Joshua burned Hazor itself" (Joshua 11:10-11).

Later References to Jabin

Interestingly, the name Jabin appears again in the Book of Judges, suggesting either a dynastic title or a later king who took the same name. In Judges 4, another Jabin, described as the king of Canaan who reigned in Hazor, oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. This Jabin's military commander was Sisera, who was ultimately defeated by the Israelite forces led by Deborah and Barak:

"Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her for judgment" (Judges 4:4-5).

The defeat of Sisera and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites from Jabin's oppression is celebrated in the Song of Deborah, one of the oldest passages in the Bible.

Significance in Biblical Narrative

The accounts of the Kings of Hazor, particularly Jabin, highlight the challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the land of Canaan. The repeated mention of Hazor and its kings underscores the city's importance and the formidable nature of its rulers. The victories over Hazor are portrayed as acts of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness in delivering His people.