En-Hazor: A City of Naphtali
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En-Hazor is a biblical city located within the tribal territory of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "En-Hazor" can be translated to mean "spring of Hazor," indicating its proximity to a water source, which was a significant feature for settlements in ancient times. This city is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua, as part of the land allotted to the tribe of Naphtali.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to En-Hazor is found in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 19:32-39, the passage details the inheritance of the tribe of Naphtali, listing the cities and their villages. En-Hazor is included in this list, highlighting its importance as part of the Naphtalite territory:

"The sixth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Naphtali: Their border started at Heleph and the large tree in Zaanannim, passing Adami-nekeb and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum, and ending at the Jordan. Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and went from there to Hukkok. It touched Zebulun on the south, Asher on the west, and the Jordan on the east. The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, Kedesh, Edrei, En-Hazor, Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages." (Joshua 19:32-39)

Historical and Archaeological Context:

En-Hazor's mention alongside other fortified cities suggests it was a place of some significance, possibly serving as a defensive or administrative center within the region. The association with Hazor, a major Canaanite city, might indicate a connection or dependency, although En-Hazor itself is distinct from the larger city of Hazor, which played a prominent role in the history of the region.

Archaeological evidence from the area traditionally associated with Naphtali has provided insights into the settlement patterns and cultural influences during the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy. However, specific excavations directly identifying En-Hazor remain limited, and much of its history is reconstructed through biblical texts and regional studies.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of En-Hazor in the biblical narrative underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan. The detailed allotment of territories to the tribes, including Naphtali, reflects the divine order and the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant. En-Hazor, as part of this allotment, represents the tangible realization of God's faithfulness to His people.

The city also serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites as they transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to settled communities in the Promised Land. Each city and village, including En-Hazor, contributed to the identity and heritage of the tribe of Naphtali, playing a role in the broader narrative of Israel's history as recorded in the Scriptures.
Nave's Topical Index
Joshua 19:37
And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
5877. En Chatsor -- "a spring of Hazor," a city in Naphtali
... hazor. Word Origin from ayin and Chatsor Definition "a spring of Hazor,"
a city in Naphtali NASB Word Usage En-hazor (1). En-hazor. ...
/hebrew/5877.htm - 6k
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