Topical Encyclopedia Hazor, an ancient city located in the northern region of Canaan, holds significant historical and biblical importance. It is mentioned prominently in the Old Testament as a major Canaanite city and later as a fortified city within the territory of the tribe of Naphtali. Hazor's strategic location and formidable defenses made it a key player in the region's political and military landscape.Biblical References and Historical Context Hazor is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. The city was ruled by King Jabin, who led a coalition of northern kings against the Israelites. In Joshua 11:1-11, the narrative describes how Joshua, under divine guidance, launched a surprise attack on the coalition forces at the waters of Merom, leading to a decisive victory. The city of Hazor was subsequently captured and burned: "Then Joshua turned back at that time and captured Hazor and struck its king with the sword, because Hazor had formerly been the head of all these kingdoms" (Joshua 11:10). Despite its destruction, Hazor was later rebuilt and became a significant city during the period of the Judges. In Judges 4, Hazor is again mentioned as the seat of another King Jabin, who oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. This oppression ended when Deborah, a prophetess and judge, along with Barak, led a successful campaign against Jabin's commander, Sisera, resulting in Israel's liberation. Archaeological Significance Archaeological excavations at the site of Hazor, identified with Tell el-Qedah, have revealed extensive remains that corroborate its biblical description as a large and fortified city. The site consists of an upper city, or acropolis, and a larger lower city, covering approximately 200 acres, making it one of the largest ancient sites in Israel. Excavations have uncovered impressive fortifications, including walls, gates, and a water system, as well as evidence of destruction layers that align with the biblical accounts of conquest. Role in the Kingdom of Israel During the united monarchy, Hazor was fortified by King Solomon as part of his efforts to strengthen Israel's defenses. 1 Kings 9:15 lists Hazor among the cities that Solomon fortified: "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" . This strategic fortification underscores Hazor's continued importance in the region. Prophetic References and Later History The prophets also mention Hazor in their oracles against the nations. Jeremiah 49:28-33 includes a prophecy against Hazor, predicting its desolation. This prophecy reflects the city's eventual decline and abandonment, which archaeological evidence suggests occurred during the Babylonian period. In summary, Hazor's prominence in biblical history is marked by its role as a major Canaanite city, its repeated mention in the narratives of conquest and deliverance, and its strategic importance during the united monarchy. Its archaeological remains continue to provide valuable insights into the ancient Near Eastern world and the historical context of the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 11:1,10,11,13And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, Nave's Topical Index Joshua 12:19 Joshua 19:36 Judges 4:2,17 1 Samuel 12:9 2 Kings 15:29 Nehemiah 11:33 Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Jebusites? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Mount Tabor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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