Hazor

About Hazor Written by AI

Hazor was a town located in the Negev region, the southern part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. It is mentioned only once in the Bible, in Joshua 15:23, as part of the list of towns and villages in the southland of Judah. In the context of Joshua 15, the chapter describes the boundaries and cities of Judah's inheritance in the Promised Land. The list of towns is divided into several geographical regions, including the Negev, the lowland, and the hill country. Hazor is listed among other towns in the Negev, such as Kedesh, Ithnan, Ziph, Telem, and Bealoth. The exact location of this Hazor is uncertain, as it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible or in other historical sources. The name "Hazor" is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "enclosure" or "settlement," suggesting that it may have been a fortified town or a well-known encampment in the region. The mention of Hazor in the biblical text serves to provide a detailed account of the cities and villages allotted to the tribe of Judah and to underscore the fulfillment of God's promise to give each tribe a portion of the Promised Land as an inheritance. Its inclusion in the list also highlights the importance of geographical accuracy and attention to detail in the recording of Israel's history and the allotment of the land.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

This entry is on the name Hazor, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.

Enclosed; fortified. (1.) A stronghold of the Canaanites in the mountains north of Lake Merom (Josh. 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 (Josh. 19:36; Judg. 4:2; 1 Sam. 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 (Josh. 15:23). The name here should probably be connected with the word following, Ithnan, HAZOR-ITHNAN instead of “Hazor and Ithnan.”

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.