a collective form of חָצֵר; village; Chatsor, the name (thus simply) of two places in Palestine and of one in Arabia; Hazor.
Transliteration:Châtsôwr
Pronunciation:khaw-tsore'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Châtsôwr (`{{H2674}}`) is a proper noun, transliterated as Hazor. According to its base definition, it is a collective form of the noun `{{H2691}}` (חָצֵר, *chatser*), which signifies an "enclosure," "court," "settlement," or "village." Therefore, Châtsôwr inherently conveys the meaning of a collection of such enclosures, implying a town, city, or fortified settlement. While its root points to a basic dwelling or enclosed space, its usage as a proper noun elevates its semantic range to denote specific, often significant, urban centers. The definition explicitly notes its application to two places in Palestine and one in Arabia, indicating its primary function as a geographical identifier for established communities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent biblical occurrence of Châtsôwr (Hazor) refers to the powerful Canaanite city in northern Galilee, strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes. This Hazor plays a pivotal role in the narrative of the Israelite conquest:
* In [[Joshua 11:1-15]], King Jabin of Hazor is depicted as the leader of a formidable coalition of northern kings, described as "the head of all those kingdoms" ([[Joshua 11:10]]). Joshua's decisive victory over this coalition and the subsequent burning of Hazor is presented as a climactic fulfillment of God's command and a testament to His power in delivering the land to Israel. Hazor was unique among the conquered cities in being completely burned ([[Joshua 11:11, 13]]), underscoring its strategic importance and the severity of its judgment.
* Later, in the book of Judges, another King Jabin of Hazor, whose commander was Sisera, oppressed Israel for twenty years ([[Judges 4:1-3]]). This suggests either a re-emergence of Hazor as a regional power after the initial conquest or a separate, perhaps related, entity. Deborah and Barak's victory over this Jabin and Sisera ([[Judges 4:4-24]]) again highlights Hazor's persistent threat and God's role in delivering His people.
* During the united monarchy, King Solomon rebuilt and fortified Hazor ([[1 Kings 9:15]]), alongside Megiddo and Gezer, indicating its continued strategic value as a key defensive and administrative center for the kingdom.
* Finally, Hazor is mentioned among the cities captured by Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria during the reign of Pekah, king of Israel ([[2 Kings 15:29]]), marking its ultimate decline under foreign invasion.
Beyond this major northern city, the term Hazor also identifies other locations:
* [[Joshua 15:23]] lists Hazor-Hadattah as a city in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, distinct from the northern Hazor.
* [[Nehemiah 11:33]] mentions Hazor as a Benjaminite settlement inhabited after the Babylonian exile, indicating a community that re-established itself in the land.
* In [[Jeremiah 49:28-33]], "Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor" are mentioned in a prophecy against the Arabian tribes. This refers to an Arabian location, possibly a nomadic or semi-nomadic group associated with a specific settlement, demonstrating the term's application beyond the land of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to Châtsôwr (`{{H2674}}`) is its root, `{{H2691}}` (חָצֵר, *chatser*), which means "enclosure," "court," "settlement," or "village." This etymological connection illuminates Hazor's fundamental meaning as a settled place. Other related terms include:
* `{{H2696}}` (חֲצֵרוֹת, *H̱aṣērôṯ*), Hazeroth, a specific wilderness encampment of the Israelites, also derived from `{{H2691}}`, further emphasizing the concept of an enclosed or settled area.
* The broader biblical concepts of "city" (`{{H5892}}`, *ʿîr*), "fortress" (`{{H4679}}`, *miḇtsār*), and "settlement" are semantically linked, as Hazor often functioned as such.
* The narratives surrounding Hazor are deeply intertwined with themes of conquest, divine judgment, strategic defense, and the cycles of obedience and apostasy in Israel's history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Châtsôwr (Hazor) is multifaceted, primarily stemming from the prominent northern city:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Conquest:** Hazor's unparalleled status as "the head of all those kingdoms" ([[Joshua 11:10]]) makes its swift and complete destruction by Joshua a profound demonstration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over the nations and His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. The conquest of Hazor underscores that the land was not won by Israel's strength but by God's decree and power ([[Joshua 11:6]]).
* **Consequences of Persistent Rebellion:** The re-emergence of a King Jabin of Hazor in the book of Judges ([[Judges 4:1-3]]) serves as a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of sin and judgment in Israel's history. Hazor's oppression of Israel highlights the consequences of the Israelites' failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites and their subsequent turning away from God, leading to divine chastisement.
* **Strategic Importance and Human Stewardship:** Solomon's rebuilding of Hazor ([[1 Kings 9:15]]) illustrates the importance of human strategic planning and stewardship in establishing and maintaining a secure kingdom. While God grants the land, human effort is required to govern and defend it, often in alignment with divine wisdom.
* **Universal Judgment:** The prophecy against the "kingdoms of Hazor" in Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 49:28-33]]) extends God's judgment beyond Israel to surrounding nations, demonstrating His universal dominion and His righteous judgment on all who oppose His will or oppress His people.
### Summary
Châtsôwr (`{{H2674}}`), transliterated as Hazor, is a proper noun derived from the collective form of `{{H2691}}` (חָצֵר), signifying an "enclosure" or "village." It designates several significant ancient settlements, most notably the formidable Canaanite city in northern Galilee. This primary Hazor serves as a powerful biblical archetype: its destruction by Joshua ([[Joshua 11:1-15]]) exemplifies Yahweh's sovereign power in the conquest of Canaan and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. Its later re-emergence as an oppressor in the Judges period ([[Judges 4:1-24]]) underscores the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the ongoing need for divine deliverance. Solomon's strategic rebuilding of Hazor ([[1 Kings 9:15]]) highlights its enduring geopolitical importance and human efforts in kingdom building. Furthermore, the mention of other Hazors, including an Arabian location in Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 49:28-33]]), broadens the term's scope to encompass various settled communities. The study of Hazor thus illuminates profound theological themes of divine judgment and deliverance, the strategic significance of ancient urban centers, and God's overarching authority over the rise and fall of nations.
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