### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Châtsôwr**, represented by `{{H2674}}`, primarily denotes the proper name **Hazor**. Its base definition is a village, and it is used as the name for two places in Palestine and one in Arabia. Appearing **19 times** across **17 unique verses**, `{{H2674}}` consistently refers to a significant city or kingdom that plays a pivotal role in Israel's history, from conquest to kingdom to judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Hazor `{{H2674}}` is first introduced as a major political power. Under its **king** `{{H4428}}`, Jabin, it was "the head of all those **kingdoms**" `{{H4467}}` that opposed Joshua's conquest [[Joshua 11:10]]. Joshua **took** `{{H3920}}` Hazor, **smote** `{{H5221}}` its king with the **sword** `{{H2719}}`, and **burnt** `{{H8313}}` the city with fire, an action he did not take with other cities that stood in their strength ([[Joshua 11:11]], 11:13). Later, the LORD **sold** `{{H4376}}` a disobedient Israel into the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of another Jabin, **king** `{{H4428}}` of Hazor, whose army captain was Sisera ([[Judges 4:2]], [[1 Samuel 12:9]]). The city was eventually rebuilt by Solomon [[1 Kings 9:15]], but was later captured by Tiglathpileser of Assyria, and its people were carried into captivity [[2 Kings 15:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the historical and theological context of Hazor `{{H2674}}`:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word is central to Hazor's identity in scripture, which is almost always mentioned in relation to its **king** `{{H4428}}`, such as Jabin [[Joshua 11:1]] or the target of Nebuchadrezzar's judgment [[Jeremiah 49:28]].
* `{{H4467}}` **mamlâkâh** (kingdom): This term highlights Hazor's prominence as a regional power, specifically described as "the head of all those **kingdoms**" `{{H4467}}` that confronted Israel [[Joshua 11:10]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word connects to Hazor's period of restoration and strategic importance within Israel, as King Solomon undertook a major levy to **build** `{{H1129}}` it alongside Jerusalem and other key cities [[1 Kings 9:15]].
* `{{H8077}}` **shᵉmâmâh** (desolation): This term is used in prophecy to describe Hazor's ultimate fate. Jeremiah foretold that Hazor would become a **desolation** `{{H8077}}` forever and a dwelling place for **dragons** `{{H8577}}` [[Jeremiah 49:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2674}}` is demonstrated through its role in God's dealings with both Israel and other nations.
* **Symbol of Opposition:** As "the head of all those **kingdoms**" `{{H4467}}` [[Joshua 11:10]], Hazor represents the primary organized resistance to God's plan for Israel's conquest. Its singular destruction by fire underscores the significance of its defeat.
* **Instrument of Discipline:** When Israel **forgat** `{{H7911}}` the LORD, He **sold** `{{H4376}}` them into the hand of the **king** `{{H4428}}` of Hazor ([[Judges 4:2]], [[1 Samuel 12:9]]), using the nation as a rod of correction for His own people.
* **Subject of Judgment:** The prophecies against Hazor show God's sovereignty over all nations. He declares that Nebuchadrezzar **king** `{{H4428}}` of Babylon shall **smite** `{{H5221}}` the **kingdoms** `{{H4467}}` of Hazor, leading to its eventual **desolation** `{{H8077}}` ([[Jeremiah 49:28]], 49:33). This is also seen in its capture by the **king** `{{H4428}}` of Assyria [[2 Kings 15:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2674}}` Hazor is far more than a geographical location. It is a key player in the narrative of God's redemptive history. It represents the formidable power of the world set against God's purposes, an instrument of divine discipline when Israel strayed, and ultimately a subject of God's sovereign judgment. The story of Hazor, from a powerful kingdom head to a desolate ruin, serves as a powerful illustration of the rise and fall of nations under the authority of the LORD.
TRV