The King of Dor is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. Dor was a significant Canaanite city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, south of Mount Carmel. It played a notable role in the regional politics of ancient Canaan due to its strategic location and its access to maritime trade routes.

Biblical References:

The King of Dor is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua, which details the conquests of the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. In Joshua 11:1-2 , the King of Dor is listed among the coalition of Canaanite kings who joined forces to oppose Joshua and the Israelites: "When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the kings of Shimron and Achshaph, and to the kings of the north in the hill country, in the Arabah south of Chinnereth, in the western foothills, and in Naphoth-dor to the west."

This coalition, led by Jabin, king of Hazor, was ultimately defeated by Joshua in a decisive battle at the waters of Merom, as recorded in Joshua 11:7-8 : "So Joshua and his whole army came upon them suddenly by the waters of Merom and attacked them, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth-maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah to the east, until no survivors remained."

The King of Dor is also mentioned in the list of defeated kings in Joshua 12:23 : "the king of Dor in Naphoth-dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one."

Historical and Archaeological Context:

Dor was an ancient city with a long history, dating back to the Late Bronze Age. It was known for its fortified structures and its role as a center of trade and commerce. The city's location on the coast made it a valuable asset for controlling maritime activities and trade routes in the region.

Archaeological excavations at Tel Dor have revealed significant findings, including remnants of fortifications, residential areas, and artifacts that provide insight into the city's Canaanite, Phoenician, and later Israelite periods. These findings corroborate the biblical narrative of Dor as a prominent city during the time of the Israelite conquest.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the defeat of the King of Dor and the other Canaanite kings is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The conquest narratives in the Book of Joshua emphasize the sovereignty of God in delivering the land into the hands of the Israelites, despite the formidable opposition they faced.

The inclusion of the King of Dor in the biblical account serves to highlight the comprehensive nature of the conquest and the divine mandate that guided the Israelites in their mission to settle in the land promised to their forefathers. The narrative underscores the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people.