Jabin in the Book of Joshua

Jabin is a name associated with two kings of Hazor, a prominent Canaanite city in the northern region of ancient Israel. The first mention of a king named Jabin occurs in the Book of Joshua. This Jabin was a powerful ruler who led a coalition of northern kings against the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

According to Joshua 11:1-5 , "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 foothills, and in Naphoth-dor to the west, to the Canaanites in the east and west, to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites in the hill country, and to the Hivites below Hermon in the land of Mizpah." This formidable alliance sought to resist the advancing Israelites, but the Lord assured Joshua of victory.

In Joshua 11:6-9 , the Lord instructed Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire." Joshua and the Israelites launched a surprise attack at the waters of Merom, decisively defeating Jabin and his allies. The city of Hazor was captured and burned, marking a significant victory in the Israelite conquest of Canaan.

Jabin in the Book of Judges

The second mention of a king named Jabin occurs in the Book of Judges, several generations after the first Jabin's defeat. This Jabin, also referred to as the king of Canaan, reigned in Hazor and oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. His military commander was Sisera, who resided in Harosheth-hagoyim.

Judges 4:2-3 states, "So the LORD sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots, and he harshly oppressed them for twenty years."

In response to the Israelites' cries, God raised up Deborah, a prophetess and judge, and Barak, the son of Abinoam, to deliver Israel from Jabin's oppression. Under Deborah's leadership, Barak led an army against Sisera's forces at Mount Tabor. Judges 4:15-16 recounts, "And the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the edge of the sword before Barak. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled on foot. Barak pursued the chariots and army as far as Harosheth-hagoyim, and the whole army of Sisera fell by the sword; not a single man was left."

Sisera fled to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, where he was killed while he slept. This victory led to the eventual downfall of Jabin, as recorded in Judges 4:23-24 : "On that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites. And the hand of the Israelites grew stronger and stronger against Jabin king of Canaan until they destroyed him."

Significance of Jabin

The accounts of the two kings named Jabin highlight the recurring theme of divine intervention and deliverance in the history of Israel. Both narratives emphasize the sovereignty of God in granting victory to His people despite overwhelming odds. The defeat of Jabin in Joshua's time marked a pivotal moment in the conquest of Canaan, while the later victory over Jabin in the time of the Judges demonstrated God's continued faithfulness to deliver Israel from oppression. These accounts serve as reminders of God's power and the importance of faith and obedience among His people.Joshua 11:1-14
And 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

Judges 4:2,7,17,23,24
And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelled in Harosheth of the Gentiles.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 83:9
Do to them as to the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... who ranged themselves under their respective names, and the ... Two tribes having been
thus provided for, the bulk of ... north, who had assembled round Jabin, King of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who was Deborah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Jebusites? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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