The King of Hazor is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narratives concerning the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. Hazor was a prominent Canaanite city located in the northern region of the land, and its king played a crucial role in the coalition of Canaanite kings who opposed the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 11:1-5 : The King of Hazor, identified as Jabin, is mentioned as the leader of a formidable alliance of northern kings. "When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, the king of Shimron, the king of Achshaph, and 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. So they went out with all their armies—a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore—along with a vast number of horses and chariots."

2. Joshua 11:10-11 : The narrative continues with the defeat of Jabin and the destruction of Hazor. "Then Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword, because Hazor had formerly been the head of all these kingdoms. They struck down everyone in the city with the sword, devoting them to destruction. There was no one left who breathed, and he burned Hazor with fire."

3. Judges 4:2 : A later reference to a King Jabin of Hazor appears in the time of the Judges, suggesting either a dynastic name or a revival of Hazor's power. "So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim."

Historical and Archaeological Context:

Hazor was one of the largest and most influential Canaanite city-states during the Late Bronze Age. Archaeological excavations have revealed that Hazor was a major urban center with extensive fortifications, palatial structures, and a significant population. The city's strategic location on trade routes contributed to its wealth and power.

The biblical account of Hazor's destruction by Joshua is supported by archaeological evidence of a significant destruction layer at the site, dating to the late 13th century BCE. This aligns with the biblical timeline of the Israelite conquest.

Theological Significance:

The defeat of the King of Hazor and the destruction of the city are emblematic of God's promise to deliver the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites. The narrative underscores the theme of divine intervention and judgment against the Canaanite nations, as well as the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham regarding the land.

The recurrence of a King Jabin in the time of the Judges highlights the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and apostasy, as well as God's continued deliverance through leaders like Deborah and Barak. The account of Hazor serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God to His promises.