Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 - Verse 10

When Joshua turned back at that time and conquered Hazor, it was a significant military victory for the Israelites. Hazor was a powerful city state in the region of Canaan, and its king was considered the head of all the kingdoms in the area. By defeating the king of Hazor and taking control of the city, Joshua and the Israelites solidified their conquest of the land promised to them by God. This event marked a turning point in the Israelites' campaign to occupy the land of Canaan and fulfill their divine mandate. The defeat of Hazor was a strategic move that helped to weaken the enemy forces and establish the Israelites as a dominant power in the region. The biblical verse underscores the importance of this victory in the context of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

In the theological interpretation of the verse, Joshua's conquest of Hazor is significant as it demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Hazor was a powerful city-state in Canaan, and its defeat by Joshua symbolized the victory of the Israelites over the pagan nations that opposed God's chosen people. The smiting of the king of Hazor with the sword further emphasizes the divine authority and power that supported Joshua's leadership. The word 'Hazor' in Hebrew means 'enclosure' or 'village,' and its name may represent the idea of God's people encircling and overcoming their enemies through His strength. In a broader theological sense, this verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the trust in His promises for ultimate victory over adversity. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to His people and His role as the ultimate source of strength in times of conflict and struggle.