Jabin יָבִין
King of Hazor; led Canaanite coalition against Joshua.
Who is Jabin in the Bible?
Jabin was a king of Hazor who led a major Canaanite coalition against Joshua and the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan (Joshua 11:1). When he learned of Israel's victories at Jericho and Ai, Jabin assembled an alliance of northern Canaanite kings and gathered a massive army described as numbering "as many as the sand on the seashore," complete with horses and chariots (Joshua 11:4). The coalition met Joshua's forces at the Waters of Merom, but the Lord promised Joshua victory and delivered the Canaanite forces into Israel's hands. Jabin's defeat marked a turning point in Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, eliminating the strongest organized resistance in northern Canaan and demonstrating God's faithfulness to Joshua's leadership.
Biography
Jabin, king of Hazor, is mentioned in Jos.11.1 as the leader of a Canaanite coalition that fought against Joshua and the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan. When Jabin heard of Israel's victories over Jericho and Ai, he formed an alliance with the kings of Madon, Shimron, and Achshaph, along with other kings from the northern hill country and the Arabah.
This coalition gathered a large army, described as being "as numerous as the sand on the seashore," with many horses and chariots (Jos.11.4). They assembled at the Waters of Merom to fight against Israel.
However, the Lord assured Joshua of victory, promising to deliver the enemy into his hands (Jos.11.6). Joshua led the Israelites in a surprise attack, defeating the Canaanite coalition and pursuing them until no survivors remained (Jos.11.7-8). The Israelites also captured and destroyed the city of Hazor, which had been the head of all these kingdoms (Jos.11.10).
Jabin's story illustrates the opposition faced by the Israelites as they sought to take possession of the Promised Land. It also demonstrates God's faithfulness in giving His people victory over their enemies when they trusted in Him and obeyed His commands.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJoshua 1 verse
- Joshua 11:1
"Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about these things, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon; to the kings of Shimron and Achshaph;"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יָבִין | Jabin , the name of two Canaanitish kings |