Lexical Definition
יָבִין Yâbîyn (yaw-bene') Jabin N:N-M-P
from בִּין; intelligent
Jabin.
- § Jabin = "whom God observes"
- Jabin, the name of two Canaanitish kings
1) a king of Hazor who organised a confederacy of the northern princes against Joshua; confederacy routed by the waters of Merom
2) another king of Hazor whose general, Sisera, was defeated by Barak
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| יָבִ֣ין | Jabin | Josh.11.1 |
Extended Information
- A man living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at Jos.11.1
Brown-Driver-Briggs
יָבִין proper name, masculine (one who is intelligent, discerning) two Canaanite kings of Hazor; —
1. Josh 11:1.
2. Judg 4:2; Judg 4:7; Judg 4:17; Judg 4:23; Judg 4:24 (twice in verse); Ps 83:10*. (But compare Be Judg 4:2 BuRS 66 f f.)
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Joshua | 11:1 |
| Judges | 4:2 · 4:7 · 4:17 · 4:23 · 4:24 |
| Psalms | 83:10* |
Profile
Male • Canaanite king • King of Hazor; led Canaanite coalition against Joshua.
King living before Israel's Monarchy
Jabin, king of Hazor, formed an alliance with other Canaanite kings to fight against Joshua and the Israelites (Jos.11.1).
- A Canaanite king living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at Jos.11.1;
- only referred to as Jabin יָבִין.
Jabin, king of Hazor, is mentioned in Joshua 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.
All entries for Jabin: יָבִין