Waters of Merom

The waters of Merom was the site of Joshua’s victory over Jabin, king of Hazor, and his allies. It is mentioned only twice in the Bible (Joshua 11:5–7).

Jabin's allies included several kings from Madon, Shimron, Achshaph, and the northern hills, as well as those from the southern lowlands near the Sea of Galilee. We do not know where the battle site was. However, "the waters of Merom" likely refers to an area near Har Merom (as it is known on modern maps). This site is also known as Jabel Marun, Israel's tallest mountain at 1,207.1 meters (3,962 feet).

The town of Merom is on the mountain's base where key roads meet. It is strategically located between Hazor and Acco, making it an ideal meeting point for Joshua's enemies. Merom lies about 12.9 kilometers (eight miles) southwest of Hazor. The "waters of Merom" likely refer to springs from the mountain that flow into the Sea of Galilee.

Egyptian texts from the second millennium BC mention Merom in connection with Thutmose III's campaigns. Also, Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser III documented his 733–732 BC campaign in this area during the conquest of Damascus. After Joshua's forces won, the allies fled northwest towards Sidon. This suggests Joshua attacked from the southeast, likely from the west of the Sea of Galilee.