Lessons from the Ruins

Lessons from the ruins reminds us that Hazor’s fallen stones still speak—pride crumbles, but those who humble themselves find God’s grace.

“Hazor shall become a haunt of jackals, an everlasting waste; no man shall dwell there; no man shall sojourn in her.”—Jeremiah 49:33

Today, Hazor is an archeological curiosity—a dig in northern Israel where students, scholars, and archeologists can explore Israel’s past. But at one time, it was a center of power occupying a strategic position and providing the perfect vantage point on the highway to and from Egypt.

But Jeremiah prophesied that Hazor would be completely humbled, a victim of Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian armies. God warned the inhabitants to “flee, wander far away!” He talked about “a nation at ease, that dwells securely,” with “no gates or bars,” a people that “dwells alone.” God Himself would scatter them “to every wind” and “bring their calamity from every side” (vs. 30–32).

This once powerful city would become an “everlasting waste” (v. 33), and indeed, we see that evidence today.

Throughout history, many nations, organizations, and people have been like Hazor—confident in themselves, sure of their own strength, trusting in their own power and ability. But God promises that every kingdom and every person will be humbled before Him.

Learn from what happened to Hazor: Remember to “humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6), for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” If you want His blessings, “humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:6, 10).

Reflection Question: What ruins remind you of pride’s fleeting strength?