Dor in the Bible
A coastal Canaanite city whose king was defeated by Joshua, later part of Solomon's kingdom.
Dor was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast of Canaan, known for its strategic harbor and connection to maritime trade. Its Canaanite king was among those defeated by Joshua, and the city later became part of Solomon's administrative districts.
Modern Location
Located at Khirbet el-Burj near modern Dor on the Israeli Mediterranean coast.
Key Biblical Events
- 1King of Dor defeated by Joshua in the conquest
- 2Part of the territory assigned to Manasseh
- 3Included in Solomon's fourth administrative district
Key KJV Scriptures
"The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one."
"The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife."
Spiritual Significance
Dor represents the fullness of the Promised Land — extending God's provision from the inland hills to the Mediterranean coast. Its inclusion in Solomon's kingdom showed the breadth of Israel's God-given territory.
Why Dor Matters
Dor holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 3 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Joshua, Solomon linked to its story — Dor is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Dor is referenced in 2 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Dor represents the fullness of the Promised Land — extending God's provision from the inland hills to the Mediterranean coast. Its inclusion in Solomon's kingdom showed the breadth of Israel's God-given territory.
For today's believer, studying Dor is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Dor, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Joshua encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Dor in the Bible?
Dor was a coastal city on the Mediterranean in the territory assigned to Manasseh, in modern-day northern Israel.
What happened at Dor?
Its Canaanite king was defeated by Joshua (Joshua 12:23), and it later became part of Solomon's administrative system (1 Kings 4:11).
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Related Bible Locations
Joppa
The ancient port city where Jonah boarded a ship and Peter had a vision on the rooftop.
Megiddo
Ancient fortress city and prophesied site of the final battle — Armageddon.
Caesarea Maritima
Herod's grand Mediterranean port city where Cornelius became the first Gentile convert and Paul was imprisoned.
Miracles at Dor
Every miracle in Scripture tied to Dor.
Where to go next
Finished reading about Dor? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
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