What can we learn about God's justice from Adoni-Bezek's fate in Judges 1:7? Setting the Scene • Judges 1:7: “Then Adoni-bezek said, ‘Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off have gleaned scraps under my table. Now God has repaid me for what I have done.’ And they brought him to Jerusalem, where he died.” What Happened to Adoni-Bezek? • He was a Canaanite king defeated by Judah and Simeon (Judges 1:4–6). • His own thumbs and big toes were cut off—the same mutilation he had inflicted on others. • He recognized the hand of God in his downfall: “God has repaid me.” • He died in Jerusalem, never regaining power, freedom, or dignity. Lessons on God’s Justice • Divine retribution is exact and fitting – Galatians 6:7: “Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” – Adoni-Bezek reaped precisely what he sowed; the punishment mirrored his crimes. • God’s justice operates even through human agents – Israel’s victory was not random warfare but God executing judgment on a tyrant (Judges 1:4). – Proverbs 11:21: “The wicked will not go unpunished.” • Conscience acknowledges divine justice – Adoni-Bezek—an unbelieving Canaanite—could not deny God’s role: “God has repaid me.” – Romans 2:15 speaks of the law written on hearts; even pagans sense accountability. • Justice may be delayed but never denied – He had oppressed 70 kings—likely for years—yet judgment arrived in God’s timing. – Ecclesiastes 8:11 warns that delayed sentence still comes. • Judgment is personal and precise – Exodus 21:24 sets the principle: “eye for eye.” – Matthew 7:2: “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – God matched injury for injury, showing His perfect grasp of every deed. • Justice serves as a warning and assurance – Warning to those who oppress: God sees and will act (Psalm 94:1-7). – Assurance to the oppressed: God rights wrongs, even if society overlooks them (Romans 12:19). Take-Home Applications • Examine how we treat others; God watches motives and actions. • Trust God to address wrongs done to us without taking sinful revenge. • Remember that repentance matters: Adoni-Bezek acknowledged God’s justice but offered no change of heart; genuine repentance brings mercy (Proverbs 28:13). • Praise God for His flawless, impartial justice that ultimately prevails in history and eternity. |
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