What can we learn about God's justice from Adoni-Bezek's fate in Judges 1:6? Setting the Scene After Joshua’s death, the tribes of Israel begin driving remaining Canaanite rulers from the land. One such king is Adoni-Bezek. The Verse at the Heart “But Adoni-Bezek fled, and they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes.” (Judges 1:6) Justice Comes Measure for Measure • Adoni-Bezek had maimed seventy captive kings in exactly the same way (Judges 1:7). • His own words—“As I have done, so God has repaid me”—show that he recognizes a direct, fair correspondence between sin and sentence. • Scripture consistently affirms this principle: – “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth…” (Exodus 21:23-25) – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Justice May Wait, but It Never Fails • Those seventy kings suffered in silence, yet God kept the account open until the day Adoni-Bezek was caught. • Psalm 94:1 calls Him “God of vengeance; shine forth!”—reminding us that delayed judgment is not denied judgment. • Romans 2:5 warns that unrepented sin stores up “wrath in the day of wrath.” Human Agents, Divine Judge • Israel’s warriors wield the swords, but Adoni-Bezek says, “God has repaid me.” • The Lord often uses ordinary people and events to execute His verdicts (Isaiah 10:5-7; Romans 13:1-4). • This truth steadies believers: justice is secure because it rests on God’s authority, not human mood swings. No Rank Exempts Anyone • A powerful king finds himself crawling, disabled, and soon dead (Judges 1:7b). • Proverbs 21:30—“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.” • Earthly titles, wealth, or armies cannot shield the unrepentant from divine reckoning. Severity That Warns, Mercy That Invites • The punishment fits the crime, yet God stops short of immediate execution; Adoni-Bezek has time to confess God’s justice aloud. • Ezekiel 33:11 shows the heart behind discipline: God “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” • Even stern judgments serve as caution signs, urging observers to turn and live. Living Lessons for Today • Trust God’s timing—He sees every wrong and will settle every score. • Reject the thought that hidden or delayed sin is harmless. • Remember that when we suffer unjustly, our cries reach a Judge who keeps perfect records. • Lead and serve with integrity; authority is a stewardship under God’s scrutiny. • Rejoice that God’s justice is precise, impartial, and ultimately redemptive for those who repent. |
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