Topical Encyclopedia Adonizedek, whose name means "Lord of Righteousness," was the king of Jerusalem during the time of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. He is a significant figure in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Joshua, particularly in chapters 10 and 12. Adonizedek's reign and actions are emblematic of the resistance faced by the Israelites as they sought to claim the land promised to them by God.Historical Context Adonizedek ruled Jerusalem, a city that would later become central to Israelite history and faith. At the time of his reign, Jerusalem was a Canaanite city, and its king was one of the many regional rulers who opposed the Israelite incursion into Canaan. The political landscape of Canaan was characterized by a collection of city-states, each with its own king, often forming alliances to strengthen their positions against common threats. Biblical Account The primary biblical account of Adonizedek is found in Joshua 10. Upon hearing of Joshua's victories at Jericho and Ai, and the peace treaty made with the Gibeonites, Adonizedek became alarmed. Recognizing the strategic importance of Gibeon, a great city with mighty warriors, he feared the growing power of the Israelites. In response, Adonizedek formed a coalition with four other Amorite kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. Joshua 10:3-5 states: "So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, 'Come up and help me. Let us attack Gibeon, because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.' Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces, advanced with all their armies, besieged Gibeon, and fought against it." The Battle and Its Aftermath In response to the Gibeonites' plea for help, Joshua led the Israelite army on an all-night march from Gilgal to Gibeon. The Lord assured Joshua of victory, and the Israelites launched a surprise attack on the Amorite coalition. The biblical narrative highlights the miraculous intervention of God in the battle. Joshua 10:11 recounts: "As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites." The battle culminated in the famous event where Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still, allowing the Israelites more time to achieve victory. Joshua 10:13 records: "So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies." Adonizedek and the other four kings fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave's entrance to be sealed with large stones and guarded. After the battle, the kings were brought out, executed, and their bodies displayed on trees until evening, as a sign of complete victory and divine judgment. Legacy Adonizedek's defeat marked a significant turning point in the Israelite conquest of Canaan. His coalition's failure demonstrated the futility of resisting God's ordained plan for Israel. The fall of Jerusalem's king foreshadowed the eventual establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David. Adonizedek's account serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. His name, ironically meaning "Lord of Righteousness," contrasts with his opposition to God's chosen people, highlighting the ultimate triumph of divine righteousness over human opposition. Smith's Bible Dictionary Adonizedek(lord of justice), the Amorite king of Jerusalem who organized a league with four other Amorite princes against Joshua. The confederate kings having laid siege to Gibeon, Joshua marched to the relief of his new allies and put the besiegers to flight. The five kings took refuge in a cave at Makkedah, whence they were taken and slain, their bodies hung on trees, and then buried in the place of their concealment. (Joshua 10:1-27) (B.C. 1450.) ATS Bible Dictionary AdonizedekA king of Jerusalem who made an alliance with four other kings against Joshua. A great battle was fought at Gibeon, where the Lord aided Israel by a terrific hailstorm, and by miraculously prolonging the day. The five kings were utterly routed, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah; but were taken by Joshua, and put to death, Joshua 10:1-43. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ADONI-ZEDEKa-do-ni-ze'-dek ('adhonitsedheq, "lord of righteousness"): King of Jerusalem at the time of the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 10:1). When he heard of the fall of Ai and the submission of the Gibeonites, he entered into a league with four other kings to resist Joshua and Israel, and to punish Gibeon (Joshua 10:3, 4), but was overthrown by Joshua in a memorable battle (Joshua 10:12-14). Adoni-zedek and his four allies were shut up in a cave, while the battle lasted, and afterward were taken out by Joshua's order, put to death and hanged on trees (Joshua 10:22-27). It is noticeable that the name is almost the equivalent of Melchizedek, malkitsedheq, "king of righteousness," who was ruler of Jerusalem in the time of Abraham. Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Thesaurus Adonizedek/a/adonizedek.htm - 7k Elamarna Tablets (31 Occurrences) El-amarna Tell (3056 Occurrences) Adoni-zedec (2 Occurrences) Adoni-zedek (4 Occurrences) Jebusites (29 Occurrences) Jerusalem (782 Occurrences) Eglon (13 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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