Topical Encyclopedia Adoni-Bezek was a Canaanite king mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 1:4-7. His name, meaning "lord of Bezek," indicates his rule over the city of Bezek, a location whose exact historical site remains uncertain but is believed to be in the region of Judah or Ephraim. Adoni-Bezek is a notable figure due to his encounter with the tribes of Judah and Simeon during the early conquest of Canaan.Biblical Account: The narrative of Adoni-Bezek is found in Judges 1:4-7. The passage describes how the men of Judah, with the assistance of the Simeonites, went up to fight against the Canaanites and Perizzites. The Lord delivered these enemies into their hands, and they struck down ten thousand men at Bezek. The text states: "And Judah went up, and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands, and they struck down ten thousand men at Bezek. And they found Adoni-Bezek in Bezek and fought against him, and they defeated the Canaanites and Perizzites." (Judges 1:4-5) Adoni-Bezek fled, but the Israelites pursued and captured him. In a significant act of retributive justice, they cut off his thumbs and big toes. This punishment mirrored the treatment Adoni-Bezek had inflicted upon seventy kings whom he had subdued, forcing them to gather scraps under his table. Adoni-Bezek himself acknowledged the justice of his fate, saying: "Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off used to gather scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me." (Judges 1:7) Following his capture and mutilation, Adoni-Bezek was brought to Jerusalem, where he died. Historical and Theological Significance: Adoni-Bezek's account is illustrative of the broader theme of divine justice and retribution found throughout the Scriptures. His acknowledgment of God's repayment for his own cruel actions serves as a testament to the biblical principle that individuals often reap what they sow (cf. Galatians 6:7). The account underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals, demonstrating that even the mightiest of kings are subject to divine judgment. The mutilation of Adoni-Bezek, while harsh by modern standards, reflects the ancient Near Eastern practices of warfare and justice. It served both as a form of punishment and as a means to incapacitate a leader, preventing further military threat. The Israelites' actions against Adoni-Bezek were consistent with the divine mandate to conquer and subdue the Canaanite nations, as part of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, kings often displayed their power and dominance through acts of subjugation and humiliation of their enemies. Adoni-Bezek's treatment of the seventy kings highlights the brutal realities of ancient warfare and the assertion of dominance through physical mutilation. This cultural backdrop provides insight into the severity of his punishment and the subsequent acknowledgment of divine justice. Adoni-Bezek's account, though brief, serves as a poignant reminder of the moral and spiritual lessons embedded within the historical narratives of the Old Testament. His life and downfall illustrate the consequences of pride and cruelty, and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of men. Nave's Topical Index Judges 1:4-7And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 137. Adoni-bezeq -- "lord of Bezek," a ruler in Canaan... Adoni-bezek. From 'adown and Bezeq; lord of Bezek; Adoni-Bezek; a Canaanitish king -- Adoni-bezek. see HEBREW 'adown. see HEBREW Bezeq. 136, 137. ... /hebrew/137.htm - 6k Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Gideon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Adonai? | GotQuestions.org What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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