Topical Encyclopedia Adoni-Zedek, whose name means "Lord of Righteousness," was a Canaanite king of Jerusalem during the time of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. His account is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 10. As a significant figure in the narrative of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, Adoni-Zedek's actions and subsequent defeat highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites and the divine judgment upon the Canaanite nations.Historical Context Adoni-Zedek ruled Jerusalem, a city that held strategic and religious significance even in ancient times. During his reign, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were advancing into Canaan, having already achieved significant victories, including the destruction of Jericho and Ai. The fear of the Israelites and their God spread among the Canaanite kings, prompting Adoni-Zedek to take action. Alliance Against Gibeon Alarmed by the Gibeonites' treaty with Israel, Adoni-Zedek formed a coalition with four other Amorite kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. This alliance aimed to punish Gibeon for aligning with Israel and to halt the Israelite advance. Joshua 10:3-4 records, "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. We will attack Gibeon, because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.'" The Battle and Divine Intervention In response to the Amorite coalition's attack on Gibeon, the Gibeonites called upon Joshua for help. Joshua, honoring the treaty, led the Israelite army on an all-night march from Gilgal to Gibeon. The Lord assured Joshua of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8). The battle that ensued was marked by divine intervention. As the Israelites fought, the Lord threw the Amorites into confusion, and more were killed by a hailstorm sent by God than by the sword of the Israelites (Joshua 10:10-11). Furthermore, in one of the most extraordinary events recorded in the Bible, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still to allow more time for the battle, and God granted his request (Joshua 10:12-14). Defeat and Execution The five kings, including Adoni-Zedek, 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, humiliated by having the Israelite commanders place their feet on their necks, and then executed. Their bodies were hung on trees until evening and then thrown back into the cave, which was sealed again (Joshua 10:16-27). Theological Significance Adoni-Zedek's account underscores several key theological themes. First, it demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, as He delivered the Canaanite kings into Israel's hands, fulfilling His covenant with Abraham regarding the land. Second, it highlights the sovereignty and power of God, who intervenes in human history to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the miraculous extension of daylight and the hailstorm. Lastly, the narrative serves as a sobering reminder of divine judgment against those who oppose God's will and His chosen people. Adoni-Zedek's defeat marked a turning point in the conquest of Canaan, as it led to the eventual subjugation of the southern region, paving the way for Israel's continued victories and settlement in the land promised to them by God. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 10:1-27Now it came to pass, when Adonizedec king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them; Nave's Topical Index Library "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Resources What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “the Lord said to my Lord”? | GotQuestions.org What do LORD, GOD, Lord, God, etc., stand for in the Bible? Why are they used in place of God's name? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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