Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Known for its leadership and prominence, Judah was the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The tribe's early exploits in the Promised Land are recorded in the Book of Judges, where they played a pivotal role in the conquest of Canaan.Bezek: A Key Battle Site Bezek is mentioned in the context of the Tribe of Judah's military campaigns during the period of the Judges. After the death of Joshua, the Israelites sought guidance from the Lord on who should lead the charge against the Canaanites. The Lord designated the Tribe of Judah to go first. Judges 1:1-2 states, "After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, 'Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?' The LORD answered, 'Judah shall go up. Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.'" In obedience to God's command, the men of Judah set out to conquer the land. They were joined by the tribe of Simeon, their brother tribe, as they embarked on this mission. The first significant battle recorded in this campaign took place at Bezek. Judges 1:4-5 recounts, "When Judah attacked, the LORD delivered the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands, and they struck down ten thousand men at Bezek. And there they found Adoni-Bezek and fought against him, striking down the Canaanites and Perizzites." Adoni-Bezek: The Defeated King Adoni-Bezek, the king of Bezek, is a notable figure in this narrative. Known for his cruelty, he had previously subdued seventy kings, mutilating them by cutting off their thumbs and big toes, forcing them to scavenge under his table. However, his own downfall came at the hands of the Israelites. Judges 1:6-7 describes his capture and punishment: "As Adoni-Bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. Then Adoni-Bezek said, '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.' And they brought him to Jerusalem, where he died." Significance of the Battle at Bezek The victory at Bezek was a testament to the Lord's faithfulness in delivering the enemies of Israel into their hands. It demonstrated the power and leadership of the Tribe of Judah, setting the stage for their continued dominance in the region. This battle also served as a moral lesson on divine justice, as seen in the fate of Adoni-Bezek, who recognized the retributive justice of God in his own punishment. The account of Judah at Bezek highlights the tribe's role as a leader among the Israelites, fulfilling God's command to take possession of the land He had promised to their ancestors. This event is a precursor to the establishment of Judah's preeminence, which would later culminate in the Davidic dynasty and the birth of the Messiah. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 11:8And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 24:9 Library How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... Saul's Expedition against the Nation of the Ammonites and victory ... A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judah: A Prince or Priest Who Assisted in the Dedication of the Walls of Jerusalem Judah: Intercedes for Joseph's Life when his Brothers Were About to Kill Him Judah: Name of Two Exiled Priests Judah: Son of Jacob: Goes Down Into Egypt for Corn (Grain) Judah: Son of Jacob: His Incest With his Daughter-In-Law Judah: Son of Jacob: Lives at Chezib Judah: Son of Jacob: Prophetic Benediction of his Father Upon Judah: Son of Jacob: Takes Two Wives Judah: Son of Jacob: The Ancestor of Jesus the Tribe of Judah with Benjamin Alone, Adhered to the House of David the Tribe of Judah: After Saul's Rebellion Appointed to Furnish Kings to Israel the Tribe of Judah: Aided Saul in his Wars the Tribe of Judah: Bounds of Inheritance the Tribe of Judah: Descended from Jacob's Fourth Son the Tribe of Judah: Encamped With Its Standard East of the Tabernacle the Tribe of Judah: Families of the Tribe of Judah: First and Most Vigorous in Driving out the Canaanites the Tribe of Judah: Furnished to Israel the First Judge the Tribe of Judah: Led the First Division of Israel in Their Journeys the Tribe of Judah: Offering of, at Dedication the Tribe of Judah: Officer Placed Over by David the Tribe of Judah: On Gerizim Said Amen to the Blessings the Tribe of Judah: Other Tribes Jealous of, on Account of David the Tribe of Judah: out Lord Sprang From the Tribe of Judah: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land the Tribe of Judah: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Judah: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Judah: Predictions Respecting the Tribe of Judah: Reigned Over Alone by David Seven Years and a Half the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Absalom the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Achan the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Adonijah the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Bezaleel the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Boaz the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Caleb the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of David the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Elhanan the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Elihu the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Elimelech the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Jesse the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Jonathan the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Kings of Judah (See 1st and 2nd Books of Kings) the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Nahshon the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Obed the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Pethahiah the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Solomon the Tribe of Judah: Reproved for Tardiness in Bringing Back David After Absalom's the Tribe of Judah: Strength of on Entering Canaan the Tribe of Judah: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt the Tribe of Judah: The First to Submit to David the Tribe of Judah: The Last Tribe Carried Into Captivity the Tribe of Judah: Went First Against Gibeah Tribe of Judah by Whom Commanded Tribe of Judah is Accorded the Birthright Forfeited by Reuben Tribe of Judah: Accused by the Other Tribes of Stealing the Heart of David Tribe of Judah: Commissioned by God to Lead in the Conquest of the Promised Land Tribe of Judah: Inheritance of Tribe of Judah: Loyal to David at the Time of the Insurrection Led by Sheba Tribe of Judah: Loyal to the House of David at the Time of the Revolt of the Ten Tribes Tribe of Judah: Make David King Tribe of Judah: Moses' Benediction Upon Tribe of Judah: On the Plain of Moab Tribe of Judah: Place of, in Encampments and the March Tribe of Judah: Prophecies Concerning Tribe of Judah: Rebuked by David for Lukewarmness Toward Him After Absalom's Defeat Related Terms |