Topical Encyclopedia Ado'ni-be'zek is 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 Benjamin.Biblical Account: The narrative of Ado'ni-be'zek is found in the early chapters of Judges, which describe the initial conquests of the Israelites in the Promised Land following the death of Joshua. The tribes of Judah and Simeon join forces to fight against the Canaanites and Perizzites, and they encounter Ado'ni-be'zek in battle. Judges 1:4-5 states: "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." Ado'ni-be'zek is captured during this battle, and the Israelites enact a form of retributive justice upon him. Judges 1:6-7 continues: "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." Historical and Theological Significance: The account of Ado'ni-be'zek serves as a vivid illustration of the principle of divine justice and retribution. His own words acknowledge the justice of God, as he recognizes that the punishment he receives mirrors the cruelty he inflicted upon others. This reflects the biblical theme of "measure for measure," where individuals often face consequences that correspond to their actions. Ado'ni-be'zek's treatment of the seventy kings, whom he mutilated and humiliated, underscores the brutal and oppressive nature of Canaanite kingship, which the Israelites were commanded to overthrow. His capture and subsequent punishment by the Israelites signify the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, the mutilation of captured kings was not uncommon as a means of demonstrating dominance and ensuring that they could no longer pose a military threat. The act of cutting off thumbs and big toes would render a person unable to wield a weapon or run effectively, thus symbolizing complete subjugation. Legacy: Ado'ni-be'zek's account is a reminder of the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals. It highlights the moral order that God upholds, where justice is ultimately served, and the wicked face the consequences of their actions. His acknowledgment of divine retribution serves as a testament to the universal recognition of God's justice, even among those who do not worship Him. Concordance Ado'ni-be'zek (2 Occurrences)Judges 1:5 Judges 1:6 Thesaurus Ado'ni-be'zek (2 Occurrences)Ado'ni-be'zek. Adoni-bezek, Ado'ni-be'zek. Adonijah . Multi-Version Concordance Ado'ni-be'zek (2 Occurrences). Judges 1:5 They came ... /a/ado'ni-be'zek.htm - 6k Adonijah (28 Occurrences) Per'izzites (21 Occurrences) Scraps (5 Occurrences) Adoni-bezek (3 Occurrences) Defeated (88 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |