Topical Encyclopedia Adoni-bezek is a figure mentioned in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. He was a Canaanite king who ruled over the city of Bezek, which is believed to have been located in the region of Judah. His account is primarily found in Judges 1:4-7, where he is depicted as a powerful and ruthless leader who faced the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan.Biblical Account: The narrative of Adoni-bezek begins with the Israelites, under the leadership of the tribes of Judah and Simeon, launching a campaign against the Canaanites and Perizzites. 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." Adoni-bezek's defeat is significant not only for the military victory but also for the subsequent treatment he received. Judges 1:6-7 recounts, "As Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. 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 Context: Adoni-bezek's practice of mutilating captured kings by cutting off their thumbs and big toes was a form of humiliation and incapacitation, rendering them unable to wield weapons or run effectively. This act of retribution by the Israelites, therefore, mirrored his own cruelty, serving as a divine judgment upon him. His acknowledgment of God's justice—"As I have done, so God has repaid me"—reflects a recognition of the moral order upheld by divine providence. The account of Adoni-bezek illustrates the broader theme of divine justice and retribution found throughout the Scriptures. It underscores the belief that God holds individuals and nations accountable for their actions, often using human agents to execute His judgments. The Israelites' conquest of Canaan, including the defeat of Adoni-bezek, is portrayed as part of God's plan to establish His people in the Promised Land, fulfilling the covenant promises made to the patriarchs. Cultural and Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Bezek remains uncertain, it is generally thought to have been situated in the hill country of Judah. The practice of mutilating captives, as described in the account of Adoni-bezek, is corroborated by other ancient Near Eastern texts and archaeological findings, which reveal similar practices among various cultures of the time. Adoni-bezek's account serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the moral complexities faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in Canaan. His acknowledgment of divine justice provides a poignant reflection on the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and individuals. Legacy: Adoni-bezek's legacy is primarily one of a cautionary tale about the consequences of cruelty and the inevitability of divine justice. His account is a testament to the biblical principle that "whatever a man sows, he will reap" (Galatians 6:7), illustrating the moral order that governs the universe under God's sovereign rule. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Adoni-Bezekthe lightning of the Lord; the Lord of lightning Strong's Hebrew 137. Adoni-bezeq -- "lord of Bezek," a ruler in Canaan... "lord of Bezek," a ruler in Canaan. Transliteration: Adoni-bezeq Phonetic Spelling: (ad-o''-nee-beh'-zek) Short Definition: Adoni-bezek. ... Adoni-bezek. ... /hebrew/137.htm - 6k Library How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... Book 5 Footnotes The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Thesaurus Adonibezek (2 Occurrences)... 1 Samuel 15:33). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADONIBEZEK. ... This is quite another name. Multi-Version Concordance Adonibezek (2 Occurrences). ... /a/adonibezek.htm - 8k Adoni-bezek (3 Occurrences) Bezek (3 Occurrences) Thumbs (4 Occurrences) Toes (8 Occurrences) Big (21 Occurrences) Fleeth (54 Occurrences) Requited (12 Occurrences) Rout (6 Occurrences) Melchisedec (10 Occurrences) Resources Who was Adoni-Bezek? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Judges | GotQuestions.org Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Adoni-bezek (3 Occurrences)Judges 1:5 Judges 1:6 Judges 1:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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