The Hebrew name ʼĂdônîy-Bezeq, represented by H137, identifies a specific Canaanitish king whose name means lord of Bezek. This name is not a general term but a proper noun, appearing only 3 times in 3 unique verses in the Bible. All occurrences are contained within a single, brief narrative that chronicles his rise and fall.
The biblical account introduces H137 when the Israelites find him in Bezek and fight against him Judges 1:5. After the battle, Adonibezek flees, but he is pursued, caught, and subjected to a specific punishment: his thumbs and great toes are cut off Judges 1:6. In his moment of capture, Adonibezek confesses that he had done the exact same thing to seventy other kings, who were forced to gather food under his table. He acknowledges his fate as just, stating, "as I have done, so God hath requited me" Judges 1:7. Following this, he is brought to Jerusalem, where he dies.
Several related words illuminate the key actions in the narrative of Adonibezek:
- H5127 nûwç (to flit, i.e. vanish away): This word describes Adonibezek's attempt to flee after his defeat Judges 1:6. It is often used to depict enemies who are scattered or put to flight by God's power Psalms 68:1.
- H270 ʼâchaz (to seize): After being pursued, Adonibezek was caught. This primitive root conveys the idea of seizing or taking hold, whether it is capturing an enemy, taking possession of land, or being held by God's hand Genesis 47:27.
- H7112 qâtsats (to chop off): This verb is central to the punishment inflicted upon Adonibezek, whose thumbs and toes were cut off Judges 1:6. The same word is used to describe his own cruelty toward other kings Judges 1:7.
- H7999 shâlam (to reciprocate): Adonibezek uses this word when he admits that God has requited him for his actions Judges 1:7. The root carries a broad meaning of making something complete, including making restitution or rendering a reward or recompense.
The story of H137 carries significant narrative weight, illustrating several key themes:
- Divine Retribution: The account is a stark example of retributive justice. The punishment Adonibezek receives directly mirrors the brutal acts he committed against seventy other kings, a fact he himself confesses.
- The Fall of a Tyrant: As a powerful king who subjugated others, Adonibezek's capture and mutilation symbolize the humbling of the arrogant and the downfall of oppressive powers.
- Sovereign Justice: Notably, it is a Canaanitish king who verbalizes the story's moral. His declaration, "so God hath requited me," serves as a powerful testimony from an enemy to the sovereign justice of God, who repays evil with a fitting punishment Judges 1:7.
In summary, H137 ʼĂdônîy-Bezeq is the name of a specific historical figure whose story serves as a concise and powerful parable. Though his name appears only three times, his narrative provides a vivid illustration of the biblical principle of retributive justice, where the punishment fits the crime. His life and death demonstrate that no earthly power is above the judgment of God, who repays individuals according to their deeds.
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