As Adoni-bezek fledAdoni-bezek was a Canaanite king, and his name means "lord of Bezek." Bezek was a city in the territory of Judah, indicating the Israelites' campaign to conquer the land promised to them. The act of fleeing suggests a battle or confrontation, typical of the period of the Judges when Israel was in the process of taking possession of Canaan. This reflects the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Canaanite inhabitants, fulfilling God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land (
Deuteronomy 7:1-2).
they pursued him
The Israelites' pursuit of Adoni-bezek demonstrates their commitment to God's command to conquer the land. This pursuit is indicative of the military campaigns led by the tribes of Israel during the conquest period. It also reflects the broader theme of divine justice and retribution, as the Israelites act as instruments of God's judgment against the Canaanite kings who opposed them.
seized him
The capture of Adoni-bezek signifies a victory for the Israelites and the fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land. This act of seizing a king is symbolic of the transfer of power and the establishment of Israelite dominance in the region. It also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan.
and cut off his thumbs and big toes
This act of mutilation was a common practice in ancient warfare to incapacitate a captured enemy, rendering them unable to wield a weapon or run effectively. It was a form of humiliation and a demonstration of complete victory over an adversary. Adoni-bezek himself acknowledges this practice in the following verse, indicating that he had done the same to seventy kings. This reflects the principle of "measure for measure" justice found throughout Scripture (e.g.,Matthew 7:2). The act also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as the Canaanite kings faced judgment for their opposition to God's people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Adoni-bezekA Canaanite king who ruled over seventy kings, known for his cruelty in cutting off their thumbs and big toes. His name means "lord of Bezek."
2.
BezekA location in the territory of Judah where the Israelites defeated Adoni-bezek. It is significant as the place of his capture and punishment.
3.
The IsraelitesThe people of God, specifically the tribes of Judah and Simeon, who were tasked with driving out the inhabitants of the Promised Land.
4.
The Pursuit and CaptureThe event where the Israelites pursued Adoni-bezek, captured him, and enacted justice by cutting off his thumbs and big toes.
5.
Divine JusticeThe overarching theme of this event, highlighting the principle of retributive justice as Adoni-bezek received the same treatment he had inflicted on others.
Teaching Points
Retributive JusticeThe account of Adoni-bezek serves as a reminder of the biblical principle of retributive justice. It underscores the importance of understanding that our actions have consequences.
God's SovereigntyThis event illustrates God's sovereignty in using the Israelites to execute justice. It reminds us that God is in control and will bring about justice in His timing.
The Consequences of SinAdoni-bezek's fate is a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and cruelty. It encourages believers to live righteously and treat others with kindness and respect.
Repentance and ForgivenessWhile the account focuses on justice, it also prompts us to consider the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness to avoid the consequences of sin.
The Role of God's PeopleThe Israelites' role in executing justice highlights the responsibility of God's people to stand against evil and uphold righteousness in their communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 1:6?
2.How does Judges 1:6 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
3.What can we learn about God's justice from Adoni-Bezek's fate in Judges 1:6?
4.How does Judges 1:6 connect with the principle of reaping what you sow?
5.In what ways can we apply the lessons of Judges 1:6 today?
6.How does Adoni-Bezek's punishment reflect the biblical theme of divine retribution?
7.Why did Adoni-Bezek's punishment involve cutting off his thumbs and big toes in Judges 1:6?
8.How does Judges 1:6 reflect the concept of divine justice in the Bible?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Judges 1:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 1?
11.Who was Adoni-Bezek in biblical history?
12.How can we judge angels if they judge us?
13.1 Chronicles 20:6: Is the mention of a giant with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot biologically credible or purely symbolic?
14.How reliable is the 480-year timeline in 1 Kings 6:1 when it conflicts with other Old Testament chronologies?What Does Judges 1:6 Mean
As Adoni-bezek fled“Adoni-bezek fled” captures the first response of a wicked king when confronted by the people of God.
•Proverbs 28:1 reminds us, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
• His flight echoes earlier Canaanite panic—Joshua 10:16-17 shows kings hiding in a cave when Israel advanced.
• The moment underscores that God’s judgment causes fear in unrepentant hearts (Exodus 23:27).
they pursued himIsrael does not let him escape; they act in line with the Lord’s command to drive out the inhabitants of the land.
•Deuteronomy 7:2 calls Israel to “completely destroy them.”
•Joshua 10:19 records a similar chase: “But do not stay there yourselves; pursue your enemies…”.
• Pursuit illustrates obedience and courage—qualities God promised to bless (Joshua 23:10).
seized himThe capture itself fulfills God’s promise to hand enemy kings over.
•Deuteronomy 7:24: “He will deliver their kings into your hand, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven.”
•Psalm 18:37-38 reflects David’s later experience: “I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed”.
• Seizing Adoni-bezek demonstrates the certainty of God’s word coming to pass.
cut off his thumbs and big toesThis unusual punishment rendered the king powerless to grip a weapon or run—publicly marking him as defeated.
• In the very next verse, Adoni-bezek admits, “Seventy kings with the thumbs and big toes cut off have gathered scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me” (Judges 1:7), showing poetic justice.
• The law of sowing and reaping is timeless:Galatians 6:7 says, “Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.”
• Disabling conquered kings was not random cruelty; it prevented future rebellion, fulfillingDeuteronomy 9:3’s promise that God “will subdue them before you.”
• It also prefigures ultimate judgment—Revelation 19:15 pictures the Lord striking down the nations so evil will never rise again.
summaryJudges 1:6 illustrates God’s sure judgment on unrepentant evil, the necessity of obedient pursuit by His people, and the fitting justice that meets sin. Adoni-bezek’s flight could not outrun divine decree; Israel’s pursuit and capture confirmed God’s promises; the humiliating mutilation mirrored the cruelty he had shown others and ensured he would no longer threaten God’s purposes. The verse calls believers to trust God’s Word, obey promptly, and remember that justice—whether swift or delayed—always arrives under God’s sovereign hand.
(6)
Cut off his thumbs and his great toes.--The cutting off of his thumbs would prevent him from ever again drawing a bow or wielding a sword. Romans who desired to escape conscription cut off their thumbs (Suet.
Aug.24). The cutting off of his great toes would deprive him of that speed which was so essential for an ancient warrior, that "swift-footed" is in Homer the normal epithet of Achilles. Either of these mutilations would be sufficient to rob him of his throne, since ancient races never tolerated a king who had any personal defects. This kind of punishment was not uncommon in ancient days, and it was with the same general object that the Athenians inflicted it on the conquered 'ginetans. Mohammed (Koran,
Sur.8:12) ordered the enemies of Islam to be thus punished; and it used to be the ancient German method of punishing poachers ('lian,
Var. Hist. ii. 9). The peculiar appropriateness of the punishment in this instance arose from the
Lex talionis,or "law of equivalent punishment," which Moses had tolerated as the best means to limit the intensity of those blood-feuds (
Leviticus 24:19-20;
Deuteronomy 19:21; comp.
Judges 15:10-11). which, "because of the hardness of their hearts," he was unable entirely to abolish.
Verse 6. -
Cut off his thumbs, etc. These cruel mutilations, like the still more cruel one of putting out the eyes (
Judges 16:21;
Numbers 16:14;
1 Samuel 11:2;
2 Kings 25:7), were intended to cripple the warrior in his speed, and to incapacitate hint from the use of the bow, or sword, or spear, while yet sparing his life, either in mercy, or for the purpose of retaining his services for the conqueror.
CHAPTER 1:8-20
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
As Adoni-bezekבֶ֔זֶק(ḇe·zeq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 137:Adoni-bezek -- 'lord of Bezek', a ruler in Canaanfled,וַיָּ֙נָס֙(way·yā·nās)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127:To flit, vanish awaythey pursued him,וַֽיִּרְדְּפ֖וּ(way·yir·də·p̄ū)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7291:To pursue, chase, persecuteseized him,וַיֹּאחֲז֣וּ(way·yō·ḥă·zū)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 270:To grasp, take hold, take possessionand cut offוַֽיְקַצְּצ֔וּ(way·qaṣ·ṣə·ṣū)Direct object marker
Strong's 7112:To chop offhis thumbsבְּהֹנ֥וֹת(bə·hō·nō·wṯ)Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 931:The thumb of the hand, great toe of the footand big toes.וְרַגְלָֽיו׃(wə·raḡ·lāw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudenda
Links
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OT History: Judges 1:6 But Adoni-Bezek fled (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
