Adoni-bezek

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew, “lord of Bezek,” a title linking him to the city/region of Bezek.
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period
• Main References: Judges 1:4–7
• Key Connections: Canaanite kings subdued by him; the tribe of Judah (and Simeon) who captured him

Who was Adoni-bezek?

Adoni-bezek was a Canaanite ruler associated with Bezek in the early period of Israel’s settlement in the land.
He was known for humiliating captured kings by cutting off their thumbs and big toes.
After being defeated by Judah, he interpreted his fate as fitting repayment for his actions.
He was taken to Jerusalem, where he died.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Led in conflicts in which “seventy kings” were mutilated and reduced to dependence (Judges 1:7).
• Event 2: Was defeated when Judah fought against the Canaanites and Perizzites at Bezek (Judges 1:4–5).
• Event 3: Was captured, mutilated in the same way, and brought to Jerusalem, where he died (Judges 1:6–7).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Adoni-bezek is remembered as an example of acknowledged retribution within Israel’s early conquest narratives.

Key Verse

"And Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and their big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there." — Judges 1:7, ESV