Bible Dictionary
ADONI-ZEDEK
Adoni-zedek was king of Jerusalem when Joshua conquered Canaan. He formed an alliance against Gibeon, was defeated by Joshua, and was executed with his allied kings.
Definition
Adoni-zedek, whose name means “lord of righteousness,” was king of Jerusalem during the conquest of Canaan. He formed an alliance with four other kings against Gibeon and Israel.
Biblical Usage
After Joshua defeated the allied kings, Adoni-zedek and his companions were shut in a cave, brought out at Joshua’s command, put to death, and hanged on trees.
Historical Background
His name closely resembles Melchizedek, meaning “king of righteousness,” who had ruled Jerusalem in Abraham’s time.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-do-ni-ze'-dek ('adhonitsedheq, "lord of righteousness"): King of Jerusalem at the time of the conquest of Canaan (Jos 10:1). When he heard of the fall of Ai and the submission of the Gibeonites, he entered into a league with four other kings to resist Joshua and Israel, and to punish Gibeon (Jos 10:3,4), but was overthrown by Joshua in a memorable battle (Jos 10:12-14). Adoni-zedek and his four allies were shut up in a cave, while the battle lasted, and afterward were taken out by Joshua's order, put to death and hanged on trees (Jos 10:22-27). It is noticeable that the name is almost the equivalent of Melchizedek, malkitsedheq, "king of righteousness," who was ruler of Jerusalem in the time of Abraham.</p><p>Edward Mack</p>