Bible Dictionary
Adonizedek
Adonizedek was the Amorite king of Jerusalem who joined four other kings against Joshua and Gibeon. He was captured and executed at Makkedah.
Definition
Adonizedek was the Amorite king of Jerusalem who organized a league with four other Amorite rulers against Joshua and the Gibeonites.
Biblical Usage
After Joshua defeated the coalition, the five kings hid in a cave at Makkedah. They were captured, executed, and buried there, as recorded in Joshua 10:1-27.
Historical Background
The account places Adonizedek in the period of Joshua and identifies his name with the meaning “lord of justice.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(lord of justice), the Amorite king of Jerusalem who organized a league with four other Amorite princes against Joshua. The confederate kings having laid siege to Gibeon, Joshua marched to the relief of his new allies and put the besiegers to flight. The five kings took refuge in a cave at Makkedah, whence they were taken and slain, their bodies hung on trees, and then buried in the place of their concealment. (Joshua 10:1-27) (B.C. 1450.)