Bible Dictionary
Bezek
Bezek was the name of two places: the residence of Adoni-bezek, and the site where Saul assembled Israel’s army before relieving Jabesh-gilead.
Definition
Bezek is the name of two places mentioned in the biblical record. One was the residence of Adoni-bezek in the territory of Judah; the other was the place where Saul assembled the forces of Israel and Judah.
Biblical Usage
Judah and Simeon took the city associated with Adoni-bezek. Later, Saul numbered the armies of Israel and Judah at another place called Bezek before marching to the relief of Jabesh-gilead.
Historical Background
The first Bezek was in the hill country of Judah, not far from Jerusalem. The second lay somewhere near the Jordan valley in the central part of the country. Suggested identifications include Bezqah and Khirbet Ibziq.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Lightning. (1.) The residence of Adoni-bezek, in the lot of Judah (Judg. 1:5). It was in the mountains, not far from Jerusalem. Probably the modern Bezkah, 6 miles south-east of Lydda. (2.) The place where Saul numbered the forces of Israel and Judah (1 Sam. 11:8); somewhere in the centre of the country, near the Jordan valley. Probably the modern Ibzik, 13 miles north-east of Shechem.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(lightning).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be'-zek (bezeq; Bezek, Codex Vaticanus, Abiezek):</p><p>(1) The city of Adoni-bezek taken by Judah and Simeon (Jud 1:4 f), in the territory allotted to Judah. It is somewhat doubtfully identified with Bezqah, about 3 miles Northeast of Gezer.</p><p>(2) The place where Saul marshaled his army before marching to the relief of Jabesh-gilead (1Sa 11:8). Eusebius, Onomasticon speaks of two villages of this name 17 Roman miles from Shechem, on the way to Scythopolis. No doubt Khirbet Ibziq is intended. Here, or on the neighboring height, Ras Ibziq, a mountain 2,404 ft. above sea level, the army probably assembled.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>