Adoni-Zedek
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Adoni-Zedek in the Bible?
Adoni-zedek was a king of Jerusalem who formed a coalition with four other Canaanite rulers to resist the Israelite advance under Joshua, but was defeated, captured, and executed.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Adoni-zedek clarifies the political landscape of Canaan during the conquest, showing that the Israelites faced organized military alliances rather than isolated city-states, and his name's similarity to Melchizedek underscores the continuity of Jerusalem's royal lineage across different biblical eras.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Adoni-Zedek reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Adoni-Zedek in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Adoni-Zedek clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Adoni-Zedek." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adonizedek/