John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And they found Adonibezek in Bezek , etc.] Who was king of, the place, and whose name signifies lord of Bezek; not that they took him there, for he is afterwards said to make his escape from thence, but here he was when they came against that city, and into which they rushed upon him, and fell upon him as follows: and they fought against him ; entering the city with their forces: and they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites : that were in it, or about it, even to the number of ten thousand, as before related, ( Judges 1:4).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites wa to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects the inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Juda was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service wil not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon' friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to hel one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus hel one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously hel both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a sever tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made his suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confesse that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteou God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
Original Hebrew וימצאו4672 את853 אדני בזק137 בבזק966 וילחמו3898 בו ויכו5221 את853 הכנעני3669 ואת853 הפרזי׃6522
