To insult over him indeed, as he had insulted over others, would have been inconsistent with those gracious affections, which Israel, as the Lord’s people, were bound to exercise. The conduct of this king had been most cruel- But he in his turn was made to feel the judgments which he had so wantonly inflicted upon others- : and doubtless it was by the direction of God, the righteous Governor of the universe, that the Israelites on this occasion maimed the body of their captive king.
The particular dispensation here recorded. Him they treated with great severity: and their conduct towards him forms the subject of our present consideration. God gave them success, and delivered into their hand Adoni-bezek, one of the most powerful of the kings of Canaan. However, after having consulted God, Judah, by divine direction, took the lead, and, in conjunction with the tribe of Simeon, renewed the conflict with the Canaanites. Now therefore the different tribes found the bitter consequences of their past indifference and, as it should seem, were afraid to resume a warfare with such potent enemies.
The Israelites had increased, and now wanted the whole of their inheritance: but the Canaanites had increased also, and, possessing still their strong-holds, were able to cope with Israel in battle. Joshua had reproved them for their indolence, and quickened them in some degree but still, after his death, and fifteen years after their first invasion of Canaan, no one of the tribes had complete possession of the lot assigned them. It was thus with the Israelites in the invasion of Canaan: if they had followed up their successes with becoming zeal, their difficulties would have been comparatively light: but at no time did they advance with that ardour which they should have manifested in such a cause. THERE are times and seasons afforded us for the performance of our duty, which, if they be once lost, can never afterwards be recovered.
And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. But Adoni-bezek fled and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
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