Judges 1:6

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

Adoni-Bézek prit la fuite, mais ils le poursuivirent et le capturèrent, puis ils lui coupèrent les pouces des mains et des pieds.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a battle where Adonibezek tries to escape but is caught by his enemies. They punish him by cutting off his thumbs and big toes. This act was meant to prevent him from ever fighting again.

Explained for Children

Imagine if someone was mean to you and tried to run away, but you caught them. To make sure they couldn't hurt anyone else, you made it hard for them to run or grab things. That's what happened to Adonibezek in this story.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written after the Israelites entered the Promised Land and covers events from around 1350 to 1050 BCE. The audience were the Israelites who were living in this period. Cutting thumbs and toes was a cruel punishment in ancient times, meant to disable an enemy.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, if someone has wronged you, rather than seeking harsh revenge, it's better to look for ways to prevent future harm through peaceful means, such as communication and setting boundaries.

Topics

• war
• punishment
• vengeance
• disability
• judgment
• retribution

Related Verses

• Joshua 10:12-14
• 2 Samuel 20:21-22
• 1 Samuel 15:33
• Genesis 14:17
• Luke 23:34

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did they cut off Adonibezek's thumbs and toes?

They did this to prevent Adonibezek from ever fighting again, as it made him unable to effectively use weapons or run away.

What can we learn from this act of revenge?

It teaches us that while there may be reasons for punishment, we should seek just and humane ways to address wrongdoings without resorting to cruel methods.

How did the Israelites view Adonibezek?

The Israelites saw Adonibezek as a threat and wanted to ensure he could no longer harm them or lead others against them.

Are there similar punishments described in other parts of the Bible?

Yes, there are similar acts of punishment in other parts of the Old Testament where enemies were mutilated as a form of retribution.