ADONIZEDEK, King of Zedek, or Jerusalem; for this City is believed to have had four names; viz. Salem, Jerusalem, Jebus, and Zedeck. A proof of this last name we have in Melchisedeck; that is to say, the King of Sedech, or Salem. Adonizedeck therefore having understood that the Inhabitants of Gibeon had made their composition with the Hebrews, and that the Cities of Jericho and Ai had been destroyed by them, was struck with terror, and considered how he might put a stop to the Conquests of the Josh. x. 1, 2, &c. In the Year of the World 2553. before J. C. 1447. before the vulg. Æra 1451.Israelites. He sent to Hoham King of Hebron, to Piram King of Jarmuth, to Japhia King of Lachish, and unto Debir King of Eglon, inviting them to join with him, in order to go and take Gibeon, and chastise the Inhabitants who had submitted to the Israelites. These five Kings therefore marched against Gibeon, and besieged it.
The Gibeonites, upon this, sent in haste to demand Succours of Joshua, who was still at Gilgal. Joshua, without delay, chose some of the most gallant Men of his Army, and marching all night, fell in with the Enemy at break of day. The Lord spread terror among their Troops, and Joshua made a great slaughter of them. He pursued them towards Bethoron, cutting them in pieces till they reached Azekah and Makkedah. In this battle the Lord showered down Hail-stones upon them, and stopped the Sun and Moon at Joshuah’s prayer.
The five Kings having saved themselves by flight, went and hid themselves in a Cave, near the Town of Makkedah; which being reported to Joshua, he gave orders for stopping the mouth of the Cave with large stones, and left Men sufficient to guard it. In the mean time, the Israelites continued the pursuit till Evening; and when they returned unto the Camp near Makkedah, Joshua gave orders to have the mouth of the Cave opened; and producing the five Kings before the whole Army of Israel, he said to the principal Officers, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these Kings; fear not, nor be dismayed; for thus shall the Lord do to all your Enemies, against whom ye fight. And afterwards Joshua smote the five Kings, and slew them, and hanged them on five Trees, and they were hanging upon the Trees untill the Evening; and when the Sun was going down, Joshua commanded that they should take them down off the Trees, and cast them into the Cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the Cave’s mouth; all which was executed.