In the book of Judges from the Bible, we come across a figure named Adonibezek—a king whose name literally means “lord of Bezek.” Bezek itself was a city situated in the territory given to the tribe of Judah, just about six miles south of Jerusalem. Now, when we talk about Adonibezek, it’s hard not to mention his notorious cruelty. Historical accounts describe him as a tyrant who once held seventy defeated kings captive, cutting off their thumbs and big toes—symbols of power and mobility—leaving them helpless. It was a brutal practice, meant to humiliate and dominate.

As the story unfolds in Judges 1:4-7, the tribe of Judah launched a campaign against the Canaanites and began with an attack on Bezek. In this battle, Adonibezek was defeated. He attempted to flee, but he didn’t get far—he was captured by the Israelites. And then, in what seems like poetic justice, they did to him exactly what he had done to others: they cut off his thumbs and big toes. What’s striking is that Adonibezek himself recognized this as fair retribution. He even admitted that God was repaying him for his own evil deeds. That moment stands out—not just because of the violence, but because of the acknowledgment of moral consequence.

Adonibezek’s story, though brief, carries deep symbolic weight. It serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of cruelty and the abuse of authority. There’s a timeless truth here: those who resort to violence and oppression may eventually face the same fate. Ironically, despite the dramatic nature of his downfall, Adonibezek isn’t frequently discussed in mainstream biblical conversations. Maybe it’s because his entire narrative spans only a few verses. Still, his legacy lingers as a cautionary tale about karma, justice, and the inevitable fallout of tyranny.

Now, if we were to imagine Adonibezek through the lens of modern personality types, he might be seen as an INFP. Yes, that might sound surprising given his violent history, but hear me out. INFPs are deeply guided by personal beliefs and values. They tend to know what they stand for and stick to it—sometimes stubbornly so. Adonibezek clearly had strong convictions; after all, he ruled with absolute control, believing in his dominance over others. While most INFPs are compassionate and idealistic, in certain contexts, that same inner intensity can manifest differently, especially when twisted by power.

INFPs are often dreamers—romantic, introspective, and driven by a desire to make the world better. They retreat into their inner world, finding peace in solitude, yet they also crave meaningful connections. They’re drawn to people who share their ideals, and once they care, they rarely let go. Even the toughest individuals can find themselves opening up around someone with genuine empathy—someone like Adonibezek could have been, had his moral compass pointed toward justice instead of domination.

On the Enneagram scale, Adonibezek fits the profile of an Eight with a Seven wing—commonly written as 8w7. These personalities are bold, assertive, and full of energy. The Seven wing adds a layer of enthusiasm, risk-taking, and a hunger for excitement. Eights with this combination aren’t afraid to take charge—they want to be in control and often strive to be the best at whatever they do. But that ambition can lead to recklessness. Adonibezek’s aggressive conquests and refusal to show mercy reflect that very trait: a fearless leader willing to push boundaries, no matter the cost.

So while Adonibezek remains a minor character in the grand biblical narrative, his name still echoes through the themes of justice, retribution, and human complexity. Whether viewed as a cruel king or analyzed through psychological frameworks, Adonibezek reminds us that actions have consequences—and that even the most powerful figures aren’t immune to downfall. And perhaps, in another life, under different circumstances, Adonibezek could have channeled that same intensity into something noble. But as history tells it, Adonibezek chose domination over compassion—and paid the price.