Adoni-zedek, a-don'-;-ze'-dek (Heb.)–lord of righteousness; lord of justice, i. e., just lord; lord of Zedek.

A Canaanitish or Amoritish king of Jerusalem. He was defeated and slain by the Israelites under Joshua, when they began to take possession of the Promised Land (Josh. 10:1-27).

Meta. The sensual or carnal idea of what is just and right having dominion over the life forces of the individual and ruling according to carnal affections and desires. Adoni-zedek cannot represent spiritual justice and righteousness, since he was not an Israelite but was an enemy to the Israelites. Though he was king of Jerusalem–the spiritual center in consciousness–he was an Amorite, and the Amorites symbolize carnal, sensual thoughts and desires.