Anciently hostilities were marked by barbarities such as this to prevent captured prisoners from again engaging in warfare. The Greeks are reported at times to have mutilated the hands of prisoners just enough so that they could not throw a spear or handle a bow but could still work. The punishment inflicted upon Adoni-bezek would deprive him of his kingship. The great toes were cut off to hinder the ability to run, which was an essential qualification for warriors of that time.