I could not even get through the first chapter of Judges without coming across some gore. Of course, there have already been several instances of violence throughout our readings, but this one made me ponder, "Why?" More than that, it made me wonder if perhaps there was significance in cutting off thumbs and big toes. To my satisfaction, there was...
It's only after finding out the logic behind cutting off ones thumbs and big toes that I can now read Judges 1:7 and agree with the Jewish encyclopedia that Adoni-bezek's mutilation could also have been for divine retribution. This is why I choose option "c" from below.
(A) Adoni-bezek's mutilation was karma for what he did to the seventy kings.
(B) It was so that he could make them void on the battlefield and assume authority over them, proclaiming himself to be the best king.
(C) It's a combination of "A" and "B."