Lexical Summary debeq: joint, soldering Original Word: דֶּבֶק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance joint, solder From dabaq; a joint; by implication, solder -- joint, solder. see HEBREW dabaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dabaq Definition a joining, soldering, appendage NASB Translation joint (2), soldering (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs דֶּ֫בֶק noun masculineIsaiah 41:7 joining, soldering, appendage — 1 ׳דּ joining, soldering Isaiah 41:7. 2 plural הַדְּבָקִים appendages of breastplate (?) 1 Kings 22:34 2Chronicles 18:33 ובין הַשִּׁרְיָן ׳בֵּין הַדּ. (The Be and others compare VB: the jointed attachment or appendage to the rigid breast-armour, which covered the abdomen; > Klo proposes appendage of helmet; Thes suggests armpits, literally joints (compare מַדְבְּקֵי יָד Jeremiah 38:12 ᵑ7); Ew the soft muscles etc. connecting the chest with the bottom of the back.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery דֶּבֶק (debeq) describes the point or substance of adhesion—places where separate parts are joined, welded, or glued together. The word naturally evokes the idea of cohesion, whether in armor plates, in metalwork, or in any structure whose strength depends upon firmly bound seams. Biblical Occurrences • 1 Kings 22:34; 2 Chronicles 18:33 – An arrow finds the opening “between the joints of his armor”, slipping through the debeq that fastened Ahab’s scale–coat to his breastplate. Historical-Cultural Background Ancient Near-Eastern scale armor consisted of small, overlapping metal or leather pieces sewn to a backing and tied to larger defensive components. The joins (debeq) were necessary for flexibility yet always represented a tactical weakness. In metalworking, soldering or brazing was practiced with copper and gold alloys; flux made from plant ash or animal glue created a bond—another form of debeq. Craftsmen took pride in invisible seams, yet Isaiah pictures them anxiously hammering and soldering to ensure their idols do not wobble. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Defenses The random arrow that slips through Ahab’s debeq underscores that no human engineering can thwart God’s decrees (Proverbs 21:31). Idol stability depends on human soldering (Isaiah 41:7). In striking irony, the Creator needs no debeq, whereas false gods rest on man-made seams and nails. Scripture often calls God’s people to “cling” (dabaq, the cognate verb) to the LORD (Deuteronomy 10:20). Physical debeq highlights the spiritual bond believers are commanded to pursue—a bond far stronger than any earthly weld. Christological and Prophetic Echoes Ahab’s seemingly chance wound anticipates the precise fulfillment of God’s word spoken by Micaiah (1 Kings 22:28). Centuries later, crucifixion nails would pierce the body of the true King according to “the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23), demonstrating again that human joints and bonds cannot resist divine purpose. Pastoral and Practical Lessons • Examine the “seams” in personal life and ministry. Hidden gaps—unconfessed sin, neglected relationships, doctrinal compromise—provide entry points for the enemy. Key Questions for Study and Application 1. Where do I rely on human defenses rather than the Lord’s protection? Summary Debeq reminds readers that every human joint, weld, or glue line is a potential weakness. Yet the same image invites believers to seek an unbreakable bond with the Lord, whose word penetrates all seams and whose covenant loyalty never fails. Forms and Transliterations הַדְּבָקִ֖ים הדבקים לַדֶּ֙בֶק֙ לדבק had·də·ḇā·qîm haddəḇāqîm haddevaKim lad·de·ḇeq laddeḇeq ladDevekLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 22:34 HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בֵּ֥ין הַדְּבָקִ֖ים וּבֵ֣ין הַשִּׁרְיָ֑ן NAS: of Israel in a joint of the armor. KJV: of Israel between the joints of the harness: INT: of Israel in A joint among of the armor 2 Chronicles 18:33 Isaiah 41:7 3 Occurrences |
    |