Bidkar
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Bidkar is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Second Book of Kings. He is known for his role as a chariot officer under King Jehu of Israel. The account of Bidkar is brief but significant, as it highlights the fulfillment of divine prophecy and the execution of divine justice.

Biblical Reference:

Bidkar is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:25. The context of this passage is the execution of King Joram (also known as Jehoram) of Israel by Jehu, who had been anointed by the prophet Elisha to become king and to eradicate the house of Ahab as a judgment from God. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows:

"Jehu said to Bidkar his officer, 'Pick him up and throw him on the plot of ground belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. For remember how, when you and I were riding together behind his father Ahab, the LORD delivered this oracle against him: 'As surely as I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons yesterday,' declares the LORD, 'so will I repay you on this plot of ground,' declares the LORD. Now then, according to the word of the LORD, pick him up and throw him on the plot of ground.'"

Role and Significance:

Bidkar's role as a chariot officer is crucial in the narrative of Jehu's rise to power and the fulfillment of God's judgment against the house of Ahab. The command given to Bidkar by Jehu to dispose of Joram's body on Naboth's plot of land is a direct act of divine retribution. This act serves as a fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Elijah the Tishbite, which declared that the blood of Ahab's lineage would be avenged on the very land where Naboth was unjustly killed (1 Kings 21:19).

Bidkar's involvement in this event underscores the theme of divine justice and the certainty of God's word. The execution of Joram and the disposal of his body on Naboth's land serve as a tangible reminder of the consequences of sin and the faithfulness of God in executing His judgments.

Historical and Theological Context:

The historical context of Bidkar's mention is set during a tumultuous period in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The house of Ahab had led Israel into idolatry and apostasy, provoking the wrath of God. Jehu's anointing and subsequent actions were part of a divine mandate to cleanse Israel from the influence of Ahab's dynasty and to restore the worship of Yahweh.

Theologically, Bidkar's role, though minor, is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and leaders. It illustrates the principle that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is inevitable and precise. The account of Bidkar and Jehu serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the lengths to which He will go to uphold His righteousness.

Conclusion:

While Bidkar is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his involvement in the events surrounding Jehu's coup is a testament to the unfolding of God's prophetic word. His obedience to Jehu's command reflects the broader theme of divine justice being carried out through human agents, reinforcing the biblical truth that God's purposes will ultimately prevail.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Bidkar

in compunction, or sharp pain

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Bidkar

(son of stabbing , i.e, one who stabs), Jehu's "captain," originally his fellow officer, (2 Kings 9:25) who completed the sentence on Jehoram, son of Ahab.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIDKAR

bid'-kar (bidhqar; "son of Deker" (?); compare HPN, 69): A captain in the service of Jehu, formerly his fellow-officer (2 Kings 9:25).

Strong's Hebrew
920. Bidqar -- an Israelite
... 919, 920. Bidqar. 921 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Bidqar Phonetic Spelling:
(bid-car') Short Definition: Bidkar. ... NASB Word Usage Bidkar (1). Bidkar. ...
/hebrew/920.htm - 6k
Library

The End of Ahab's Selfish Family
... Then Jehu said to Bidkar, his charioteer, "Take him up and throw him into the field
of Naboth the Jezreelite, for I well remember that, as you and I rode ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the end of ahabs selfish.htm

How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ...
... Jehu also gave orders to Bidkar, the captain of the third part of his army, to cast
the dead body of Joram into the field of Naboth, putting him in mind of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how jehu was.htm

Thesaurus
Bidkar (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BIDKAR. bid'-kar (bidhqar; "son of ... 9:25).
Multi-Version Concordance Bidkar (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 9 ...
/b/bidkar.htm - 7k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... Years after, Jehu reminded Bidkar, his captain (literally, "thirdsman," in chariot),
of the doom they had there heard pronounced upon Ahab and his house (2 ...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

Jezreel (37 Occurrences)
... Here Elijah met Ahab, Jehu, and Bidkar; and here Jehu executed his dreadful
commission against the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:14-37; 10:1-11). ...
/j/jezreel.htm - 27k

Jezreelite (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 9:25 Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, "Pick him up, and throw him in
the plot of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how, when you ...
/j/jezreelite.htm - 10k

Jizreelite (7 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Kings 9:25 And he said to Bidkar his captain, Take him up and cast
him in the plot of the field of Naboth the Jizreelite. ...
/j/jizreelite.htm - 8k

Rode (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 9:25 Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, "Pick him up, and throw him in
the plot of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how, when you ...
/r/rode.htm - 13k

Riding (30 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 9:25 And 'Jehu' saith unto Bidkar his captain, 'Lift up, cast him into the
portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite -- for, remember, I and thou ...
/r/riding.htm - 16k

Bids (3 Occurrences)

/b/bids.htm - 7k

Bide

/b/bide.htm - 7k

Plot (53 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 9:25 Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, "Pick him up, and throw him in
the plot of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how, when you ...
/p/plot.htm - 22k

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