Dekar
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Dekar is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Kings. He is noted as one of the twelve officials appointed by King Solomon to provide provisions for the king and his household. Each official was responsible for supplying provisions for one month of the year, ensuring the sustenance and smooth operation of the royal court.

Biblical Reference:

Dekar is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:9, which states: "Ben-Deker in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan." . In this passage, Dekar is referred to as "Ben-Deker," which translates to "son of Dekar," indicating that the individual serving as an official was likely the son of Dekar. This naming convention is common in the Hebrew Bible, where "Ben" signifies "son of."

Role and Responsibilities:

As one of Solomon's twelve district governors, Dekar's son was responsible for the region that included Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan. These areas were part of the larger administrative divisions established by Solomon to manage the kingdom's resources effectively. The role of these officials was crucial in maintaining the prosperity and stability of Solomon's reign, as they ensured a steady supply of food and other necessities for the royal household.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The regions under Dekar's jurisdiction were located in the western part of the Kingdom of Israel. Beth-shemesh, for instance, is a well-known archaeological site situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Judah. This area was strategically important due to its fertile land and proximity to major trade routes.

Significance:

The appointment of Dekar's son as one of the twelve officials highlights the organized and systematic approach Solomon employed in governing his kingdom. This administrative structure not only facilitated efficient resource management but also underscored the wisdom for which Solomon is renowned. The mention of Dekar and his son in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the intricate governance system that supported one of Israel's most prosperous periods.

Cultural and Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, the account of Dekar and the other officials reflects the biblical theme of stewardship and the importance of wise leadership. Solomon's ability to delegate responsibilities to capable individuals like Dekar's son illustrates the value placed on order and diligence in fulfilling God's purposes for Israel. This narrative also emphasizes the interconnectedness of the various tribes and regions within the kingdom, working together to support the central authority established by God through Solomon.

In summary, Dekar, through his son, played a vital role in the administration of King Solomon's kingdom, contributing to the prosperity and stability of Israel during a time of unprecedented peace and wealth.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Dekar

force

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Dekar

(a lancer). The son of Dekar, i.e. Ben Dekar, was Solomon's commissariat officer in the western part of the hill-country of Judah and Benjamin, Shaalbim and Bethshemesh. (1 Kings 4:9) (B.C. before 1014.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DEKAR

de'-kar (deqer, "lancer"): Father of one of Solomon's commissaries (1 Kings 4:9 the King James Version). See BEN-DEKER.

Strong's Hebrew
1798. dekar -- a ram
... 1797, 1798. dekar. 1799 . a ram. Transliteration: dekar Phonetic Spelling:
(dek-ar') Short Definition: rams. ... 1797, 1798. dekar. 1799 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/1798.htm - 6k

1857. Deqer -- Dekar
... Deqer. 1858 . Dekar. Transliteration: Deqer Phonetic Spelling: (deh'-ker) Short
Definition: Dekar. ... Dekar From daqar; a stab; Deker, an Israelite -- Dekar. ...
/hebrew/1857.htm - 5k

1128. Ben-deqer -- "son of Deker," one of Solomon's leaders
... the son of Dekar. From ben and a derivative of daqar; son of piercing (or of a lance);
Ben-Deker, an Israelite -- the son of Dekar. see HEBREW ben. ...
/hebrew/1128.htm - 6k

Thesaurus
Dekar (1 Occurrence)
...DEKAR. de'-kar (deqer, "lancer"): Father of one of Solomon's commissaries (1 Kings
4:9 the King James Version). ... Multi-Version Concordance Dekar (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/dekar.htm - 6k

Ben-dekar (1 Occurrence)
Ben-dekar. Bended, Ben-dekar. Bendeker . Multi-Version Concordance
Ben-dekar (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 Ben-Dekar in ...
/b/ben-dekar.htm - 6k

Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences)
... One of these, the son of Dekar, had a Beth-shemesh in his territory. By
excluding the territory assigned to the other eleven officers ...
/b/bethshemesh.htm - 19k

Beth-shemesh (19 Occurrences)
... One of these, the son of Dekar, had a Beth-shemesh in his territory. By
excluding the territory assigned to the other eleven officers ...
/b/beth-shemesh.htm - 20k

Bendeker
... ben-de'-ker (ben-deqer, "son of Deker," the King James Version "son of Dekar"):
The word is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to pierce." Compare HPN, 69. ...
/b/bendeker.htm - 6k

Elonbethhanan (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Elonbethhanan (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 The son of Dekar,
in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Bethshemesh, and Elonbethhanan: (KJV). ...
/e/elonbethhanan.htm - 6k

Dejection (1 Occurrence)

/d/dejection.htm - 7k

Deker (1 Occurrence)

/d/deker.htm - 6k

Ben-deker (1 Occurrence)
... ben-de'-ker (ben-deqer, "son of Deker," the King James Version "son of Dekar"):
The word is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to pierce." Compare HPN, 69. ...
/b/ben-deker.htm - 7k

Bended (2 Occurrences)

/b/bended.htm - 7k

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