Dodavah
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Dodavah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. His name, Dodavah, is understood to mean "beloved of Yahweh" or "love of Yahweh," reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names, which often include a reference to God.

Biblical Reference:

Dodavah is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20:37. The passage provides insight into his role and the historical context of his mention:

"Then Eliezer son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, 'Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.' So the ships were wrecked and unable to sail to Tarshish." (2 Chronicles 20:37)

Context and Significance:

Dodavah is identified as the father of Eliezer, a prophet who delivered a message from God to King Jehoshaphat. The context of this prophecy is significant in understanding the political and spiritual climate of the time. Jehoshaphat, known for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord, made a political alliance with Ahaziah, the king of Israel, who was known for his wickedness and idolatry. This alliance was contrary to God's will, and Eliezer's prophecy served as a divine rebuke for Jehoshaphat's decision.

The prophecy delivered by Eliezer, Dodavah's son, highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and the consequences of forming alliances that are not in alignment with His will. The wrecking of the ships intended for a joint venture to Tarshish symbolizes the futility of endeavors that do not have God's blessing.

Location:

Dodavah is associated with Mareshah, a town in the lowlands of Judah. Mareshah was a significant city during the time of the kings of Judah and is mentioned in various biblical accounts. It was strategically located and played a role in the defense and administration of the kingdom.

Theological Implications:

The account of Dodavah and his son Eliezer serves as a reminder of the importance of prophetic voices in guiding the leaders of Israel and Judah. It underscores the belief that God communicates His will through prophets and that adherence to His commands is crucial for the prosperity and success of His people. The narrative also reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of disobedience and the need for faithfulness to God's covenant.

Dodavah's mention, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and the importance of aligning with His purposes.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Dodavah

love

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Dodavah

(love of the Lord), a man of Maresha in Judah; father of Eliezer, who denounced Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah. (2 Chronicles 20:37)

Strong's Hebrew
1735. Dodavahu -- "beloved of Yah," an Israelite name
... name NASB Word Usage Dodavahu (1). Dodavah. From dowd and Yahh; love of Jah; Dodavah,
an Israelite -- Dodavah. see HEBREW dowd. see HEBREW Yahh. 1734, 1735. ...
/hebrew/1735.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Dodavah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dodavah (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then
Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against ...
/d/dodavah.htm - 6k

Dodavahu (1 Occurrence)
... do-dav'-a-hu (dodhawahu, "loved of God"; the King James Version Dodavah): Father
of Eliezer of Mareshah, a prophet in the days of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20 ...
/d/dodavahu.htm - 7k

Retained (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 20:37 and prophesy doth Eliezer son of Dodavah, of Mareshah, against
Jehoshaphat, saying, 'For thy joining thyself with Ahaziah, Jehovah hath ...
/r/retained.htm - 9k

Do'danim (1 Occurrence)
Do'danim. Dodanim, Do'danim. Dodavah . Multi-Version Concordance Do'danim
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Dodanim, Do'danim. Dodavah . Reference Bible.
/d/do'danim.htm - 6k

Joining (43 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 20:37 and prophesy doth Eliezer son of Dodavah, of Mareshah, against
Jehoshaphat, saying, 'For thy joining thyself with Ahaziah, Jehovah hath ...
/j/joining.htm - 19k

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 20:37 and prophesy doth Eliezer son of Dodavah, of Mareshah, against
Jehoshaphat, saying, 'For thy joining thyself with Ahaziah, Jehovah hath ...
/p/prophesy.htm - 38k

Books (16 Occurrences)
... Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, Jedo (2 Chronicles 9:29), Iddo, the Oded of Asa's time,
Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, Eliezer the son of Dodavah, two Zechariahs (2 ...
/b/books.htm - 101k

Chronicles (45 Occurrences)
... Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, Jedo (2 Chronicles 9:29), Iddo, the Oded of Asa's time,
Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, Eliezer the son of Dodavah, two Zechariahs (2 ...
/c/chronicles.htm - 60k

Resources
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Concordance
Dodavah (1 Occurrence)

2 Chronicles 20:37
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works. The ships were broken, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Dodavah

Dodavah: A Prophet

Related Terms

Dodavahu (1 Occurrence)

Retained (10 Occurrences)

Do'danim (1 Occurrence)

Joining (43 Occurrences)

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)

Books (16 Occurrences)

Chronicles (45 Occurrences)

Dodanim: Descendants of Noah
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