1857. Deqer
Lexical Summary
Deqer: Lance, Spear

Original Word: דֶּקֶר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Deqer
Pronunciation: DEH-ker
Phonetic Spelling: (deh'-ker)
KJV: Dekar
Word Origin: [from H1856 (דָּקַר - pierce me through)]

1. a stab
2. Deker, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Dekar

From daqar; a stab; Deker, an Israelite -- Dekar.

see HEBREW daqar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
see Ben-deqer.

Brown-Driver-Briggs
דֶּ֫קֶר proper name, masculine (piercing, i.e. sharp weapon ? Talmud pick, mattock) 1 Kings 4:9 בֶּןדֶּֿקֶר compare sub. בן.

Topical Lexicon
Name and Meaning

דֶּקֶר (Deker) carries the idea of “piercing” or “lance.” Although the word itself never functions as a common noun in Scripture, the imagery of a spear-point evokes alertness, readiness, and strength—qualities appropriate to a family that served the court of Solomon during Israel’s united-kingdom zenith.

Biblical Occurrences

Deker appears only as the ancestral name embedded in “Ben-deker” (בֶן־דֶּקֶר, “son of Deker”) in the administrative list of Solomon (1 Kings 4:9). There are no other occurrences either for the person or the noun form, making the reference singular yet significant.

1 Kings 4:9: “Ben-deker—in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan.”

Historical Context

After consolidating the throne, Solomon appointed twelve regional deputies to ensure a steady flow of provisions for the royal court (1 Kings 4:7-19). This taxation-by-district system differed from tribal divisions and reflected an early move toward a centralized national structure. Ben-deker, as one of these officers, was responsible for a territory that produced grain, olives, and perhaps military resources due to its strategic valleys and trade routes.

Because Hebrew genealogies commonly elevate the patriarchal figure, the mention of Deker shows that the family’s standing preceded Solomon’s reforms. His lineage had established credibility, wealth, or military prestige sufficient for his son’s elevation. Thus, Deker represents the faithful civilian elite who cooperated with Davidic kingship and helped stabilize the monarchy.

Geographical Setting

The district assigned to Ben-deker included:

• Makaz – unidentified today but likely in the Shephelah foothills, a grain belt bordering Philistine territory.
• Shaalbim – a Danite town allied with strong Canaanite chariot forces in earlier days (Joshua 19:42; Judges 1:35), later subdued under Israelite control.
• Beth-shemesh – a Levitical city famous for the Ark’s temporary stay (1 Samuel 6:12-15) and for boundary disputes with Judah after the divided monarchy.
• Elon-beth-hanan – probably near the Aijalon valley, a strategic corridor linking the coastal plain to the hill country.

The mixture of Levitical, agricultural, and military sites underscores the administrative balancing act: spiritual heritage, economic productivity, and national security all converged in Ben-deker’s charge. By implication, Deker’s household would have been familiar with both covenantal worship rhythms and practical governance.

Theological and Ministry Insights

1. Godly order advances covenant blessing. Solomon’s circuit of officers fulfilled the promise of abundance (“Judah and Israel lived in safety… Judah and Israel ate and drank and were happy,” 1 Kings 4:25). The sparse but intentional reference to Deker reminds readers that behind public success stand private, often unrecorded, fathers who shape dependable stewards.

2. Heritage prepares for service. Though only named once, Deker’s legacy lived through his son’s faithful administration. In biblical anthropology, fathers are responsible for nurturing competence and covenant loyalty (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Deker illustrates that obscurity in Scripture does not equal insignificance in God’s unfolding plan.

3. Foreshadowing of Christ’s just kingdom. Solomon’s well-organized realm prefigures Messiah’s perfect reign (Psalm 72). The district system shows how righteousness produces peace and prosperity, anticipating the greater Son of David who will rule “with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore” (Isaiah 9:7).

Lessons for Today

• Invest in future generations. Like Deker, parents and mentors today may never gain public acclaim, yet their influence can position the next generation for strategic service.
• Support godly administration. Wise structures—church boards, mission committees, community governance—facilitate flourishing and reflect biblical principles of stewardship.
• Remember names, even obscure ones. Scripture’s minor figures invite believers to value every member of Christ’s body and to recognize hidden contributions to the kingdom.

Related Scriptures

1 Kings 4:7-19 – contextual list of Solomon’s officers.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – parental responsibility for covenant transmission.
Psalm 72 – royal psalm anticipating righteous administration.
Isaiah 9:6-7 – promise of the Davidic ruler whose governance surpasses Solomon’s.

Links
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