Lexical Summary Deqer: Lance, Spear Original Word: דֶּקֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Dekar From daqar; a stab; Deker, an Israelite -- Dekar. see HEBREW daqar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee 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 Meaningדֶּקֶר (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. 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. Related Scriptures • 1 Kings 4:7-19 – contextual list of Solomon’s officers. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance tad·diq — 2 Occ.ū·mad·dĕ·qāh — 1 Occ. wə·had·dê·qeṯ — 2 Occ. wə·ṯad·də·qin·nah — 1 Occ. dā·qā·rū — 1 Occ. mə·ḏuq·qā·rîm — 2 Occ. ū·ḏə·qā·ru·hū — 1 Occ. ū·ḏə·qā·ru·nî — 1 Occ. ū·mə·ḏuq·qā·rîm — 1 Occ. way·yiḏ·qə·rê·hū — 1 Occ. wə·ḏā·qə·rê·nî — 2 Occ. yid·dā·qêr — 1 Occ. wə·ḏar — 1 Occ. dār — 2 Occ. wə·ḏār — 2 Occ. ḏê·rā·’ō·wn — 1 Occ. lə·ḏir·’ō·wn — 1 Occ. had·dā·rə·ḇān — 1 Occ. kad·dā·rə·ḇō·nō·wṯ — 1 Occ. wə·ḏar·da‘ — 1 Occ. |