The Hebrew name Ben-Deqer, represented by H1128, is defined as son of piercing (or of a lance); Ben-Deker, an Israelite; the son of Dekar. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. This name identifies a specific individual by his lineage, literally meaning "the son of Dekar."
The single appearance of H1128 is in an administrative list. In the biblical narrative, Ben-Deqer is named as one of the officers responsible for providing for King Solomon's household. His jurisdiction included a specific region composed of several towns, as detailed in the record of Solomon's officials 1 Kings 4:9.
The passage mentioning Ben-Deqer connects him to his father and the region he managed:
- H1857 Deqer (Dekar): This is the name of Ben-Deqer's father. The definition provided is "Deker, an Israelite."
- H4739 Mâqats (Makaz): A location within Ben-Deqer's administrative district, defined as "Makaz, a place in Palestine" 1 Kings 4:9.
- H8169 Shaʻalbîym (Shaalbim): Another location under his authority, defined as "Shaalbim or Shaalabbin, a place in Palestine" 1 Kings 4:9.
- H1053 Bêyth Shemesh (Beth-shemesh): A key city in the region, defined as "Beth-Shemesh, a place in Palestine" 1 Kings 4:9.
- H358 ʼÊylôwn Bêyth Chânân (Elon-bethhanan): The final location listed in his territory, defined as "Elon of Beth-chanan, a place in Palestine" 1 Kings 4:9.
While the name Ben-Deqer does not carry direct theological weight, its inclusion in scripture is significant for historical and administrative reasons.
- Historical Record: The mention of Ben-Deqer provides a specific detail about the civil organization of Solomon's kingdom, underscoring the structured nature of his rule.
- Patronymic Identity: The use of the name, meaning "son of Dekar," reflects the common biblical practice of identifying individuals through their paternal lineage, establishing a clear line of identity.
- Geographical Context: The listing of his territory helps to map the administrative divisions of Israel during this period, preserving a snapshot of the kingdom's scope 1 Kings 4:9.
In summary, H1128 is the proper name of an Israelite officer from the time of King Solomon. It is a patronymic, identifying him as the son of Dekar. Its sole biblical mention in 1 Kings 4:9 is not for theological instruction but for historical documentation, illustrating the organized administration of the kingdom and preserving the names of the men and places that constituted it.
TRV