from דָבַר (in its original sense); a pasture (from its arrangement of the flock); fold, manner.
Transliteration:dôber
Pronunciation:do'-ber
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word דֹּבֶר (dôber, `{{H1699}}`) is derived from the root דָבַר (dābar), which, in its original and broader sense, conveys the idea of "to arrange," "to lead," or "to drive," particularly in the context of flocks. While the more common derivative of this root, דָּבָר (dāḇār, `{{H1697}}`), signifies "word" or "thing," דֹּבֶר (dôber) retains the earlier, more concrete sense related to animal husbandry.
Its primary meaning is "a pasture" or "a fold." This refers to an enclosed area or a designated place where sheep are gathered, arranged, and led for feeding or protection. The concept of "arrangement" is key, as a fold implies an ordered gathering of the flock. The less common meaning of "manner" suggested in some lexicons might be an extension of the idea of an ordered or customary way of doing things, though this semantic link is less direct from the primary pastoral sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word דֹּבֶר (dôber, `{{H1699}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only one clear instance.
* [[Micah 2:12]]: "I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel. I will put them together like sheep in a fold (כְּצֹאן בָּצְרָה כְּעֵדֶר בְּתוֹךְ דָּבְרוֹ), like a flock in its pasture (כְּעֵדֶר בְּתוֹךְ מִרְעִיתוֹ), a noisy multitude of men."
In this prophetic passage, דֹּבֶר is used in a powerful simile to describe God's future act of gathering the dispersed remnant of Israel. It is paralleled with מִרְעִיתוֹ (mir'ito), meaning "its pasture," strongly affirming the meaning of "fold" or "enclosure for sheep." The imagery is one of a shepherd bringing scattered sheep into a secure and unified enclosure. The context is one of divine restoration and the re-establishment of the people of God, emphasizing a place of safety, provision, and communal unity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root דָבַר (dābar, `{{H1696}}`). While commonly translated "to speak," its foundational meaning, from which דֹּבֶר derives, encompasses "to arrange," "to lead," or "to drive." This connection highlights the active role of a shepherd in leading and arranging the flock within the דֹּבֶר.
Other related concepts belong to the semantic field of shepherding and animal husbandry:
* צֹאן (tso'n, `{{H6629}}`): "flock" or "sheep."
* רֹעֶה (ro'eh, `{{H7462}}`): "shepherd."
* מִרְעֶה (mir'eh, `{{H4830}}`) or מִרְעִית (mir'it, `{{H4832}}`): "pasture" or "grazing place," often used synonymously or in parallel with דֹּבֶר as seen in [[Micah 2:12]].
* The verb אָסַף (asaf, `{{H622}}`): "to gather" or "to assemble," which is used in [[Micah 2:12]] to describe the divine action of bringing the flock into the דֹּבֶר.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet potent, use of דֹּבֶר in [[Micah 2:12]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **The Divine Shepherd:** The imagery directly points to God as the ultimate Shepherd of His people. Just as a shepherd gathers his flock into a secure fold, so too will God gather His dispersed and scattered children. This resonates with the pervasive biblical theme of God as Shepherd, providing guidance, protection, and sustenance (e.g., [[Psalm 23:1]], [[Isaiah 40:11]], [[Ezekiel 34:11-16]]).
2. **Security and Provision:** The דֹּבֶר represents a place of safety and rest. For the remnant of Israel, it signifies God's promise of protection from external threats and His abundant provision for their needs. It is a haven where they can dwell securely under His care.
3. **Restoration and Unity:** The prophecy in Micah speaks to a future eschatological gathering. The דֹּבֶר symbolizes the restoration of Israel from exile and dispersion into a unified, cohesive community. This gathering is not merely physical but also spiritual, bringing them back into proper relationship with their God. The "noisy multitude" within the fold suggests a vibrant, thriving community, filled with the joy of restoration.
4. **Divine Initiative:** The act of gathering into the דֹּבֶר is entirely God's initiative ("I will surely assemble... I will surely gather"). This underscores His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign power to bring about His purposes of salvation and renewal for His people.
### Summary
דֹּבֶר (dôber, `{{H1699}}`) is a rare Hebrew noun derived from the root דָבַר in its sense of "to arrange" or "to lead flocks." It primarily denotes a "fold" or "pasture," a secure enclosure where sheep are gathered. Its singular clear occurrence in [[Micah 2:12]] is highly significant. In this prophetic context, דֹּבֶר powerfully illustrates God's role as the Divine Shepherd who will faithfully gather the dispersed remnant of Israel into a place of security, unity, and abundant provision. Theologically, it highlights themes of divine protection, restoration, and the sovereign initiative of God in bringing His people into a safe and flourishing community under His care.
TRV