feminine active participle of דָבַר in the sense of driving (compare דֹּבֶר); a raft; float.
Transliteration:dôbᵉrâh
Pronunciation:do-ber-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word dôbᵉrâh (`{{H1702}}`) is a feminine active participle derived from the verbal root dāḇar (`{{H1696}}`). While dāḇar is most commonly known for its meaning "to speak" or "to command," it possesses a secondary, less frequent semantic range that is crucial for understanding dôbᵉrâh. This range includes meanings such as "to drive," "to lead," "to arrange," or "to put in order." In this specific context, dôbᵉrâh refers to something that is "driven" or "arranged" on water. Thus, its core meaning is "a raft" or "a float," specifically a collection of timbers bound together to be propelled or guided across a body of water. The term emphasizes the active movement and arrangement of the materials, rather than just a static collection of wood.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word dôbᵉrâh (`{{H1702}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the plural form dôbᵉrôt:
* [[1 Kings 5:9]]: In the account of King Solomon's preparations for building the Temple, King Hiram of Tyre pledges to provide cedars and fir trees. He states, "My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts (dôbᵉrôt) to go by sea to the place you appoint, and I will have them broken up there, and you shall carry them away. And you shall meet my need by providing food for my household."
This single occurrence provides clear contextual understanding. The dôbᵉrôt were practical vessels for transporting large quantities of felled timber (cedars and firs) from the forests of Lebanon across the Mediterranean Sea to a designated point on the coast, likely near Joppa, for onward transport to Jerusalem. This method of transport highlights the advanced logistical capabilities of the Phoenicians, renowned for their maritime skills, and the extensive resources required for the construction of the Temple. The phrase "broken up there" further confirms their function as temporary, utilitarian conveyances rather than permanent ships.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **dāḇar (`{{H1696}}`):** The root verb. Beyond "to speak," this root's sense of "to drive," "to lead," or "to arrange" is key to dôbᵉrâh. Other derivatives like midbār (`{{H4057}}`, "wilderness," a place where flocks are driven) and dōḇer (`{{H1701}}`, "pasture," a place for driving flocks) also reflect this underlying concept of movement or arrangement.
* **‘ēṣ (`{{H6096}}`):** "Tree," "wood," "timber." This is the primary material from which dôbᵉrâh were constructed, linking the term directly to the natural resources of the region.
* **yām (`{{H3220}}`):** "Sea." The medium through which the dôbᵉrôt traveled, emphasizing maritime transport.
* **Logistics and Transportation:** dôbᵉrâh is inherently tied to ancient methods of large-scale transport, particularly for heavy and bulky goods like timber. This connects to broader concepts of ancient engineering, trade routes, and resource management.
* **Phoenician Maritime Skill:** The mention of Hiram and the use of rafts underscores the exceptional seafaring and shipbuilding expertise of the Phoenicians, who were instrumental in facilitating the Temple's construction.
### Theological Significance
While dôbᵉrâh (`{{H1702}}`) is a technical term for a means of transport and lacks inherent theological weight, its sole appearance within the context of the Temple's construction imbues it with indirect significance. The efficient and large-scale transport of timber by means of these rafts was a critical practical step in building the "house of God." This detail subtly illustrates God's providence in orchestrating the necessary resources and human ingenuity (in this case, Phoenician maritime skill) to accomplish His divine purposes. The cooperation between King Solomon and King Hiram, facilitated by these rafts, can be viewed as an example of God working through international relations and practical means to bring about the fulfillment of His plans. It highlights that even the seemingly mundane aspects of logistics and construction are part of the divine blueprint for sacred endeavors, underscoring the biblical principle that all aspects of life, including practical skills and cooperation, can serve God's ultimate glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word dôbᵉrâh (`{{H1702}}`) refers to a "raft" or "float," derived from the root dāḇar (`{{H1696}}`) in its sense of "driving" or "arranging." Its singular occurrence in [[1 Kings 5:9]] describes the method used by King Hiram of Tyre to transport cedar and fir timbers from Lebanon to Solomon for the construction of the Temple. This term provides a glimpse into the practical and sophisticated logistical solutions of the ancient world, particularly the maritime capabilities of the Phoenicians. Though a utilitarian term, dôbᵉrâh plays a small yet vital role in the grand narrative of the Temple's construction, implicitly underscoring God's providential hand in enabling the practical means necessary for His sacred dwelling place to be built.
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