### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Dᵉdânîym**, represented by `{{H1720}}`, refers to the **Dedanites**, the descendants or inhabitants of Dedan. As a patrial term, it identifies a specific people group. This word is highly specific in its biblical usage, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1720}}` is in [[Isaiah 21:13]], within a prophetic oracle described as a **burden** `{{H4853}}` upon **Arabia** `{{H6152}}`. The verse commands, "In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of **Dedanim**." This context portrays the **Dedanim** not in a place of prominence, but as displaced groups forced to take refuge in the wilderness, suggesting a time of distress or judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The words surrounding `{{H1720}}` in its only scriptural context provide a fuller picture of its meaning:
* `{{H4853}}` **massâʼ** (a burden; specifically, tribute... an utterance, chiefly a doom): This word frames the entire passage as a prophecy of hardship. It is often used to introduce oracles of judgment against nations like Babylon [[Isaiah 13:1]] and Egypt [[Isaiah 19:1]].
* `{{H736}}` **ʼôrᵉchâh** (a caravan; (travelling) company): This term specifically identifies the **Dedanim** as nomadic merchants or travelers. It is also used in [[Genesis 37:25]] to describe the company of Ishmeelites who bought Joseph.
* `{{H3885}}` **lûwn** (to stop (usually over night)... lodge): This verb describes the action the **Dedanim** must take. While it can simply mean to stay the night, as when Ruth commits to Naomi [[Ruth 1:16]], here it implies a forced, temporary, and precarious shelter in the forest.
* `{{H3293}}` **yaʻar** (a copse of bushes; hence, a forest): This indicates the unconventional and unsafe place where the traveling companies must lodge, away from normal routes. It can refer to a wild place with lions [[Jeremiah 5:6]] or a source of wood [[2 Kings 2:24]].
* `{{H6152}}` **ʻĂrâb** (Arab (i.e. Arabia), a country East of Palestine): This specifies the geographical region subject to the prophetic burden, where the Dedanim are located.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1720}}` is derived entirely from its singular, pointed usage in prophecy.
* **Prophetic Judgment:** The appearance of the **Dedanim** is within a **burden** `{{H4853}}`, a divine pronouncement of doom. This places them as subjects of God's judgment upon the nations, specifically **Arabia** `{{H6152}}`.
* **Societal Disruption:** The command for these **travelling companies** `{{H736}}` to **lodge** `{{H3885}}` in the **forest** `{{H3293}}` symbolizes the complete upheaval of normal life, trade, and security that accompanies divine judgment.
* **National Accountability:** By naming a specific people group, the prophecy illustrates that God's judgment is not vague but addresses distinct nations and communities for their actions.
### Summary
In summary, **Dᵉdânîym** `{{H1720}}` provides a concise yet potent example of a specific people group within a prophetic oracle. Its single mention in [[Isaiah 21:13]] is not a historical footnote but serves a clear theological purpose: to illustrate the tangible consequences of divine judgment. The **Dedanim**, as displaced merchant caravans, become a symbol of the chaos and insecurity that result when God brings a "burden" upon a nation.
TRV