### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word דַּהֲהַר (dahăhar) `{{H1726}}` is a unique and powerful term derived through reduplication from the root דָּהַר (dahăr) `{{H1725}}`. The base root דָּהַר signifies "to dash," "to rush," "to prance," or "to gallop," conveying a sense of swift, energetic movement. The reduplicated form דַּהֲהַר `{{H1726}}` intensifies this meaning, emphasizing a sustained, powerful, and perhaps thundering "gallop" or "prancing." It evokes a vivid image of rapid, forceful motion, typically associated with horses. The reduplication serves to underscore the intensity, repetition, or overwhelming nature of the action, suggesting not merely a single dash but a continuous, impactful surge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, דַּהֲהַר (dahăhar) `{{H1726}}` appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Judges 5:22]]. This singular occurrence is found within the "Song of Deborah and Barak," a triumphant poetic celebration of Israel's decisive victory over Sisera and the Canaanite forces.
The verse reads: "Then were the horse hoofs broken by means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones." (KJV, with "pransings" translating דַּהֲהַר).
In this context, the "pransings" refer specifically to the powerful, rapid, and destructive movement of the horses belonging to Sisera's chariots. The phrase "horse hoofs broken" (פַּרְסוֹת סוּס דָּהֲהַר) is striking. It can be interpreted in several ways:
1. **Physical Damage:** The intense, relentless galloping on difficult terrain (perhaps made muddy by the torrent of Kishon, as mentioned in [[Judges 5:21]]) caused the hooves themselves to break or wear down.
2. **Symbolic Breaking:** More profoundly, it signifies the breaking of the enemy's power and momentum. The very force that was meant to crush Israel (the thundering charge of chariots) becomes their undoing. The ground itself, or divine intervention, rendered their powerful "pransings" ineffective and ultimately destructive to themselves.
The repetition of "pransings, the pransings" (דַּהֲהַר דַּהֲהַר) further amplifies the sense of overwhelming sound and motion, emphasizing the chaotic and ultimately futile retreat of the enemy's formidable cavalry.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **דָּהַר (dahăr) `{{H1725}}`**: This is the primary root verb from which דַּהֲהַר `{{H1726}}` is derived. It is used in various contexts to describe the rapid movement of horses, such as in [[Jeremiah 8:6]] ("every one turneth to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle") and [[Nahum 3:2]] ("the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the prancing horses, and of the jumping chariots"). The reduplicated form in H1726 intensifies this inherent sense of speed and power.
* **Horses and Chariots**: In the ancient Near East, horses and chariots represented the pinnacle of military technology and power. Their speed and destructive force were often seen as insurmountable. The use of דַּהֲהַר highlights this formidable aspect of warfare.
* **Divine Intervention**: The breaking of the enemy's "pransings" is juxtaposed with the natural elements fighting for Israel ([[Judges 5:20-21]]) and the ultimate divine victory. This context links the word to the broader theme of God's sovereignty over all human power.
* **Onomatopoeia**: It is possible that the sound of דַּהֲהַר itself carries an onomatopoeic quality, mimicking the thunderous rhythm of galloping hooves.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of דַּהֲהַר `{{H1726}}` in [[Judges 5:22]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly power, particularly military might. Sisera's chariots, embodying the apex of Canaanite military strength and the source of their oppressive power, are described in terms of their intense, thundering "pransings." Yet, these very "pransings"—the symbol of their strength and terror—are ultimately "broken."
This imagery underscores several key theological truths:
* **God's Overthrow of Human Arrogance**: The defeat of Sisera's chariots, despite their formidable appearance, demonstrates that no human power, however great or intimidating, can stand against the will of the Almighty. It is a stark reminder against placing trust in military might rather than in God.
* **Divine Justice and Deliverance**: The breaking of the enemy's "pransings" is an act of divine justice against the oppressors and a powerful act of deliverance for God's people. It reinforces the biblical theme that "the battle is the Lord's" ([[1 Samuel 17:47]]), and He uses various means, even the very forces of nature or the enemy's own momentum, to achieve His purposes.
* **The Futility of Resistance Against God**: The image of the powerful, prancing horses being rendered useless and even self-destructive illustrates the ultimate futility of human resistance against divine decree. What was intended for conquest becomes an instrument of their own downfall.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דַּהֲהַר (dahăhar) `{{H1726}}`, a reduplicated form of דָּהַר `{{H1725}}`, denotes an intense, rapid "gallop" or "prancing," particularly of horses. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Judges 5:22]] is highly significant, depicting the powerful, thundering movement of Sisera's chariots. Within the context of the Song of Deborah, this word vividly portrays the formidable military might of the Canaanites. However, it is precisely these overwhelming "pransings" that are described as "broken," symbolizing God's absolute sovereignty over all human power. This unique usage powerfully illustrates that even the most impressive military force is subject to divine will, serving as a profound reminder of God's role as the ultimate deliverer and the futility of trusting in human strength over divine power.
TRV