The Hebrew name Dôwdâvâhûw H1735, meaning "love of Jah," identifies a specific Israelite. Formed from the words for "love" and "Jah," the name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical record. Its sole mention serves to identify the father of a prophet who delivered a message of judgment.
The single appearance of Dôwdâvâhûw H1735 is in 2 Chronicles 20:37, where he is named as the father of Eliezer of Mareshah. In this passage, Eliezer prophesies against King Jehoshaphat because he had joined H2266 himself in an alliance with King Ahaziah. The prophecy declared that the LORD would break Jehoshaphat's works H4639, and it was fulfilled when their fleet of ships H591 was broken and unable to sail to Tarshish.
The context of H1735 is illuminated by several related words from the passage:
- H461 ʼĔlîyʻezer (God of help): This is the name of Dodavah's son, the prophet who delivered God's message to King Jehoshaphat. His name reflects his role in providing divine counsel, even when it was a word of judgment 2 Chronicles 20:37.
- H2266 châbar (to join): This root word is central to the reason for the prophecy. It describes Jehoshaphat's action to "join" or "have fellowship with" Ahaziah, an alliance the LORD condemned 2 Chronicles 20:37.
- H3092 Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ (Jehovah-judged): This is the name of the king of Judah who received the prophecy. His name, meaning "Jehovah-judged," is significant as he experiences God's judgment for his actions in this event 2 Chronicles 20:37.
The theological significance of this account is focused on the consequences of alliances and the nature of divine judgment.
- Judgment on Unholy Alliances: The narrative provides a clear example of God's disapproval of fellowship with the ungodly. Jehoshaphat's decision to join H2266 with Ahaziah prompted a direct prophetic rebuke and divine intervention 2 Chronicles 20:37.
- Prophetic Rebuke: The event highlights the prophet's role in confronting even powerful kings. Eliezer, son of Dôwdâvâhûw H1735, courageously prophesied against Jehoshaphat, speaking God's truth directly to authority 2 Chronicles 20:37.
- Tangible Consequences: The LORD's judgment was not abstract. The prophecy stated that God had broken H6555 the king's works, which manifested in the literal breaking H7665 of the ships, preventing their economic venture to Tarshish 2 Chronicles 20:37.
In summary, Dôwdâvâhûw H1735 is a name mentioned only once, yet it is anchored to a pivotal moment of prophetic judgment. While the man himself remains in the background, his name introduces his son, Eliezer, whose prophecy against the alliance of King Jehoshaphat and King Ahaziah serves as a potent lesson. The account underscores the biblical themes of divine judgment on unholy partnerships, the courage of God's prophets, and the real-world consequences of disobedience.
TRV