from דָּפַק; a knock; Dophkah, a place in the Desert; Dophkah.
Transliteration:Dophqâh
Pronunciation:dof-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דׇּפְקָה (Dophqâh), Strong's number `{{H1850}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the root דָּפַק (dâphaq), Strong's number `{{H1849}}`, which carries the primary meaning "to knock," "to beat," or "to push." Therefore, the name "Dophkah" itself could etymologically signify "a knocking" or "a place of knocking/beating." As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently limited to its referent—a specific location in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. While the root suggests an action, the place name itself points to a fixed point on a map, imbued with whatever significance its etymology or contextual role might lend.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Dophkah appears in the biblical text exclusively within the book of Numbers, specifically in the detailed itinerary of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. It is mentioned twice:
* [[Numbers 33:12]]: "They set out from the Desert of Sin and camped at Dophkah." This verse establishes Dophkah as the next encampment after the Desert of Sin, a significant location where the Israelites first received manna and quail [[Exodus 16]].
* [[Numbers 33:13]]: "They set out from Dophkah and camped at Alush." This verse positions Dophkah immediately before Alush, further detailing the sequence of their journey.
In both instances, Dophkah functions as a waypoint in the divine leading of Israel through the wilderness. It is not associated with any specific event or miracle beyond being a temporary dwelling place. Its significance lies primarily in its inclusion within the divinely ordered sequence of encampments, underscoring the meticulous nature of God's guidance and the historical veracity of the Exodus narrative. The precise location of Dophkah in modern geography remains debated, but it is generally placed in the Sinai Peninsula, somewhere between the traditional locations of the Desert of Sin and Rephidim.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to Dophkah is its verbal root, דָּפַק (dâphaq, `{{H1849}}`). This root appears in various contexts, signifying a forceful impact:
* In [[Genesis 33:13]], Jacob speaks of his flocks being "overdriven" (a form of dâphaq), indicating they would be pushed too hard.
* In [[Judges 19:22]], wicked men "beat" (dâphaq) on the door, demanding entry.
* In [[Song of Solomon 5:2]], the beloved hears her beloved "knocking" (dâphaq) at the door.
* In [[Daniel 8:7]], a ram is "struck" (dâphaq) by a goat.
While Dophkah as a place name does not directly carry these active meanings, the underlying sense of "knocking" or "beating" from its root might subtly hint at the arduous nature of the wilderness journey, the persistent challenges faced by the Israelites, or even the rhythmic sound of their marching. Conceptually, Dophkah is related to other stations on the Exodus route, such as Marah, Elim, Rephidim, and Mount Sinai. Each of these places, though some more prominent than others, represents a stage in God's providential leading, testing, and provision for His people. The "Desert of Sin" itself is a key concept, denoting a wilderness region characterized by testing and divine sustenance.
### Theological Significance
As a mere waypoint, Dophkah's theological significance is not overtly expounded in the biblical text. However, its inclusion in the sacred itinerary of [[Numbers 33]] carries implicit theological weight.
1. **Divine Guidance and Order:** The very existence of a detailed list of encampments, including seemingly unremarkable ones like Dophkah, testifies to God's meticulous and sovereign guidance of His people. Every step of their journey, even through desolate places, was ordained and overseen by the Almighty.
2. **The Wilderness as a School:** Dophkah, like all other wilderness stations, serves as a reminder of the wilderness period as a crucible for Israel's faith. It was a place of dependence on God, where lessons of obedience, trust, and divine provision were learned, often through hardship.
3. **God's Presence in Desolation:** The fact that God led His people *through* places like Dophkah, rather than around them, underscores His omnipresence and His commitment to be with His people even in the most barren and challenging environments.
4. **Etymological Speculation:** While speculative, the root meaning of "knocking" for Dophkah could be seen as a subtle theological metaphor. It might represent the "knocking" of hardship on their door, the "knocking" of God's commands upon their hearts, or even the "knocking" of their feet as they faithfully, or sometimes reluctantly, followed God's cloud and fire. In any case, it points to an active engagement with their journey.
### Summary
Dophkah (`{{H1850}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific encampment site during the Israelite exodus from Egypt, mentioned in [[Numbers 33:12]] and [[Numbers 33:13]]. Derived from the root דָּפַק (dâphaq, `{{H1849}}`), meaning "to knock" or "to beat," its name might etymologically suggest "a place of knocking." While not the site of any major biblical event, Dophkah's inclusion in the divinely inspired itinerary of the Exodus underscores God's meticulous guidance and providential care for His people through every stage of their wilderness journey. It serves as a quiet testament to the reality of God's presence and faithfulness, even in the seemingly unremarkable waypoints of life's spiritual pilgrimage.
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