The Hebrew name Lôʼ Dᵉbar, represented by H3810, identifies a place in Palestine known as Lodebar. Its name means pastureless. The term appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, placing it in a specific and significant narrative context within the life of King David.
In the biblical narrative, Lodebar is presented as a place of residence. When King David H1732 seeks to show kindness to the house of Saul, he is told by Ziba H6717 that Jonathan's son is "in the house H1004 of Machir H4353, the son H1121 of Ammiel H5988, in Lodebar H3810" 2 Samuel 9:4. David then sent H7971 and fetched H3947 him from there 2 Samuel 9:5. Later, when David is fleeing to Mahanaim H4266, Machir son of Ammiel from Lodebar is among those who bring provisions to the king and his people, demonstrating loyalty and support 2 Samuel 17:27.
Several key individuals and terms are directly associated with Lodebar:
- H4353 Mâkîyr (salesman; Makir, an Israelite): A prominent resident of Lodebar. He is shown to be a man of substance, first providing a home for the son of Jonathan and later providing aid to King David in his time of need (2 Samuel 9:4, 2 Samuel 17:27).
- H5988 ʻAmmîyʼêl (people of God; Ammiel, the name of three or four Israelites): He is identified as the father of Machir of Lodebar in all biblical accounts of the location, establishing the lineage of this key figure (2 Samuel 9:4, 2 Samuel 17:27).
- H1732 Dâvid (loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse): The king whose actions frame the story of Lodebar. He is the one who initiates contact with the place to restore Saul's heir and is later sustained by the generosity of its resident (2 Samuel 9:5, 2 Samuel 17:27).
The significance of Lodebar is primarily seen through its narrative function. It represents a place that, despite its name, is central to acts of kindness and loyalty.
- A Place of Obscurity: With a name meaning "pastureless," Lodebar serves as a symbol of a forgotten or desolate place. It is from this humble setting that David retrieves the last heir of his predecessor's house 2 Samuel 9:4.
- Covenant Faithfulness: The story of David fetching Mephibosheth from Lodebar is a pivotal demonstration of the king's faithfulness to the covenant he made with Jonathan, reaching into an obscure location to show grace.
- Unexpected Provision: In contrast to its "pastureless" name, Lodebar is the home of Machir, who provides for both Mephibosheth and later for King David's entire camp. This illustrates that great loyalty and provision can arise from seemingly unproductive places 2 Samuel 17:27.
In summary, H3810 Lodebar is more than just a geographical name. It is a place of narrative contrast, a "pastureless" land from which restoration and provision emerge. It serves as the backdrop for one of King David's most significant acts of covenant kindness and later as a source of loyal support during his distress, highlighting themes of grace, faithfulness, and unexpected generosity.
TRV