### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma תִּדְעָל (Tidʻâl), designated as H8413, is a proper noun, specifically the name of a king. Its base definition in Strong's Concordance suggests a possible derivation from the Aramaic root `{{H1763}}` (דְּחַל, *dᵉchal*), meaning "to fear" or "to be afraid." If this etymology holds, the name Tidʻâl could convey a meaning such as "fearfulness" or "reverence." However, it is crucial to note the "perhaps from" in the definition, indicating that this etymological link is a scholarly suggestion rather than a definitive linguistic certainty. As a proper name, its primary function in the biblical text is to identify a specific individual rather than to convey a descriptive attribute directly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tidʻâl (H8413) appears exclusively in the fourteenth chapter of Genesis, within the narrative describing the war of the kings.
* [[Genesis 14:1]]: "And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidʻâl king of Goiim..."
* [[Genesis 14:9]]: "...with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidʻâl king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five."
In both instances, Tidʻâl is listed as one of the four eastern kings who formed an alliance under Chedorlaomer of Elam. This formidable coalition waged war against five kings of the Jordan Valley, who had rebelled after twelve years of servitude. Tidʻâl is specifically identified as the "king of Goiim" (מֶלֶךְ גּוֹיִם). The term "Goiim" (גּוֹיִם) is the plural of `{{H1471}}` (גּוֹי, *goy*), meaning "nation" or "people." This unique designation, "king of nations," suggests that Tidʻâl may have ruled over a confederation of diverse peoples or a region characterized by multiple ethnic groups, rather than a single, geographically defined kingdom like those of his allies. His role in the narrative is as a participant in the victorious eastern alliance, whose capture of Lot subsequently prompts Abram's (Abraham's) military intervention. Tidʻâl, along with his allies, is ultimately defeated by Abram and his household, who pursued them to Dan and beyond.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proposed etymological link for Tidʻâl (H8413) is to the Aramaic root `{{H1763}}` (דְּחַל, *dᵉchal*), which is found in biblical Aramaic texts such as the book of Daniel. This root signifies "to fear," "to be afraid," or "to reverence" (e.g., [[Daniel 5:19]], where King Nebuchadnezzar made people "tremble and fear" before him). While not a direct Hebrew cognate in common usage, the concept of fear is widely expressed in Hebrew through words like `{{H3372}}` (יָרֵא, *yare*), which encompasses both terror and reverential awe, and `{{H6342}}` (פַּחַד, *pachad*), often denoting dread or terror.
The title "king of Goiim" is also significant. The term *goyim* (nations) is foundational to understanding biblical ethnography. While in later biblical theology it often distinguishes Israel from the "Gentile" nations, in Genesis 14, it likely refers to a collection of non-Israelite peoples or tribes under Tidʻâl's dominion, possibly indicating a less centralized or more nomadic realm compared to the established kingdoms of Shinar, Ellasar, and Elam.
### Theological Significance
Tidʻâl's theological significance is primarily contextual, serving as a foil in the narrative that highlights God's protective hand over Abraham and His unfolding covenant plan. As one of the powerful kings of the East, his defeat by Abraham is a testament not to Abraham's military might alone, but to the divine enablement given to God's chosen servant. This victory demonstrates God's sovereignty over the nations and their rulers, even those who appear formidable. The capture of Lot by Tidʻâl and his allies sets the stage for Abraham's heroic rescue, which in turn leads to Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High. This encounter solidifies Abraham's spiritual standing and foreshadows the priestly order to come.
The potential meaning of Tidʻâl's name, "fearfulness," could be seen ironically in light of his ultimate defeat. While he may have inspired fear in his subjects or adversaries, he himself was overcome by Abraham, who acted under divine guidance. This serves to underscore that true power and ultimate victory belong to God and those aligned with His purposes. Tidʻâl's role, therefore, is to contribute to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness to Abraham and the establishment of the patriarch's prominence among the nations.
### Summary
Tidʻâl (H8413, תִּדְעָל) is a proper noun identifying one of the four eastern kings who formed an alliance with Chedorlaomer of Elam in Genesis 14. He is uniquely designated as the "king of Goiim," likely referring to a ruler over a confederation of diverse nations or peoples. While his name is tentatively linked to the Aramaic root `{{H1763}}`, suggesting "fearfulness" or "reverence," his primary biblical role is as a participant in the war against the kings of the Jordan Valley. His defeat by Abraham underscores God's sovereign power and protection over His chosen servant, serving as a crucial element in the narrative that establishes Abraham's standing and foreshadows the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Tidʻâl's presence in the text contributes to the theological message that earthly powers are subject to the divine will and plan.
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