The Hebrew name Bidqar, represented by H920, identifies a specific Israelite individual. According to its base definition, the name is likely derived from a root meaning "by stabbing, i.e. assassin". It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking a very specific historical moment.
The sole appearance of Bidqar is in 2 Kings 9:25. In this account, he is identified as the captain H7991 of Jehu. Jehu commands him to take up H5375 and cast H7993 the body of Ahab's son into the portion H2513 of the field H7704 that belonged to Naboth H5022 the Jezreelite H3158. This act is a direct fulfillment of a prophecy, as Jehu instructs Bidqar to remember H2142 the burden H4853 the LORD H3068 had laid upon Ahab H256, the father of the slain king.
Several related words are central to understanding the context of Bidkar's action:
- H7991 shâlîysh (captain): This title designates Bidkar as a high-ranking officer, specifically a "general of the third rank." It establishes his authority and his role as Jehu's subordinate in carrying out military and divine commands 2 Kings 9:25.
- H256 ʼAchʼâb (Ahab): The name of the king of Israel whose actions are the root of the judgment. The events involving Bidqar are the culmination of a prophecy directed at the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:25, Micah 6:16).
- H5022 Nâbôwth (Naboth): The Israelite whose inheritance was unjustly taken by Ahab 1 Kings 21:3. The command to cast the body into the field of Naboth connects the punishment directly to the original crime scene.
- H4853 massâʼ (burden): This term refers to a prophetic utterance, often a "doom." In this context, it is the specific judgment the LORD H3068 laid upon Ahab, which Jehu and Bidkar are now executing 2 Kings 9:25.
The theological weight of Bidkar's appearance is tied directly to the event he participates in.
- Execution of Divine Judgment: Bidkar's one action in Scripture is to serve as an instrument of God's retribution. He is commanded by Jehu to carry out the sentence that the LORD H3068 had laid H5375 upon Ahab's house 2 Kings 9:25.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: The scene is a powerful demonstration of God's word coming to pass. Jehu explicitly frames the command to Bidkar as an act to remember H2142, recalling the specific burden H4853 prophesied earlier. Bidkar's participation ensures the prophecy is fulfilled to the letter.
- The Principle of Retribution: The location is critical. Casting the body into the portion H2513 of the field of Naboth H5022 demonstrates a principle of divine justice, where the punishment directly corresponds to the original sin and its location 1 Kings 21:19.
In summary, Bidqar H920 is not a major character, but a figure whose single mention is of great significance. He is identified as a captain H7991 who acts on Jehu's command to fulfill a divine prophecy. His role, while brief, is essential to the narrative of God's judgment against the house of Ahab for the sin against Naboth. The story of Bidkar illustrates how individuals are used to enact God's sovereign and just decrees, bringing biblical history and prophecy to their determined conclusion.
TRV