Overview:
Deker is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King Solomon's administrative organization. He is noted as one of the twelve district governors appointed by Solomon to provide provisions for the king and his household. Each governor was responsible for one month of the year, ensuring the sustenance and smooth operation of the royal court.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to Deker is found in 1 Kings 4:9. The passage lists the names of the twelve officials and the regions they governed. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"Ben-Deker in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan."

Role and Responsibilities:
Deker, referred to as "Ben-Deker" in the text, was responsible for the region encompassing Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan. His role as a district governor was crucial in maintaining the economic stability and logistical support for Solomon's expansive kingdom. Each governor's duty was to collect and supply the necessary provisions for one month, ensuring that the king's needs were met without interruption.

Geographical Context:
The areas under Deker's jurisdiction were located in the western part of the Kingdom of Israel. Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan were significant locations within the tribal territories, likely contributing agricultural produce and other resources to the royal court. These regions were strategically important for their agricultural output and proximity to trade routes.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
The appointment of district governors like Deker reflects the administrative sophistication of Solomon's reign. This system allowed for efficient management of resources and demonstrated the centralized authority of the king. The mention of Deker and his counterparts highlights the organized structure of governance that characterized Solomon's rule, contributing to the prosperity and stability of Israel during this period.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the account of Deker and the other governors illustrates the wisdom and organizational skills attributed to Solomon. It underscores the biblical theme of divine wisdom granted to leaders for the effective governance of God's people. Solomon's ability to manage such a vast kingdom is often seen as a fulfillment of the wisdom he received from God, as described earlier in 1 Kings 3.

Conclusion:
While Deker is a relatively minor figure in the biblical narrative, his role as a district governor under Solomon provides insight into the administrative practices of ancient Israel. His mention in the Scriptures serves as a testament to the structured and prosperous nature of Solomon's reign, reflecting the broader themes of wisdom and divine provision in the biblical text.1128. Ben-deqer -- "son of Deker," one of Solomon's leaders
... Ben-deqer. 1129 . "son of Deker," one of Solomon's leaders. Transliteration:
Ben-deqer Phonetic Spelling: (ben-deh'-ker) Short Definition: Ben-deker. ...
/hebrew/1128.htm - 6k

1857. Deqer -- Dekar
... Word Origin see Ben-deqer. Dekar From daqar; a stab; Deker, an Israelite -- Dekar.
see HEBREW daqar. 1856, 1857. Deqer. 1858 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1857.htm - 5k

Deker (1 Occurrence)
...Deker (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 Ben Deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth
Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan; (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
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Ben-deker (1 Occurrence)
Ben-deker. Bendeker, Ben-deker. Bendeth . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia BEN-DEKER. ben-de'-ker (ben-deqer, "son of Deker...
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Bendeker
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEN-DEKER. ben-de'-ker (ben-deqer, "son
of Deker," the King James Version "son of Dekar"): The word ...
/b/bendeker.htm - 6k

Shaalbim (2 Occurrences)
... In the time of Solomon it was included in the administrative district presided over
by Ben-deker, along with Makaz, Beth-shemesh and Elon-beth-hanan (1 Kings 4 ...
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Delaiah (7 Occurrences)

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Elon (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:9 Ben Deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth Shemesh, and
Elon Beth Hanan; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/elon.htm - 10k

Elon-beth-hanan (1 Occurrence)
... Elon-beth-hanan (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 Ben-deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim,
and Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan; (ASV DBY JPS WBS YLT). ...
/e/elon-beth-hanan.htm - 7k

Elonbeth-hanan (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Elonbeth-hanan (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 ... the son
of Deker in Makaz and Shaalbim and Beth-shemesh and Elonbeth-hanan; (BBE NAS). ...
/e/elonbeth-hanan.htm - 7k

E'lonbeth-Ha'nan (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance E'lonbeth-Ha'nan (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:9 Ben Deker,
in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan; (See RSV). ...
/e/e'lonbeth-ha'nan.htm - 6k

Dekar (1 Occurrence)
... DEKAR. de'-kar (deqer, "lancer"): Father of one of Solomon's commissaries (1 Kings
4:9 the King James Version). See BEN-DEKER. Multi-Version Concordance ...
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