Who was Dodo in the Bible?

Dodo, also called Dodai, was the father of Eleazar, one of King David's most valiant warriors known as the 'mighty men.' His son Eleazar famously fought in a battle against the Philistines until his hand grew tired and clung to his sword (2 Samuel 23:9-10; 1 Chronicles 11:12).

Why is Dodo mentioned in the Bible?

Dodo is mentioned to establish the lineage of his heroic son, Eleazar, highlighting the importance of family heritage among David's warriors. His inclusion shows that God used courageous families in establishing and defending David's kingdom.

What do we know about Dodo's life and family?

The Bible records Dodo as an Ahohite (2 Samuel 23:9) and the father of Eleazar. He is also noted as the ancestor of Dodai, an army commander who served King David (1 Chronicles 27:4), indicating his family line held military leadership.

Dodo

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleFather

Dodo, also known as Dodai, was the father of Eleazar, one of David's mighty men who fought valiantly in battle. (2Sa.23.9; 1Ch.11.12; 27.4)

Dodo

Biography

Dodo the Ahohite, also called Dodai, was the father of Eleazar, one of David's three supreme mighty men, the innermost circle of elite warriors who served the king during his rise to power and throughout his reign. Eleazar's remarkable courage is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:9-10 and 1 Chronicles 11:12: during a critical battle against the Philistines at Pas-dammim, when the rest of Israel retreated, Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines until his hand was so exhausted it could not release his sword, yet God gave a great victory that day. Dodo is listed in 1 Chronicles 27:4 in connection with Eleazar's role as one of David's monthly military commanders. As the father of such an extraordinary warrior, Dodo holds a place of honor in the annals of David's court.

Significance

Dodo the Ahohite is remembered not for his own exploits but for being the father of Eleazar, one of the three supreme warriors of David's mighty men. Eleazar's stand at Pas-dammim, where he fought alone until his hand cramped around his sword and the LORD gave a great victory, is one of the most dramatic individual acts of valor in all of Scripture. As Eleazar's father, Dodo represents the lineage and heritage that shaped one of Israel's greatest soldiers. His place in David's military records reflects the Bible's recognition that extraordinary servants of God emerge from family contexts, and that the courage of a son can illuminate the legacy of a father.

Authority Records

Wikidata

ChildPuah

Verse Appearances (3)

2Sam

2Sam 23:9

1Chr

1Chr 11:12 1Chr 27:4

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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