Who is…
Dodo
Hebrew: דּוֹדוֹ —transliteration: Dodo —meaning: loving; beloved —originates from the Hebrew word dod
This is the name of 3 biblical Israelite men living in different historical periods. Modern readers sometimes note the name's humorous English connotation (“dodo” as an extinct bird meaning “foolish”), but this is unrelated to the Hebrew meaning.
Dodo, the grandfather of Judge Tola
This Dodo is a member of the Tribe of Issachar.
Then after Abimelech died, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. —Judges 10:1
Tola rose to deliver Israel after the chaotic and oppressive reign of Abimelech (Gideon's son). Tola judged Israel for 23 years, bringing a period of stability during the turbulent time of the judges.
Thus needed leadership emergec from a lesser-known family line in Israel’s early history, well before the time of Israel’s kings. No direct actions or character details are given for this Dodo.
Q & A
Dodo, father of Eleazar
also known as: Dodai
This Dodo is remembered indirectly due to his son's valor.
He is an Ahohite (son of Ahohi) and the father of Eleazar, who was one of David’s three heroic mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:12)
These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains, he was called Adino the Eznite, because of 800 slain by him at one time; and after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the son of Ahohi, one of the 3 mighty men with David when they reproached the Philistines who were gathered together there to battle and the men of Israel had gone up to retreat. He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and Yahweh brought about a great salvation that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain. —2 Samuel 23:8-10 LSB
This illustrates how God can bring victory through one dedicated individual. Eleazar is an example of standing firm when others flee.
This Dodo is the same as Dodai mentioned later in the Chronicles.
Dodai the Ahohite and his division were over the division for the second month, Mikloth being the chief officer; and in his division were 24,000. —1 Chronicles 27:4
This was during King David's reign (circa 1010–970 BC), during his battles against the troublesome Philistines.
Q & A
Dodo, father of Elhanan
This Dodo is from Bethlehem (David's hometown, the city of Jesse and later messianic prophecy).
His son Elhanan (2 Samuel 23:24; 1 Chronicles 11:26) was one of the “30”—a distinguished group of warriors who formed the core of David's military elite, though below the top “3.”
Nothing else is said in Scripture about this Dodo, just the brief genealogical note and its evidence of loyalty to David from his native area.
Q & A
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