the right kind of shepherd who leads his “little flock” into a relationship with Jehovah on the basis of the new covenant sealed with Jesus’ own blood. (Lu 12:32; Joh 10:7-11) Jesus’ likening himself to such a door harmonizes with the fact that through him, by virtue of his ransom sacrifice, sheeplike persons can approach God, be saved, and gain life.​—Joh 14:6.

Jehovah was responsible for opening to the nations “the door to faith.” (Ac 14:27) Paul remained at Ephesus for a time because “a large door that leads to activity” in declaring the good news had been opened to him there.​—1Co 16:8, 9; Ac 19:1-20; compare 2Co 2:12, 13; Col 4:3, 4.

In vision, John saw “an opened door in heaven,” which enabled him to see future things and enter, as it were, into the presence of Jehovah.​—Re 4:1-3.

(Dophʹkah) [possibly, Driven; Shoved].

The first stopping place for the Israelites after leaving the Wilderness of Sin on their way to the Promised Land. (Nu 33:12, 13) The Bible does not indicate its exact geographic location. However, many scholars associate Dophkah with the Egyptian Mafqat, a district named for the turquoise mined since ancient times around Sarabit el-Khadim, about 34 km (21 mi) E of modern-day Abu Zanima on the Sinai Peninsula.

One of the Palestinian cities that allied with Canaanite King Jabin of Hazor to fight against Joshua (Jos 11:1, 2) and was summarily defeated. (Jos 11:12; 12:23) Though Dor and its dependent towns actually lay in Asher’s territory, these were given to the tribe of Manasseh, who proved unable to dispossess the inhabitants remaining there. (Jos 17:11-13; 1Ch 7:29) Later the territory of Dor, overseen by one of Solomon’s sons-in-law, provided food one month out of the year for the king’s household.​—1Ki 4:11.

The city of Dor is usually identified with Khirbet el-Burj (Tel Dor), 13 km (8 mi) N of Caesarea, on the long narrow coastal plain stretching along the Mediterranean Sea. This location on the coastal plain has caused some discussion as to the meaning of the frequently used phrase “the mountain ridges [from the Heb. na·phahʹ] of Dor.” (Jos 11:2) Some scholars believe this refers to the cliffs that line much of the coast in this region, thus associating the Hebrew na·phahʹ with the Arabic term nafnaf, meaning “cliff, precipice.” Others believe it may indicate the hilly slopes that begin 3 km (2 mi) inland from Dor and culminate in the heights of Mount Carmel.

(Dorʹcas) [Gazelle].

A Christian woman in the Joppa congregation abounding in “good deeds and gifts of mercy,” evidently including the making of inner and outer garments for needy widows. (Ac 9:36, 39) “Dorcas” corresponds to the Aramaic “Tabitha,” both names meaning “Gazelle.” Possibly Dorcas was known by both names, as it was not uncommon then for Jews, especially those living in a seaport such as Joppa with its mixed population of Jews and Gentiles, to have a Hebrew name as well as a Greek or Latin name. Or, Luke may have translated the name for the benefit of Gentile readers. Dorcas is the only woman mentioned in the Scriptures as having the feminine form of the word “disciple” applied to her. This, however, does not mean that she held a special position in the congregation, for all Christians were actually disciples of Jesus Christ. (Mt 28:19, 20) Though her death in 36 C.E. caused much weeping among the widows who had apparently benefited greatly from her kindnesses, the fact that no mention is made of sorrow on the part of a husband suggests that Dorcas was unmarried at the time.

At her death the disciples at Joppa prepared her for burial and, on learning that Peter was in Lydda, about 18 km (11 mi) SE of Joppa, sent for him. Undoubtedly they had heard about Peter’s healing the paralytic Aeneas there, and this may have given them a basis for reasoning that the apostle might resurrect Dorcas. On the other hand, they may have turned to Peter simply for consolation.​—Ac 9:32-38.

Following a procedure similar to that used by Jesus in resurrecting Jairus’ daughter (Mr 5:38-41; Lu 8:51-55), Peter, after dismissing everyone from the upper chamber, prayed and then said: “Tabitha, rise!” Dorcas opened her eyes, sat up, and took Peter’s hand to rise. This is the first reported resurrection performed by an apostle, resulting in many becoming believers throughout Joppa.​—Ac 9:39-42.

(Doʹthan).

A city figuring in two Biblical narratives. Dothan is today identified with Tell Dothan (Tel Dotan), situated on a hill in a small basinlike plain lying between the hills of Samaria and the Carmel Range, 16 km (10 mi) NNE of Samaria.​—PICTURE, Vol. 1, p. 950.

Young Joseph found his brothers and their flocks “at Dothan.” It is thought likely that they were to the N of that city, on the pasture ground through which ran the road that connected Gilead (E of the Jordan) with the Mediterranean seacoast