The Dedanim, or descendants of Dedan, are a group mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with the lineage of Abraham and the broader narrative of the peoples of the Arabian Peninsula. Dedan is identified as a grandson of Abraham through his son Jokshan, who was born to Abraham's concubine Keturah. This lineage is outlined in Genesis 25:1-3 : "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan."

The Dedanim are often linked with trade and commerce, as they are mentioned in the context of trading nations. In Isaiah 21:13 , the Dedanim are referenced in a prophecy concerning Arabia: "This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites." This passage suggests that the Dedanim were involved in the caravan trade routes that traversed the Arabian Peninsula, indicating their role in the economic activities of the region.

Additionally, the Dedanim are mentioned in the book of Ezekiel, where they are associated with the trading city of Tyre. Ezekiel 27:15 states, "The men of Dedan were your merchants; many coastlands were your customers; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony." This highlights their involvement in the exchange of luxury goods, further emphasizing their significance in ancient trade networks.

The geographical location of the Dedanim is generally considered to be in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, possibly near the region known today as Al-‘Ula in modern Saudi Arabia. This area was strategically positioned along the incense and spice trade routes, which were vital to the economies of the ancient Near East.

The Dedanim, as descendants of Dedan, are part of the broader narrative of the peoples who descended from Abraham, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham a father of many nations. Their mention in the prophetic and historical texts of the Bible underscores their role in the cultural and economic tapestry of the ancient world.Isaiah 21:13
The burden on Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall you lodge, O you traveling companies of Dedanim.
Nave's Topical Index

1720. Dedani -- desc. or inhab. of Dedan
... Dedanim. Plural of Ddan (as patrial); Dedanites, the descendants or inhabitants
of Dedan -- Dedanim. see HEBREW Ddan. 1719, 1720. Dedani. 1721 . ...
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