Topical Encyclopedia Kedar is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, known as one of the sons of Ishmael, the firstborn of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. The name "Kedar" is often associated with the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula, and his descendants are frequently mentioned in the context of the ancient Near Eastern world.Genealogy and Lineage Kedar is listed as the second son of Ishmael in the genealogical records found in the Book of Genesis. Genesis 25:13 states: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam." This lineage places Kedar among the twelve princes prophesied by God to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 17:20, where God promises to make Ishmael fruitful and to multiply him exceedingly. Territory and Influence The descendants of Kedar are traditionally associated with the nomadic tribes that inhabited the Arabian desert. They are often depicted as dwelling in tents and engaging in trade, particularly in livestock and goods. Isaiah 21:16-17 references Kedar in a prophecy concerning the downfall of its warriors: "For this is what the Lord has said to me: 'Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.'" The mention of Kedar in Isaiah highlights the tribe's reputation for skilled archery and military prowess. Additionally, the Song of Solomon 1:5 uses the tents of Kedar as a metaphor for beauty and darkness: "I am dark yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." Cultural and Religious Context Kedar's descendants are often associated with the broader Ishmaelite tribes, who played a significant role in the trade networks of the ancient Near East. The biblical portrayal of Kedar and his descendants reflects the complex relationships between the Israelites and their neighboring peoples. In Ezekiel 27:21 , Kedar is mentioned in the context of trade with Tyre: "Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats." The prophetic literature of the Old Testament frequently uses Kedar as a symbol of the Gentile nations, often in the context of judgment or redemption. For instance, Isaiah 42:11 calls for the praise of the Lord to resound in the desert regions inhabited by Kedar: "Let the desert and its cities raise their voices, the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops." Historical and Theological Significance Kedar's role in the biblical narrative underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding Ishmael's descendants. The presence of Kedar in prophetic texts serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the nations and the overarching sovereignty of God in the affairs of humanity. The references to Kedar in the Bible highlight the diverse cultural and ethnic landscape of the ancient Near East and the enduring legacy of Abraham's lineage through Ishmael. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 25:13And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 1:29 Strong's Hebrew 6938. Qedar -- perhaps "swarthy," a son of Ishmael, also his desc.... Kedar. From qadar; dusky (of the skin or the tent); Kedar, a son of Ishmael; also (collectively) Bedouin (as his descendants or representatives) -- Kedar. ... /hebrew/6938.htm - 6k Library Chapter xxv The Second Rule of Tichonius. A Believer's Privilege at Death The Nations of the South-East A Little Sanctuary Where to Find Fruit Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Resources What does it mean that the Shulammite had dark skin (Song of Solomon 1:6)? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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