Kedar in Smiths Bible Dictionary

(dark-skinned), the second in order of the sons of Ishmael, Ge 25:13; 1Ch 1:29 and the name of a great tribe of Arabs settled on the northwest of the peninsula and on the confines of Israel. The "glory of Kedar" is recorded by the prophet Isaiah, Isa 21:13-17 in the burden upon Arabia; and its importance may also be inferred from the "princes of Kedar" mentioned by Ezekiel, Eze 27:21 as well as the pastoral character of the tribe. They appear also to have been, like the wandering tribes of the present day, "archers" and "mighty men." Isa 21:17 comp. Psal 120:5 That they also settled in villages or towns we find from Isaiah. Isa 42:11 The tribe seems to have been one of the most conspicuous of all the Ishmaelite tribes, and hence the rabbins call the Arabians universally by this name.

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