kedar Summary and Overview

dark-skinned, the second son of Ishmael (Gen. 25:13). It is the name for the nomadic tribes of Arabs, the Bedouins generally (Isa. 21:16; 42:11; 60:7; Jer. 2:10; Ezek. 27:21), who dwelt in the north-west of Arabia. They lived in black hair-tents (Cant. 1:5). To "dwell in the tents of Kedar" was to be cut off from the worship of the true God (Ps. 120:5). The Kedarites suffered at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 49:28, 29).

(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.

KE'DAR (dark-skinned), second son of Ishmael. Gen 25:13. From him descended the leading tribes of Arabia and of the land east of Palestine. They and the country bear the name of Kedar. Isa 21:16; Jer 49:28. They were nomads, living in black hair-tents. Cant. Jer 1:5, as the modern Bedouins do, or in villages, Isa 42:11, and were rich in flocks and herds, and noted as archers and mighty men. Ptolemy calls them Darrse, and Pliny, Cedrie. The rabbins call the Arabs, Kedar. Tradition makes Mohammed a descendant of Kedar. They suffered much from the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar.

("black skinned".) Ishmael's second son (Genesis 25:13; Isaiah 21:16-17; Isaiah 42:11; Isaiah 60:7; Jeremiah 49:28; Ezekiel 27:21), occupying the pastures and wilds on the N.W. side of Arabia. Representing the Arabs in general, with flocks, and goat's or camel's hair tents, black as their own complexion (Song of Solomon 1:5; Psalm 120:5). "I dwell in the tents of Kedar, my soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace." Warriors and archers, among the marauding "children" or "men of the East," Bent Kedem; loving strife, true sons of Ishmael, of whom the Angel of Jehovah said "he will be a wild man, his hand will be against every man and every man's hand against him" (Genesis 16:12).