Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Edar" is derived from the Hebrew word "עֵדֶר" (Eder), which means "flock" or "herd." This name is indicative of pastoral life and is often associated with shepherding and the care of livestock, a common occupation in ancient Israel.

Biblical References:
Edar is mentioned in the context of a specific location known as "Migdal Eder," which translates to "Tower of the Flock." This site is referenced in Genesis 35:21: "Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder." This passage occurs after the death of Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, as Jacob (Israel) continues his journey.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Migdal Eder is traditionally understood to be located near Bethlehem, in the region of Judea. The area is historically significant due to its proximity to Bethlehem, the city of David, and later, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The mention of a "tower" suggests a structure used for watching over flocks, providing a vantage point for shepherds to protect their sheep from predators and thieves.

Theological Significance:
In Jewish tradition, Migdal Eder holds messianic significance. The Targum Jonathan, an ancient Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible, interprets Migdal Eder as the place from which the Messiah would be revealed. This interpretation aligns with the Christian understanding of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who is seen as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

Cultural and Symbolic Importance:
The concept of a "tower of the flock" symbolizes vigilance, protection, and care, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Shepherding imagery is prevalent in Scripture, with God often depicted as a shepherd who tends to His people. Psalm 23, for example, famously begins, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." This imagery is further echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus refers to Himself as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11.

Related Biblical Themes:
The mention of Edar and its association with shepherding connects to broader biblical themes of leadership, guidance, and divine care. Shepherds in the Bible are often seen as leaders and protectors, roles that are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The pastoral setting of Edar also reflects the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel, where the care of flocks was integral to daily life and survival.

Conclusion:
While Edar itself is a brief mention in the biblical text, its implications and connections to significant biblical themes and prophecies render it a noteworthy location in the study of Scripture. Its association with shepherding and messianic expectation enriches the understanding of God's relationship with His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.Tower of the flock, a tower between Bethlehem and Hebron, near which Jacob first halted after leaving Bethlehem (Genesis 35:21). In Micah 4:8 the word is rendered "tower of the flock" (marg., "Edar"), and is used as a designation of Bethlehem, which figuratively represents the royal line of David as sprung from Bethlehem. EDAR

e'-dar.

See EDER.

TOWER OF EDAR (THE FLOCK)

See EDER.

5740. Eder -- a Levite
... 5739, 5740. Eder. 5740a . a Levite. Transliteration: Eder Phonetic Spelling:
(ay'-der) Short Definition: Edar. Edar, Eder The same ...
/hebrew/5740.htm - 5k

The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts.
... apo. [42] Cf. Genesis 35:22. The Gader mentioned below is the Edar of ver.
21, the Hebrew being reproduced, as often, by g. [43] [This ...
/.../i the testament of reuben concerning.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... After this Paula went a short distance down the hill to the tower of Edar, [2808]
that is of the flock,' near which Jacob fed his flocks, and where the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Edar (1 Occurrence)
... In Micah 4:8 the word is rendered "tower of the flock" (marg., "Edar"), and is used
as a designation of Bethlehem, which figuratively represents the royal line ...
/e/edar.htm - 7k

Migdal-Edar
Migdal-Edar. MigdalEdar, Migdal-Edar. Migdaleder . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(see EDAR.). MigdalEdar, Migdal-Edar. Migdaleder . Reference Bible.
/m/migdal-edar.htm - 6k

Ed (1 Occurrence)

/e/ed.htm - 9k

Journeyeth (9 Occurrences)
... in Gerar; (YLT). Genesis 35:21 And Israel journeyeth, and stretcheth out
his tent beyond the tower of Edar; (YLT). Genesis 46:1 And ...
/j/journeyeth.htm - 8k

Journeyed (111 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). Genesis 35:21 And Israel journeyed, and spread his
tent beyond the tower of Edar. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/j/journeyed.htm - 33k

Flock (242 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FLOCK. See CATTLE. TOWER OF EDAR (THE FLOCK).
See EDER. Multi-Version Concordance Flock (242 Occurrences). ...
/f/flock.htm - 39k

Towers (38 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Of Babel (Genesis 11:4), Edar (Genesis 35:21),
Penuel (Judges 8:9, 17), Shechem (9:46), David (Cant. 4 ...
/t/towers.htm - 18k

Tires (3 Occurrences)
... See ASTRONOMY, sec. I, 3; CRESCENTS. DAVID, TOWER OF. tou'-er. See JERUSALEM. TOWER
OF EDAR (THE FLOCK). See EDER. TOWER OF HANANEEL. See HANANEL. TOWER OF MEAH ...
/t/tires.htm - 8k

Eddias
Eddias. Edar, Eddias. Eddinus . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EDDIAS.
ed-i'-as. See IEDDIAS. Edar, Eddias. Eddinus . Reference Bible.
/e/eddias.htm - 6k

Eder (6 Occurrences)
... far west. (2) Eder (the King James Version Edar) or better Migdal Eder, mighdal
`edher, "the tower of the flock"; Gader. After Rachel ...
/e/eder.htm - 10k

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