Kedar is a significant figure and region mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. Kedar is recognized as one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, making him a grandson of Abraham. The name "Kedar" is often used to refer to the nomadic tribes that descended from him, known for their skills in archery and their pastoral lifestyle.

Biblical References:

1. Genealogy and Descendants:
· Kedar is listed among the sons of Ishmael in Genesis 25:13: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam."

2. Prophetic Literature:
· The descendants of Kedar are frequently mentioned in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. In Isaiah 21:16-17, a prophecy concerning Kedar is given: "For this is what the Lord has said to me: 'Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. The remaining bowmen, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.' The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken."

3. Cultural and Economic Influence:
· Kedar is noted for its wealth and trade, particularly in livestock and goods. Ezekiel 27:21 highlights this economic aspect: "Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers; they did business with you in lambs, rams, and goats."

4. Symbol of Darkness and Mourning:
· The tents of Kedar are used metaphorically in the Song of Solomon 1:5 to describe a dark and possibly humble appearance: "I am dark yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Kedar's descendants were known as a nomadic people who inhabited the Arabian Desert. They were renowned for their skills in archery and their ability to thrive in the harsh desert environment. The "tents of Kedar" became a proverbial expression, symbolizing the nomadic lifestyle and the rugged, austere beauty of their dwellings.

The Kedarites played a significant role in the trade routes of the ancient Near East, dealing in livestock and other goods. Their interactions with surrounding nations, including Israel, are documented in various biblical texts, highlighting their influence and the occasional conflicts that arose.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Kedar represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael. Despite not being the child of promise, Ishmael's descendants, including Kedar, were blessed and became a great nation. The biblical narrative of Kedar serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His sovereignty over all nations.

Kedar's mention in prophetic literature often symbolizes the transient nature of earthly glory and power, as seen in the prophecies of Isaiah. The eventual decline of Kedar's might serves as a testament to the overarching theme of divine judgment and redemption found throughout the Scriptures.

Isaiah 42:1-13
... And let the scattered villages. the cheerful notes prolong. Let Kedar's wilderness
afar. lift up its lonely voice; And let the tenants of the rock. ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/23 isaiah 42 1-13.htm

Sweet Place, Sweet Place Alone!
... Their scars with glory crown'd. Ah me! Ah me! that I. In Kedar's tents here stay!
No place like this on high! Thither, LORD! guide my way! O happy place! ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/clxi sweet place sweet place.htm

Christ the King at his Table. Ss 1:2-5,12,13,17.
... Beyond the taste of richest wine.]. Though in ourselves deformed we are,. And black
as Kedar's tents appear,. Yet, when we put thy beauties on,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 66 christ the king.htm

Come and Welcome
... What though you be black as Kedar's smoky tents, here is water that can purge you,
and wash you to the whiteness of perfection, and make you fair as the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/come and welcome.htm

Christ the End of the Law
... "Though in ourselves deform'd we are,. And black as Kedar's tents appear,. Yet,
when we put Thy beauties on,. Fair as the courts of Solomon.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 22 1876/christ the end of the.htm

Cheer for Despondency
... "Ah me, ah me that I. In Kedar's tents here stay! No place like this on high! Thither,
Lord! guide my way. O happy place! When shall I be,. My God, with thee,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/cheer for despondency.htm

Kedar's (1 Occurrence)
...Kedar's (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 1:5 I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of
Jerusalem, like Kedar's tents, like Solomon's curtains. (WEB). ...
/k/kedar's.htm - 6k

Kedar (11 Occurrences)
... 1:5). To "dwell in the tents of Kedar" was to be cut off from the worship of the
true God (Psalm 120:5). The Kedarites suffered at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar ...
/k/kedar.htm - 13k

Kedem (2 Occurrences)

/k/kedem.htm - 6k

Lovely (19 Occurrences)
... (DBY JPS RSV). Song of Songs 1:5 I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem,
like Kedar's tents, like Solomon's curtains. (WEB NAS NIV). ...
/l/lovely.htm - 13k

Curtains (34 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Song of Songs 1:5 I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem,
like Kedar's tents, like Solomon's curtains. (WEB ...
/c/curtains.htm - 17k

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Song of Songs 1:5 I am dark, but
lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar's tents, like Solomon's curtains. ...
/s/solomon's.htm - 31k

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