Etymology and Meaning
The term "Kedem" is derived from the Hebrew word "קֶדֶם" (qedem), which generally means "east" or "ancient." In biblical contexts, it often refers to the direction of the sunrise or to something that is from ancient times. The concept of "east" in the Bible is not only geographical but also carries symbolic meanings, often associated with beginnings, origins, and sometimes divine presence.

Geographical Significance
In the Bible, "Kedem" is frequently used to denote the eastern regions relative to the land of Israel. This includes areas such as Mesopotamia, which is often referred to as the "land of the east." The east is significant in biblical narratives, as it is the direction from which the patriarchs, such as Abraham, originally came. Genesis 11:31 mentions, "Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan."

Symbolic and Theological Implications
The east holds a special place in biblical symbolism. It is often associated with the Garden of Eden, which was planted "in the east" (Genesis 2:8). This connection to Eden imbues the east with connotations of paradise and divine origin. Additionally, the east is sometimes seen as a place of exile or departure from God's presence, as in the case of Cain, who settled "east of Eden" after being banished (Genesis 4:16).

Theologically, the east is also significant in eschatological visions. For instance, in Ezekiel's vision of the new temple, the glory of the Lord enters from the east (Ezekiel 43:2). This suggests a restoration of divine presence and blessing coming from the east.

Cultural and Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the east was often associated with wisdom and learning. The "wise men from the east" who visited Jesus after His birth (Matthew 2:1) are an example of this cultural association. These magi were likely scholars or astrologers from regions such as Persia or Babylon, areas renowned for their knowledge and wisdom.

Biblical References
The term "Kedem" appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament. It is used to describe the direction from which the wind blows (Exodus 10:13), the location of certain tribes (Judges 6:3), and the origin of certain peoples (Genesis 29:1). In each instance, the term carries with it the dual connotations of geographical direction and ancient origins.

Conclusion
While "Kedem" primarily denotes the east, its usage in the Bible is rich with symbolic and theological meaning. It serves as a reminder of the origins of the patriarchs, the divine presence, and the wisdom associated with the eastern regions. The term encapsulates both the physical and spiritual dimensions of biblical geography and history.

Chapter xxv
... But to the sons of Abraham's concubines, Abraham gave gifts and sent them away from
Isaac his son during his own lifetime, eastward to Kedem (East Country). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... Judges, c. vii. v.12, "The Midianites and Amalekites, and all the sons of Kedem,
or of the east, lay in the valley as locusts [29] in multitude. ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... These "sand wanderers" sent him on from tribe to tribe until he reached the land
of Kedem, east of the Dead Sea, where he remained for a year and a half. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Kedem (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kedem (2 Occurrences). Genesis 25:15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur,
Naphish, and Kedemah. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/k/kedem.htm - 6k

East (228 Occurrences)
... 7). (2). Properly what is in front of one, or a country that is before or
in front of another; the rendering of the word kedem. In ...
/e/east.htm - 51k

Ked'emah (2 Occurrences)
... Ked'emah (2 Occurrences). Genesis 25:15 Hadad, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and
Kedem; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 1:31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedem. ...
/k/ked'emah.htm - 6k

Kadmonite (1 Occurrence)
... of a political refugee who fled from Egypt in the time of the XIIth Dynasty, it
is said that he found a refuge in Canaan in the land of Kaduma or Kedem. ...
/k/kadmonite.htm - 8k

Kedar's (1 Occurrence)

/k/kedar's.htm - 6k

Kedema (1 Occurrence)

/k/kedema.htm - 6k

Ish'mael (40 Occurrences)
... Adbeel, and Mibsam, (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 1:31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedem.
These are the sons of Ishmael. (See RSV). 2 Chronicles 19:11 ...
/i/ish'mael.htm - 18k

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