The Kedarites were one of the most significant Ishmaelite tribes mentioned in the Bible, known for their military strength, nomadic lifestyle, and extensive trade networks. Descended from Kedar, the second son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13), they became a dominant Arabian tribe, controlling vast regions of the Arabian desert and northern Arabia.
The Kedarites played a key role in biblical history, interacting with Israel, Assyria, Babylon, and other Near Eastern powers. They were famous for their black tents, large flocks, skilled archers, and trade connections, making them both valuable allies and formidable enemies. Their story reflects God’s sovereignty over nations, as prophets foretold their rise, prosperity, and eventual downfall.
This essay explores the Kedarites’ biblical references, geographic location, cultural practices, religious beliefs, and prophetic significance.
Words: 1083 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Who Were the Kedarites?
The Kedarites were descendants of Kedar, Ishmael’s second son, as listed in the genealogy of 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…”
Kedar and his descendants became one of the most powerful Ishmaelite tribes, with:
- Strong military capabilities, often engaging in regional conflicts.
- Nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyles, dwelling in black goat-hair tents.
- Extensive trade in livestock, spices, and goods, making them influential in the Arabian trade network.
The Kedarites’ dominance over the Arabian deserts made them important players in Near Eastern history, mentioned in the Bible, Assyrian inscriptions, and historical records.
Geographic Location and Cultural Practices
The Kedarites lived in northern Arabia, stretching from the Sinai Peninsula to Mesopotamia. Their primary geographical features included:
- Arabian desert lands, suitable for livestock herding and trade routes.
- Oases and caravan cities, serving as hubs for commercial exchange.
- Nomadic encampments, moving seasonally with their flocks.
The Kedarites were known for:
1. Black Goat-Hair Tents and Nomadic Life
- They lived in large, portable tents made from black goat hair, mentioned in Song of Solomon 1:5:
- “Dark am I, yet lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, dark like the tents of Kedar, like the tent curtains of Solomon.”
- These tents symbolized their desert dwelling, reflecting both simplicity and durability.
2. Wealth from Livestock and Trade
- The Kedarites controlled major trade routes, dealing in:
- Flocks and herds, supplying wool, milk, and meat.
- Spices and incense, linking Arabian markets with Mesopotamia and Egypt.
- Luxury goods, including textiles and exotic imports.
- Isaiah 60:7 references their livestock trade, describing them as suppliers to Jerusalem’s economy.
3. Skilled Archers and Desert Warfare
- Kedarites were renowned archers, skilled in mounted warfare and ambush tactics.
- Isaiah 21:16-17 prophesies their military downfall, referencing their archery-based armies:
- “The survivors of the archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.”
- They often raided settlements and resisted foreign domination.
Their nomadic resilience, economic strength, and military skill made them a force to be reckoned with in the ancient world.
Biblical References to the Kedarites
The Kedarites appear in multiple biblical accounts, often associated with trade, military power, and prophetic judgment.
1. Kedar as a Wealthy Trading Nation (Isaiah 60:7, Ezekiel 27:21)
- Isaiah 60:7 – “All Kedar’s flocks will be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth will serve you; they will be accepted as offerings on my altar.”
- This passage highlights Kedar’s economic strength and role in Israel’s future prosperity.
- Ezekiel 27:21 – “Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers; they did business with you in lambs, rams, and goats.”
- Here, Kedarites are major trade partners of Tyre, supplying valuable livestock and goods.
2. Kedar’s Military Strength and Downfall (Isaiah 21:16-17, Jeremiah 49:28-29)
- Isaiah 21:16-17 – “Within one year… all the splendor of Kedar will come to an end. The survivors of the archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.”
- A prophecy of military defeat, possibly against Assyria or Babylon.
- Jeremiah 49:28-29 – “Their tents and their flocks will be taken; their shelters will be carried away, their camels will be led away.”
- This foretells Kedar’s vulnerability to conquest, likely by Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar.
3. Kedar as a Symbol of Foreign Exile (Psalm 120:5, Isaiah 42:11)
- Psalm 120:5 – “Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar!”
- The tents of Kedar symbolize exile and distance from God’s presence.
- Isaiah 42:11 – “Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice.”
- This suggests that even Kedar will witness God’s future salvation.
These passages demonstrate Kedar’s prominence in trade, warfare, and biblical prophecy.
Religious Beliefs and Deities of the Kedarites
The Kedarites, like other Ishmaelite and Arabian tribes, practiced polytheism, including:
- Worship of Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat, key Arabian deities.
- Astrological and tribal worship, reflecting desert traditions.
- Some influence from Abrahamic traditions, given their Ishmaelite lineage.
While their religious beliefs differed from Israel’s monotheism, they were deeply intertwined with the ancient Arabian religious landscape.
Conclusion
The Kedarites were one of the most powerful Ishmaelite tribes, known for their wealth, military skill, and extensive trade. Though they played a significant role in biblical history, the prophets foretold their eventual decline, emphasizing that no nation, no matter how strong, is beyond God’s judgment.
Key lessons from Kedar’s story:
- Earthly wealth and power are temporary – Though prosperous traders and warriors, the Kedarites faced eventual downfall.
- God’s sovereignty over nations – Kedar’s fate was foretold by prophets, showing that divine plans supersede human strength.
- The future inclusion of all peoples in God’s kingdom – Isaiah 60:7 hints that even Kedar’s descendants could one day honor God.
The legacy of the Kedarites remains a testament to the rise and fall of nations, and the importance of acknowledging God’s authority.
Isaiah 21:16-17
“Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the splendor of Kedar will come to an end. The survivors of the archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few. The Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken.”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
