This name signifies _black_ in the original; and hence Bochart
concludes that it refers to a people or tribe of Arabs who were more
than others burned by the sun; but none of the Arabs are black. The name
is also supposed to refer to the black tents made of felt, which are
still in use; and Cant. i, 5, is quoted in support of this usage of the
word: “I am black, but comely as the tents of Kedar.” But the Arabic
root is by some said to signify power and dignity. Kedar was the second
son of Ishmael, whose family probably became more numerous, or more
warlike, than those of his brethren, and so took precedence of name.
This latter supposition appears probable from the manner in which they
are mentioned by Isaiah, xxi, 16, 17, who speaks of “the glory of
Kedar,” and “the archers and mighty men of Kedar.” Their flocks are also
spoken of by the same Prophet, Isaiah lx, 7, together with those of
Nebaioth, whose tribe or family both shared and outlived the glory of
Kedar.
concludes that it refers to a people or tribe of Arabs who were more
than others burned by the sun; but none of the Arabs are black. The name
is also supposed to refer to the black tents made of felt, which are
still in use; and Cant. i, 5, is quoted in support of this usage of the
word: “I am black, but comely as the tents of Kedar.” But the Arabic
root is by some said to signify power and dignity. Kedar was the second
son of Ishmael, whose family probably became more numerous, or more
warlike, than those of his brethren, and so took precedence of name.
This latter supposition appears probable from the manner in which they
are mentioned by Isaiah, xxi, 16, 17, who speaks of “the glory of
Kedar,” and “the archers and mighty men of Kedar.” Their flocks are also
spoken of by the same Prophet, Isaiah lx, 7, together with those of
Nebaioth, whose tribe or family both shared and outlived the glory of
Kedar.