The word East can be interpreted as the Middle East, India, or East Asia. The text of Genesis 25:18 specifies that the descendants of Ishmael lived in hostility toward all their brothers and settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt, going toward Assyria. This describes a vast territory, often associated with the Arabian Peninsula.

Why, of all the 11 sons of Ishmael, does the Bible place so much emphasis on Kedar?​

Briefly, Kedar, son of Ishmael, is the ancestor of an important tribe living in northwestern Arabia.

• Ezekiel 27:21 "Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats."

Although the term "Kedar" is probably used for Arabs in general, some scholars have suggested that the term is most likely used in reference to the Prophet Muhammad, since he came from Bani Hāshim, a sub-clan of Bani 'Abd Manāf, one of the main clans of the Quraysh who are said to be descendants of Kedar. Moshe ben Maimon, commonly known as Maimonides, a Sephardic Jewish philosopher who became one of the most prolific and influential Torah scholars of the Middle Ages, interpreted the following verse as a prophecy concerning the enslavement of the nation of Israel by the Arabs, due to the Israelites' sin of idolatry. Although this enslavement is temporary, it will last for several centuries, but will come to an end when Kedar's time reaches its term.

• Isaiah 21:16-17 "For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone. The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken"

• Jeremiah 49:28 "Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: “Rise up, advance against Kedar, and destroy the people of the east!"

The psalmist wrote about longing for peace, for he had long lived with Meshech and in the tents of Kedar, two nations that "hate peace". He was talking about Russia and Arabia.

• Psalm 120:5-6 "Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.""

We encourage you to do your own research, and may the Holy Spirit guide you in understanding this message.