Kedar was the second son of Ishmael and grandson of Abraham. He became the ancestor of a powerful Arab nomadic tribe known as the Kedarenes, who lived in the Syrian-Arabian desert. The Kedarenes were known as skilled archers, merchants, and shepherds, and they are mentioned repeatedly in the prophetic books of the Old Testament.
Kedar is mentioned as the second son of Ishmael in the genealogy in Genesis. He is part of the fulfillment of God's promise that Ishmael would become the father of twelve princes.
In the Song of Solomon, the tents of Kedar are used as a poetic comparison for dark beauty. The tents of Kedar, made of dark goat hair fabric, were known throughout the ancient world.
The prophet Isaiah prophesies that the glory of Kedar will come to an end and that the mighty archers among Kedar's sons will become few. This happened in connection with Assyrian and Babylonian campaigns.
11Let the desert and its towns lift up their voice, the settlements where Kedar dwells. Let those who live in Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops.
The prophet Jeremiah mentions Kedar in connection with Nebuchadnezzar's campaign against the Arab tribes. The Kedarenes are described as a nomadic people in the desert who were struck by Babylon's power.
28Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: Rise up, march against Kedar and destroy the people of the east!
29Their tents and their flocks will be taken, their tent curtains and all their goods, and their camels carried off. Men will shout to them, "Terror on every side!"
The psalmist expresses sorrow at dwelling among the tents of Kedar, used as a picture of living among hostile and warlike peoples far from God's sanctuary.