Edar
“Flock; Migdal Eder means 'tower of the flock'”
Summary
A tower near Bethlehem where Jacob camped after Rachel's death, prophetically associated with the birthplace of the Messiah and symbolically representing Bethlehem as the origin of David's royal line.
☩Jacob's Encampment
After Rachel died in childbirth and was buried on the way to Ephrath (Bethlehem), Jacob journeyed on and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar before continuing to Hebron. The tower likely served as a watchtower for protecting flocks against robbers, giving rise to its name 'tower of the flock.' Jerome located it about 1,000 paces from Bethlehem and noted a tradition that it contained a prophetic anticipation of the Messiah's birth in that same region—a connection strengthened by Luke's account of shepherds watching their flocks nearby when Christ was born.
☩Prophetic Symbolism
In Micah 4:8, the prophet addresses the 'tower of the flock' (Migdal Eder) as a symbol for Bethlehem itself and, by extension, for the Davidic royal line that would spring from there. The 'former dominion' promised to come to this 'tower of the flock' points to the restoration of kingship through David's greater Son, the Messiah.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Edar," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Eder," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).