Eder
“Flock”
Summary
The name of a town in southern Judah near the Edomite border, and also of a Levite in the family of Merari who served during David's reign.
☩Town in Judah
Eder was one of the 'uttermost cities' of Judah in the Negev, on the border with Edom. It is listed among the southern towns between Kabzeel and Jagur, suggesting it was likely assigned to Simeon when that tribe received cities within Judah's territory. The exact location has not been definitively identified in modern times, though some have suggested a connection with ruins in the region southwest of the Dead Sea.
☩Levite of Merari
A different Eder was a Levite, the second of three sons of Mushi (a descendant of Merari), who was appointed to Levitical service when David organized the temple worship. He served alongside his brothers in the duties assigned to the Merarite family.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Eder," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Eder," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Eder," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).