Probably Kedar's posterity were the most numerous and powerful of the family of Ishmael; whence the whole of that country is sometimes called Kedar, (Isa. xxi. 16, 17; lx. 7; Jer. xlix. 28;) and the Ishmaelites generally are called the men of Kedar. They dwelt ordinarily in tents, but sometimes in villages, and their glory and wealth chiefly consisted in flocks and herds. (Isa. xlii. 11; and xxi. 16, 17.)
Nebaioth, (Isa. lx. 7,) or Nebajoth. (Gen. xxv. 13.) A son of Ishmael, whose descendants are supposed to have settled in Arabia, and to have been the Nabatheans of Greek and Roman history. They were probably rich in flocks and herds; whence the beautiful figure of the prophet above cited, respecting the gathering of the Gentile nations to the sceptre of the Messiah.
Paran formed a part of Arabia Petræa. (Deut. xxxiii. 2.)
Raamah. (Ezek. xxvii. 22.) A country or district of Arabia, trading with Tyre in spices, stones and gold; and is supposed to have been settled by the descendants of Raamah, grandson of Ham. (Gen. x. 7)
Sinai, the mountain in Arabia, on which Jehovah appeared to Moses, and gave the law The Hebrews came to this place in the third month of their pilgrimage. The law was given, it is thought, just fifty days after their exodus from Egypt; and hence the Pentecost was observed on the 50th day after the Passover. This mount stands in Arabia Petræa, and is called by the Arabs, Jibbil Mousa, or the mountain of Moses, and sometimes El Tor, or the Mount. It has two summits, Horeb and Sinai; which last is much higher, and is called the Mount of God. The ascent is very steep, and is effected by steps, which the Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, caused to be cut in the rock. These are now so much worn and decayed, as to make the ascent tedious and difficult. At the top of Sinai, there is an uneven and rugged place, sufficient to hold 60 persons. Here stands a chapel, and near to it is a fountain of fresh water.
Sheba, or Seba. There were several of this name. 1. The son of Cush, who gave the name to a country in Arabia. 2. The grandson of Cush. 3. The son of
