The Hebrew word Qêdᵉmâh, represented by H6929, is a proper name derived from a root meaning precedence. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. In both instances, it refers specifically to Kedemah, a son of Ishmael.
In the biblical narrative, Qêdᵉmâh is used exclusively within genealogical lists to establish the lineage of Ishmael. Its first appearance in Genesis lists Kedemah as one of the twelve sons born to Ishmael Genesis 25:15. This record is later reaffirmed in the historical accounts of 1 Chronicles, where the name appears again in the same context, explicitly stating, “These are the sons of Ishmael” 1 Chronicles 1:31.
The significance of Qêdᵉmâh is tied to its role in the biblical record of lineage.
- Genealogical Integrity: The inclusion of Kedemah in the formal lists of Ishmael's descendants contributes to the comprehensive genealogical records central to the Old Testament.
- Son of Ishmael: Being named as a son of Ishmael H3458 connects Kedemah to the lineage of Abraham's firstborn son, solidifying his place within that branch of the family tree 1 Chronicles 1:31.
- Historical Record: The repetition of his name in both Genesis and 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of preserving the memory of these ancestral lines for future generations.
In summary, Qêdᵉmâh functions singularly as the proper name Kedemah. Its presence in scripture is brief but important, serving a purely genealogical purpose. By naming one of the sons of Ishmael, the word helps complete a key ancestral record, reinforcing the biblical emphasis on heritage and the documentation of family lines descending from the patriarchs.
