Eder עֵ֫דֶר
Levite descendant of Merari during David's reign
Who is Eder in the Bible?
Eder was a Levite descended from Merari, one of the three main families of the Levitical priesthood, who served during the reign of King David. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:23 and 1 Chronicles 24:30 as one of the Levites appointed to carry out various duties in the temple service. Eder appears in the lists compiled when David organized the Levites and assigned them their specific responsibilities for maintaining and serving the house of God. His inclusion in these genealogical records demonstrates the careful structure David established for the priesthood and temple worship in ancient Israel.
Biography
Eder is mentioned in 1Ch.23.23 and 1Ch.24.30 as a descendant of Merari, one of the three main divisions of the Levites. He is listed among the Levites who were appointed to various duties in the service of the temple during the reign of King David.
In 1 Chronicles 23, David organizes the Levites and assigns them their responsibilities.
Family
Parents
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 23:23
"The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth—three in all."
- 1 Chronicles 24:30
"And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites, according to their families."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֵ֫דֶר |
Eder (1)
a, but probably this is too far west.
(2) Eder (the King James Version Edar) or better Migdal Eder, mighdal `edher, "the tower of the flock"; Gader. After Rachel died and was buried "in the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem) .... Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder" (Ge 35:19,21). In Ge 35:27 he is described as proceeding to Hebron. This "tower of the flock," which may have been only a tower and no town, must therefore be looked for between Bethlehem and Hebron. Jerome says that it was one Roman mile from Bethlehem. In the Septuagint, however, 35:16 and 21 are transposed, which suggests that there may have been a tradition that Migdal Eder was between Bethel and Bethlehem. There must have been many such towers for guarding flocks against robbers. Compare "tower of the watchman" (2Ki 18:8, etc.). The phrase "Migdal Eder" occurs in Mic 4:8 where Jerusalem is compared to such a tower.
E. W. G. Masterman