Several prophetic texts speak of Arabia and of Kedar, and this note gathers them. Isaiah 21:13 opens an oracle concerning Arabia (the Hebrew word for oracle can also mean a burden). Isaiah 42:11 mentions the villages that Kedar inhabits, and Kedar was a son of Ishmael, so these verses concern Ishmael’s line. Ezekiel 27:21 lists Arabia and the princes of Kedar among the traders in lambs, rams and goats.
Two verses in Deuteronomy are harder. Deuteronomy 33:2 has the LORD come from Sinai, dawn from Seir and shine forth from Mount Paran, with ten thousands of holy ones. Deuteronomy 32:21 has God provoke Israel to jealousy with a people who are no people, a foolish nation. A critical reader has to ask who these peoples are, whether the text itself identifies them, and how much later interpreters have read into the verses.
The oracle concerning Arabia. In the thickets in Arabia you will lodge, O caravans of Dedanites.
Isaiah 21:13
He said, “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones, with flaming fire at his right hand.
Deuteronomy 33:2
They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Deuteronomy 32:21
Source: see Credits and references (no. 1, p. 4).