Meshech is a name that appears in the Bible as one of the sons of Japheth, the son of Noah. In the genealogical records of Genesis 10:2, Meshech is listed among the descendants of Japheth, who are traditionally understood to be the progenitors of various peoples and nations. The Berean Standard Bible states: "The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras."

The descendants of Meshech are often associated with peoples located in the northern regions, possibly in the area of modern-day Turkey or the Caucasus. In Ezekiel 27:13, Meshech is mentioned in the context of trade, indicating that the people associated with this name were involved in commerce: "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants; they exchanged slaves and bronze articles for your merchandise."

Furthermore, Meshech is mentioned in Ezekiel 38:2-3 and 39:1 as part of the prophecy against Gog, a leader from the land of Magog. The BSB reads: "Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.'"

In these prophetic passages, Meshech is depicted as part of a coalition of nations that will come against Israel in the latter days, only to be defeated by divine intervention. This association with end-times prophecy has led to various interpretations regarding the identity and significance of Meshech in eschatological contexts.

Kedar

Kedar is a name that appears in the Bible as one of the sons of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. In Genesis 25:13, the BSB lists Kedar among the twelve sons of Ishmael: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam."

The descendants of Kedar are traditionally identified with a nomadic Arab tribe known for their skills in archery and their involvement in trade. Isaiah 21:16-17 speaks of Kedar's warriors: "For this is what the Lord has said to me: 'Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end. The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.' The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken."

Kedar is also mentioned in the context of the tents of Kedar, which are used metaphorically in the Song of Solomon 1:5 to describe the beloved's appearance: "I am dark yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon."

In the prophetic literature, Kedar is often depicted as a symbol of the nomadic and sometimes hostile peoples surrounding Israel. Jeremiah 49:28-29 prophesies against Kedar, highlighting their vulnerability to invasion: "Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: 'Arise, go up against Kedar, and destroy the people of the East! They will take their tents and their flocks, their tent curtains, all their goods and camels. They will cry out to them: 'Terror is on every side!'"

Kedar's mention in various biblical texts underscores its historical and cultural significance as part of the broader narrative of the peoples surrounding ancient Israel.