Vedan
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Topical Encyclopedia
Overview:
Vedan is a term mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Ezekiel. It is often associated with trade and commerce in the ancient Near East. The reference to Vedan is found in a passage that describes the extensive trade networks and the wealth of the city of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city known for its maritime prowess and economic influence.

Biblical Reference:
The mention of Vedan is found in Ezekiel 27:19. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows: "Vedan and Javan from Uzal traded for your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were bartered for your merchandise."

Historical and Geographical Context:
The exact identification of Vedan is a matter of scholarly debate, as it is not widely mentioned in other historical records. Some scholars suggest that Vedan may have been a region or a trading post located in Arabia or Mesopotamia, given its association with other known trading centers. The mention of Vedan alongside Javan and Uzal indicates its involvement in the extensive trade networks that connected various regions of the ancient world.

Trade and Commerce:
In the context of Ezekiel 27, Vedan is listed among the many nations and regions that engaged in commerce with Tyre. The goods mentioned—wrought iron, cassia, and calamus—were valuable commodities in the ancient world. Wrought iron was essential for tools and weapons, while cassia and calamus were aromatic spices and plants used for perfumes, incense, and medicinal purposes. The inclusion of Vedan in this list highlights its role in the exchange of luxury goods and essential materials, contributing to the wealth and prosperity of Tyre.

Theological Significance:
The passage in Ezekiel 27 serves as a lamentation over the fall of Tyre, illustrating the city's former glory and the vastness of its trade connections. The mention of Vedan, along with other trading partners, underscores the interconnectedness of ancient economies and the reliance of cities like Tyre on international commerce. From a theological perspective, the fall of Tyre is seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and judgment over nations that exalt themselves in pride and wealth, neglecting righteousness and justice.

Cultural and Economic Insights:
The reference to Vedan provides insight into the cultural and economic landscape of the ancient Near East. It reflects the diversity of peoples and goods that contributed to the flourishing trade networks of the time. The exchange of goods such as iron, spices, and aromatic plants indicates a sophisticated level of trade and the demand for both practical and luxury items across different regions.

Conclusion:
While the specific identity of Vedan remains uncertain, its mention in the context of Tyre's trade highlights the complexity and reach of ancient commerce. The passage in Ezekiel serves as a reminder of the transient nature of wealth and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
VEDAN

ve'-dan (wedhan): A place-name occurring only in Ezekiel 27:19, "Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for thy wares." the King James Version, taking the syllable we as the Hebrew conjunction, renders "and Dan also." The text is in bad condition. Some read "Dedan," but Dedan is spoken of separately in the following verse. Assuming that Vedan is the correct reading, an identification may be conjectured with Waddan, also called al-`Abwa`, between Mecca and Medina. It was the object of Mohammed's first expedition (Ibn Hisham, 415). The name contains that of the god Wadd who was worshipped chiefly by the Arab tribe Kalb.

A. S. Fulton

Strong's Hebrew
2051. Vedan -- a place of unknown location
... 2050, 2051. Vedan. 2052 . a place of unknown location. Transliteration:
Vedan Phonetic Spelling: (ved-awn') Short Definition: Vedan. ...
/hebrew/2051.htm - 6k
Library

Ezekiel's Discourse
... white wool. Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for thy wares: bright iron,
cassia, and calamus, were among thy merchandise. Dedan ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii ezekiels discourse.htm

Thesaurus
Vedan (1 Occurrence)
...VEDAN. ... Assuming that Vedan is the correct reading, an identification may be conjectured
with Waddan, also called al-`Abwa`, between Mecca and Medina. ...
/v/vedan.htm - 7k

Uzal (3 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) reads, "Vedan and Javan traded with yarn
for thy wares." Here an obscure verbal form, me'uzzal, is taken to mean ...
/u/uzal.htm - 9k

Cassia (3 Occurrences)
... cinnamon, calamus and olive oil, as one of the ingredients of the "holy anointing
oil" (Exodus 30:24); it was, too, one of the wares in which Vedan and Javan ...
/c/cassia.htm - 9k

Vegetable (3 Occurrences)

/v/vegetable.htm - 8k

Dan (71 Occurrences)
... (2.) This name occurs in Ezek 27:19, Authorize Version; but the words there, "Dan
also," should be simply, as in the Revised Version, "Vedan," an Arabian city ...
/d/dan.htm - 41k

Vav (1 Occurrence)

/v/vav.htm - 6k

Javan (12 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:19 Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for your wares: bright iron, cassia,
and calamus, were among your merchandise. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/j/javan.htm - 12k

Traffic (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS). Ezekiel 27:19 Vedan and Javan of Uzal traded in thy markets:
wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were in thy traffic. (DBY). ...
/t/traffic.htm - 12k

Traded (16 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV NIV). Ezekiel 27:19 Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for
your wares: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were among your merchandise. ...
/t/traded.htm - 11k

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