The name Eder (Hebrew: ‘Eḏer), meaning “a flock,” is used in the Holy Scriptures to identify two distinct men of the tribes of Israel, as well as a strategic location in the territory of Judah. In some translations and verses, the name is also rendered as Ader or Edar.
1. Eder the Levite
The most prominent individual named Eder was a Levite of the family of Merari (one of the three main branches of the tribe of Levi). He served during the reign of King David and was involved in the organized service of the Sanctuary.
- Family Lineage: Eder was the son of Mushi and a brother to Mahli and Jeremoth.”The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.” (1 Chronicles 23:23, KJV)
- Service by Lot: When David organized the Levites into divisions to prepare for the future Temple service, Eder and his kinsmen were assigned their duties by casting lots. This ensured that the “small as well as the great” had their appointed place in the work of the LORD.”The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.” (1 Chronicles 24:30, KJV)
2. Eder the Benjamite
A second Eder is found in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. In the King James Version of 1 Chronicles 8:15, this name is spelled Ader, though the Hebrew original is the same as the Levite Eder.
- Heritage: He was one of the sons of Beriah, who was a chief of the inhabitants of Aijalon. These men were known for their military prowess, specifically for driving out the inhabitants of Gath.”And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader,” (1 Chronicles 8:15, KJV)
3. Eder: The City and the Tower
In addition to the men who bore the name, “Eder” (or Edar) is used in two geographical contexts:
- The Southern City: A town in the “uttermost” southern part of the inheritance of Judah, near the border of Edom.”And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,” (Joshua 15:21, KJV)
- The Tower of Edar (Migdal-Eder): A watchtower located near Bethlehem. It is first mentioned when Israel (Jacob) spread his tent there after the death of Rachel (Genesis 35:21, KJV). Historically and prophetically, this tower is significant because it was a place where shepherds watched over flocks intended for Temple sacrifices.
Historical & Prophetic Significance
Eder, whether as a person or a place, consistently points to the concept of the “Flock of God.” The Levite Eder reminds us of the orderly care required for the Sanctuary, while the “Tower of Eder” holds a deep prophetic connection to the birth of the Messiah. The prophet Micah refers to this location as the “tower of the flock,” indicating that the “first dominion” or kingdom would come to the daughter of Jerusalem through the one born in Bethlehem.