(1.) The orient (mizrah); the rising of the
sun. Thus "the
east country" is the country lying to the east of
Syria, the Elymais (
Zech. 8:7).
(2). Properly what is in front of one, or a country that is before or in front of another; the rendering of the word kedem. In pointing out the quarters, a
Hebrew always looked with his
face toward the east. The word kedem is used when the four quarters of the world are described (
Gen. 13:14; 28:14); and mizrah when the east only is distinguished from the west (
Josh. 11:3;
Ps. 50:1; 103:12, etc.). In
Gen. 25:6 "eastward" is literally "unto the land of kedem;" i.e., the lands lying east of
Palestine, namely,
Arabia, Mesopotamia, etc.
I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
