In the Book of Ezekiel desolation is denounced upon Edom: From Teman even unto Dedan shall they fall by the sword. From this it has been argued that Dedan (modern Arabic Al-`Ula) being in the south, Teman must, therefore, be in the north. But this does not automatically follow. Dedan is in fact in northern Arabia, being related to the peoples of Asshur or Assyria and other northern tribes . It is mentioned in proximity to Teman ; and when judgment is pronounced on Edom, the people of Dedan are warned to stay back; that is, to retreat into the desert . This understanding of Dedan is consistent with a southern Teman.