(The Lord speaking is red text)
Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.
of Arod, the family of the Arodi; and of Ar'eli, the family of the Ar'eli.
the Arodite clan from Arod, and the Arelite clan from Areli.
of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites.
Of Arod{H720}, the family{H4940} of the Arodites{H722}: of Areli{H692}, the family{H4940} of the Arelites{H692}.
1. **Themes:**
- **Genealogy and Identity:** Numbers 26:17 is part of a census passage that meticulously records the genealogies of the Israelite tribes. This emphasis on lineage underscores the importance of tribal identity and heritage in ancient Israelite society.
- **Divine Promises:** The detailed recording of the families and clans of Israel reflects God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation. The census is a step towards organizing the people and preparing them for the fulfillment of this promise as they enter the Promised Land.
- **Preparation for Conquest:** The census serves a practical purpose by counting the fighting men eligible for military service, which was essential for the conquest of Canaan.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Second Census:** Numbers 26 records the second census taken in the wilderness, the first being in Numbers 1. The second census is taken approximately 40 years after the first, just before the Israelites enter the Promised Land, to assess the new generation that will inherit and conquer the land.
- **Wilderness Wanderings:** The Israelites have spent the intervening years wandering in the wilderness as a punishment for their lack of faith when initially sent to scout out Canaan. The original generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, died during this period.
- **Transition to Settlement:** This verse is set at a pivotal moment as the Israelites transition from a nomadic lifestyle in the wilderness to a more settled existence in Canaan. The census is part of the preparation for this transition, including the allocation of land to the various tribes and clans.
- **Time Period:** The events described in Numbers 26 likely occurred around the late 2nd millennium BCE, during the period of the Israelite Exodus and their subsequent journey to Canaan.
In summary, Numbers 26:17 is a snapshot of the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as He prepares the new generation of Israelites to possess the land He had promised to their ancestors. The verse specifically mentions the families of the Arodites and Arelites, clans within the tribe of Gad, highlighting the importance of tribal affiliations in the social and military organization of the Israelites at this critical juncture in their history.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)