Numbers 26:17

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}.

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.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of the detailed census recorded in Numbers chapter 26. This second census of the Israelite tribes was taken in the plains of Moab, on the border of Canaan, towards the end of their wilderness journey. It follows the devastating plague that occurred after the incident at Baal-peor (Numbers 25:9). The primary purpose of this census was to count the fighting men of the new generation, those twenty years old and upward, who were preparing to enter and conquer the Promised Land. It also established the basis for the division of the land among the tribes and families. Verse 17 specifically lists two of the families descended from Gad, one of the sons of Jacob, detailing the lineage from his sons Arod and Areli.

Key Themes

  • Genealogy and Lineage: The verse highlights the importance of tribal and family identity within Israel, tracing descent from the original sons of Jacob.
  • Continuity and Preservation: Despite the death of the wilderness generation, the careful listing of families shows the continuity of the tribes and God's faithfulness in preserving a people.
  • Preparation for Inheritance: The census, including the identification of families like the Arodites and Arelites, was directly linked to the allocation of land in Canaan (Numbers 33:54).

Linguistic Insight

The names "Arod" (ืึฒืจื•ึนื“, 'Arod) and "Areli" (ืึทืจึฐืึตืœึดื™, 'Areli) are listed among the sons of Gad in Genesis 46:16. The terms "Arodites" (ืึฒืจื•ึนื“ึดื™, 'Arodi) and "Arelites" (ืึทืจึฐืึตืœึดื™, 'Areli) are simply patronymic forms, adding the Hebrew suffix '-i' or '-ites' which signifies descent from Arod and Areli, respectively. This is a standard way in Hebrew to denote a family or clan originating from a specific ancestor.

Commentary and Application

Numbers 26:17, though a simple listing of names, serves a vital function within the larger narrative of Israel's journey. It is part of God's meticulous record-keeping, demonstrating His orderliness and attention to detail in preparing His people for the fulfillment of His promises. The existence of the Arodites and Arelites as distinct families, centuries after their ancestors Arod and Areli were born, underscores the remarkable preservation of the Israelite identity through generations, despite immense hardship and rebellion. For a modern reader, this verse, like others in this census, might seem like mere historical data. However, it reminds us that God works through specific people and families, and His plans unfold across generations. It highlights the transition from the generation that failed in the wilderness to the new generation poised to inherit the covenant promises. Just as these families were counted and identified for their inheritance, believers today are part of a spiritual lineage, counted among God's people and heirs of spiritual promises.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 46:16

    And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.
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