Numbers 26:17

KJV

Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Arod {H720}, the family {H4940} of the Arodites {H722}: of Areli {H692}, the family {H4940} of the Arelites {H692}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of Arod, the family of the Arodi; and of Ar'eli, the family of the Ar'eli.

Berean Standard Bible

the Arodite clan from Arod, and the Arelite clan from Areli.

American Standard Version

of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:17 meticulously records the families of the Arodites and Arelites, descendants of Gad, as part of the second census taken in the plains of Moab. This verse, seemingly a simple genealogical entry, underscores God's precise attention to tribal lineage and family identity, which was crucial for military organization, the preservation of Israel's covenantal identity, and the equitable distribution of the Promised Land to the new generation poised for inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:17 is embedded within the second comprehensive census of the Israelite tribes, conducted in the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. This census follows the devastating plague at Baal-peor, which decimated the previous generation [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague at Baal-Peor"). Unlike the first census in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), which counted the generation that departed Egypt, this second enumeration focuses on the new generation, those twenty years old and upward, who were eligible for military service and, crucially, for inheriting the land. The detailed listing of families within each tribe, as seen with the Arodites and Arelites of Gad, directly links to the divine directive that the land would be divided "according to the number of names" [Numbers 26:53](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53 - Land Division by Number") and by lot among the larger tribes receiving more land and the smaller tribes less [Numbers 33:54](/numbers/33-54 "Numbers 33:54 - Land Distribution by Lot"). Thus, this verse serves as a foundational record for the impending land allocation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, genealogy and tribal identity were paramount. Lineage determined one's social standing, rights, responsibilities, and, most significantly, one's share in the tribal land inheritance. The concept of "family" (מִשְׁפַּחַת, _mishpachat_) was broader than the modern nuclear family, encompassing clans and extended kinship groups. The census itself was a common practice in the ancient Near East for military conscription and taxation, but for Israel, it held a profound theological significance: it was a divine command, reflecting God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His faithfulness in preserving their identity despite generations of wandering and rebellion. The plains of Moab served as the final encampment before crossing the Jordan, making this census a pivotal moment of transition from wilderness wandering to settled inheritance, reinforcing the cultural importance of knowing one's precise familial and tribal affiliation for the upcoming conquest and settlement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Genealogy and Lineage** are central, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant promises through specific families, tracing back to the patriarchs. The Arodites and Arelites are direct descendants of Gad, one of Jacob's sons, first mentioned in [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "Genesis 46:16 - Sons of Gad"). Secondly, the theme of **Continuity and Preservation** is evident; despite the death of the entire wilderness generation (except for Caleb and Joshua), God faithfully preserves the twelve tribes and their distinct family units, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham. This census provides concrete evidence of this preservation. Lastly, **Preparation for Inheritance** is a dominant theme. The precise counting and identification of each family, including the Arodites and Arelites, was not merely for military purposes but was directly tied to the future distribution of the land of Canaan, ensuring that each family received its rightful portion as a direct fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Principles of Land Distribution").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arod (אֲרוֹד, _'Arod'_):** This name is derived from a root meaning "to wander" or "to be wild," though its precise etymological significance for the individual is not explicitly stated in the text. As one of the sons of Gad [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "Genesis 46:16 - Sons of Gad"), Arod represents an ancestral head from whom a significant family unit, the Arodites, descended. His inclusion here signifies the continuity of this specific lineage within the tribe of Gad, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping necessary for tribal identity and land allocation.
* **Areli (אַרְאֵלִי, _'Areli'_):** The name Areli is often interpreted as "hero of God" or "altar of God," combining elements related to strength or divinity. Like Arod, Areli is listed as a son of Gad in the patriarchal genealogies. The mention of his descendants, the Arelites, alongside the Arodites, reinforces the comprehensive nature of the census. It demonstrates that even smaller or less prominent family lines were carefully accounted for, underscoring God's attention to every segment of His covenant people.
* **Family/Arodites/Arelites (מִשְׁפַּחַת, _mishpachat_ / אֲרוֹדִי, _'Arodi'_ / אַרְאֵלִי, _'Areli'_):** The term "family" (מִשְׁפַּחַת) refers to a clan or sub-tribe, a significant kinship unit larger than a household but smaller than a full tribe. The suffixes '-i' or '-ites' (e.g., _'Arodi_, _'Areli_) are patronymic, indicating "descendant of" or "belonging to." This linguistic construction is crucial, as it precisely identifies the lineage and corporate identity of these groups. In the context of the census, these patronymic forms are not just labels; they are legal and theological markers, confirming the continuity of specific ancestral lines and their rightful claim to a portion of the Promised Land based on their numerical strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Arod, the family of the Arodites:"** This clause identifies Arod as an ancestral head and then immediately specifies the "family" or clan that descended directly from him, known as the Arodites. This structure emphasizes the direct lineage and the corporate identity of this group. In the census, this means that all male members aged twenty and above within this specific clan were counted, contributing to the overall total for the tribe of Gad and, by extension, influencing the size of their land inheritance.
* **"of Areli, the family of the Arelites."** Parallel to the first clause, this part of the verse similarly identifies Areli as another ancestral head and his corresponding clan, the Arelites. The repetition of the structure reinforces the meticulous nature of the census, ensuring that every recognized family unit within the tribe of Gad was accounted for. This precise enumeration of distinct family lines was fundamental to the orderly and equitable distribution of the Promised Land, fulfilling God's promise to give each tribe and family its inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:17, as part of a larger genealogical list, primarily employs **Genealogical Listing**, a common literary device in biblical narratives that establishes lineage, validates claims, and provides continuity across generations. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** in its structure, "Of X, the family of the X-ites," which serves to emphasize the distinct identity of each listed family and reinforces the systematic nature of the census. This repetitive pattern contributes to the overall sense of **Order and Precision**, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping mandated by God. While seemingly mundane, these lists function as a form of **Historical Documentation**, underscoring God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises through specific, identifiable families. The very act of naming and counting each family unit demonstrates God's attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of Israel's destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:17, though a brief genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a tangible demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of human rebellion and the death of an entire generation. The meticulous counting of the Arodites and Arelites, centuries after their ancestors were born, underscores God's commitment to preserving a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. This divine attention to detail in establishing lineage and preparing for inheritance reflects God's orderly character and His purposeful work in history, ensuring that His promises of land and nationhood would be precisely fulfilled for the new generation. It reminds us that every individual and family, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, has a place in God's grand narrative and contributes to the unfolding of His sovereign will.

* [Genesis 46:16](/genesis/46-16 "Genesis 46:16 - The Sons of Gad")
* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The First Census")
* [Numbers 33:54](/numbers/33-54 "Numbers 33:54 - Land Distribution by Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in Numbers 26:17 offers rich spiritual insights for the contemporary believer. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, meticulously preserving their identity and preparing them for the inheritance He has promised. Just as the Arodites and Arelites were counted for their physical inheritance, we, as believers, are counted among God's spiritual family, heirs to an eternal inheritance. This verse encourages us to recognize that our individual lives and our place within the broader community of faith are not random but are part of God's purposeful design. It challenges us to live with an awareness of our spiritual lineage, appreciating the continuity of faith passed down through generations, and to prepare ourselves for the spiritual inheritance that awaits us, living in anticipation of God's promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does God's meticulous attention to detail in this census, including specific family lines, reveal about His character and His relationship with His people?**
* **How does understanding our spiritual lineage in Christ parallel the importance of physical lineage for the Israelites in receiving their inheritance?**
* **In what ways can we, as modern believers, "prepare for our inheritance" in light of God's promises, just as the Israelites prepared for the Promised Land?**

### FAQ

**Why is this census so detailed, listing individual families like the Arodites and Arelites?**

Answer: The detailed nature of this second census in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census") served several critical purposes. Firstly, it was essential for military organization, identifying all men aged twenty and above who were fit for battle as Israel prepared to conquer Canaan. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, it established the basis for the equitable division of the Promised Land. The size of each tribe's and family's inheritance was directly proportional to its registered population [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Principles of Land Distribution"). By meticulously listing families like the Arodites and Arelites, God ensured that every legitimate family unit within Israel would receive its rightful portion, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His orderly provision for His people.

**What is the broader theological significance of seemingly mundane genealogical lists in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogical lists, though often overlooked, are foundational to biblical theology. They underscore God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people across generations, demonstrating the continuity of His promises from Abraham to the establishment of Israel as a nation. They validate lineage, which was crucial for identifying the rightful heirs to promises, land, and eventually, the Messiah. In the case of [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"), these lists highlight God's meticulous care and sovereign control over history, ensuring that the right people were in the right place at the right time to inherit the land and fulfill His divine purposes. They remind us that God works through specific individuals and families, meticulously weaving their stories into His grand redemptive narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 26:17, with its focus on lineage, inheritance, and the meticulous counting of God's people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical inheritance of the land of Canaan, meticulously prepared for and distributed to the Arodites and Arelites and other Israelite families, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance available to all who are in Christ. Through faith in Him, believers are adopted into a new, spiritual lineage, becoming "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"). The painstaking record-keeping in Numbers points to God's sovereign plan, a plan that culminates in Christ, who is the ultimate "heir of all things" [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - The Son, Heir of All Things") and through whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ"). Just as the Arodites and Arelites were counted among the people of promise, believers today are counted among the "offspring" of Abraham by faith, inheriting the spiritual blessings and eternal life promised through Christ [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise"). This seemingly dry list in Numbers thus points to the glorious truth that in Christ, we receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.