Numbers 26:40

KJV

And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: [of Ard], the family of the Ardites: [and] of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Bela {H1106} were Ard {H714} and Naaman {H5283}: of Ard, the family {H4940} of the Ardites {H716}: and of Naaman {H5283}, the family {H4940} of the Naamites {H5280}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Bela were Ard and Na'aman; [of Ard,] the family of the Ardi; and of Na'aman, the family of the Na'ami.

Berean Standard Bible

And the descendants of Bela from Ard and Naaman were the Ardite clan from Ard and the Naamite clan from Naaman.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites; of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:40 provides a precise genealogical record of two specific family lines, the Ardites and the Naamites, tracing their descent from Ard and Naaman, who were sons of Bela, a prominent son of Benjamin. This verse is an integral part of the second census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab, serving to identify and enumerate the new generation prepared to inherit the Promised Land, establish clear tribal and familial identities, and lay the foundational basis for the equitable distribution of territory. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous order and profound attention to detail in His dealings with His covenant people, ensuring every family unit had its divinely appointed place and inheritance within the community of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:40 is carefully situated within the comprehensive and detailed account of the second census of the Israelites, which spans the entirety of [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"). This pivotal census occurs approximately 38 years after the initial enumeration recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"), marking a significant generational and historical transition for Israel. While the first census focused on the generation that largely perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience and unbelief, this subsequent enumeration meticulously accounts for the new generation, those born and raised during the wilderness wanderings, who are now divinely poised to enter and possess the Promised Land. The verses immediately preceding verse 40, specifically [Numbers 26:38-39](/numbers/26-38-39 "Numbers 26:38-39 - The Descendants of Benjamin"), introduce the sons of Benjamin and their burgeoning descendants, with verse 40 then precisely detailing two prominent family branches originating from Bela, Benjamin's firstborn. The meticulous listing of these family units, such as the Ardites and Naamites, directly precedes and undergirds the divine instructions for land distribution, which are explicitly outlined based on population size in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Distribution"), thereby underscoring the practical and legal purpose of this detailed genealogical record.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this crucial census is the plains of Moab, strategically located on the eastern side of the Jordan River, directly opposite the city of Jericho. This geographical position vividly signifies the Israelites' imminent and long-awaited entry into Canaan, the land solemnly promised by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In the ancient Near Eastern world, genealogies were far more than mere historical chronicles; they were foundational legal and social documents that established social structure, determined legal rights, and, most critically, validated claims to land ownership. Tribal and familial identity was of paramount importance, meticulously defining an individual's place within the broader community, their military obligations, and their inheritance claims. The exceptionally detailed nature of this census, extending even to specific family branches like those mentioned in [Numbers 26:40](/numbers/26-40 "Numbers 26:40 - Family Lines of Ard and Naaman"), profoundly reflects the cultural and theological imperative of maintaining clear and unbroken lines of descent. This meticulousness ensured the equitable and divinely ordained distribution of the land, preventing disputes and affirming God's providential order. Furthermore, the census served a vital military purpose, assessing the fighting strength of each tribe for the impending conquest, and a profound theological purpose, powerfully demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving, multiplying, and preparing His people despite their past rebellion and the severe judgments experienced during the wilderness wanderings.

* **Key Themes:** This specific verse, as an integral component of the broader census narrative, significantly contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. A primary and overarching theme is **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly the solemn promise of land inheritance made to Abraham's descendants, as initially articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). The meticulous counting of this new generation powerfully demonstrates that God is indeed bringing His people to the very threshold of fulfilling this promise, despite the profound failures and unbelief of the preceding generation. Another central theme illuminated by this verse is **Divine Order and Meticulousness**. The very act of God commanding such an incredibly detailed census, extending even to specific family units like the Ardites and Naamites, profoundly reveals His orderly nature and His intimate concern for every individual and every family within His covenant people. This divine precision ensures justice and equity in land allocation and powerfully reinforces the divinely structured and organized nature of the Israelite community. Finally, the emphasis on **Identity and Belonging through Lineage** is absolutely central. Each family, precisely identified by its patriarch, knew its distinct place within the larger tribal structure, thereby reinforcing a collective identity as the chosen people of God, destined for a shared and divinely appointed inheritance, as explicitly articulated in [Numbers 33:54](/numbers/33-54 "Numbers 33:54 - Land Distribution by Lot").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bela (Hebrew, _Belaʻ_):** As per H1106, this is the name of Benjamin's firstborn son, from whom the family lines of Ard and Naaman descend. Bela is consistently mentioned in key genealogical records (e.g., [Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "Genesis 46:21 - Sons of Benjamin"), [1 Chronicles 7:6](/1_chronicles/7-6 "1 Chronicles 7:6 - Descendants of Benjamin")), establishing his significant prominence in Benjamin's lineage. His inclusion here underscores the continuation of the tribal lineage through specific, identifiable, and foundational family units.
* **Ard (Hebrew, _ʼArd_):** As per H714, Ard is identified as a son of Bela and therefore a grandson of Benjamin. While the specific etymology of "Ard" (suggesting "fugitive") might hold deeper meaning, its primary significance in this context lies in its role as the progenitor of a distinct family group, "the Ardites" (H716, _ʼArdîy_). The transformation of a personal name into a collective family designation is a common and crucial linguistic and cultural practice in Hebrew, emphasizing corporate identity, shared descent, and collective rights.
* **Naaman (Hebrew, _Naʻămân_):** As per H5283, Naaman is another son of Bela. His name, meaning "pleasantness" or "agreeableness," is significant. Like Ard, Naaman gives rise to a distinct family, "the Naamites" (H5280, _Naʻămîy_). The explicit mention of these two specific family lines originating from Bela highlights the internal subdivisions and hierarchical structure within the larger tribal framework, each with its own established identity and future claim to the promised land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman:"** This opening clause precisely identifies the immediate paternal ancestry of the two family lines that are subsequently enumerated. By stating that Ard and Naaman were "sons of Bela," the verse firmly links these families directly to the tribe of Benjamin, as previously established in [Numbers 26:38](/numbers/26-38 "Numbers 26:38 - Sons of Benjamin"). This meticulous genealogical statement is absolutely crucial for establishing the legitimacy, tribal affiliation, and specific place of these families within the larger, divinely ordered Israelite community.
* **"[of Ard], the family of the Ardites:"** This segment clearly specifies the first of the two distinct family lines being accounted for in the census. "Ard" is explicitly presented as the foundational progenitor, and "the Ardites" (הָאַרְדִּי) denotes his collective descendants, thereby forming a clearly defined and recognized clan or subdivision within the tribe of Benjamin. The use of the definite article "the" (הָ) before "Ardites" confirms their status as an established and identifiable family unit, ready for inclusion in the land distribution.
* **"[and] of Naaman, the family of the Naamites."** In a parallel and equally precise manner, this clause identifies the second family line originating from Bela. "Naaman" is designated as the progenitor, and "the Naamites" (הַנַּעֲמִי) are his collective descendants. The deliberate parallel structure employed with the Ardites emphasizes the equal standing, distinct identity, and recognized status of both families, both having originated from Bela, and both contributing significantly to the overall population count and future land claims of the tribe of Benjamin.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:40 predominantly utilizes **Enumeration** and **Genealogical Listing**, which are characteristic literary features throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch, reflecting their profound focus on Israel's lineage, tribal organization, and divine order. The verse itself is an isolated entry within a much larger, meticulously detailed list of families, collectively highlighting the divine precision and systematic approach in God's dealings with His covenant people. A key linguistic and literary device employed is **Patronymics**, evident in the formation of "Ardites" from Ard and "Naamites" from Naaman. This device effectively transforms individual names into collective identifiers for entire family units, serving to clearly define, distinguish, and authenticate the various clans within each tribe. This reinforces their corporate identity, their shared descent, and their specific, divinely appointed place in the upcoming land distribution. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the phrase "the family of the..." for both the Ardites and the Naamites creates a rhythmic, formulaic structure. This stylistic choice is common in ancient legal and census documents, underscoring the authoritative, official, and enduring nature of this sacred record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 26:40, though appearing as a dry genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His ancient promises. The precise enumeration of specific families like the Ardites and Naamites profoundly demonstrates that God's overarching plan for Israel's inheritance of the land is not an abstract concept but a deeply personal and practical reality, intricately involving every single family unit. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the minute details of His people's lives, ensuring divine order, establishing clear identity, and orchestrating the just distribution of His blessings. This divine attention to detail serves as an enduring reminder that God's faithfulness extends across every generation and to every individual within His covenant community, meticulously preparing them for the promised future.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - Families and Nations")
* [Numbers 33:54](/numbers/33-54 "Numbers 33:54 - Land Distribution by Lot")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalm/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Numbers 26:40 meticulously details ancient family lines, the profound principles underlying this seemingly mundane record resonate deeply with believers in every generation. This verse powerfully reminds us that God is fundamentally a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. He is not a God of chaos or indifference, but one who meticulously plans and perfectly executes His divine purposes, extending His sovereign care even to the seemingly smallest details of our individual lives. Just as He intimately knew each family and their designated place within ancient Israel, so too does He know each of us with profound intimacy, having numbered the very hairs on our heads ([Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God's Intimate Care")). This census, which prepared a physical people for an earthly inheritance, serves as a powerful pointer to our infinitely more secure and eternal spiritual inheritance in Christ. It profoundly encourages us to place our complete trust in God's sovereign and meticulous plan, knowing with certainty that He has a unique and cherished place for each of us within His spiritual family, the church, and that He is faithfully working out His promises in our lives and throughout His vast creation. Our ultimate identity and belonging are found not in any earthly lineage or achievement, but in our glorious adoption as beloved sons and daughters through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this census, including the specific naming of family lines, profoundly speak to God's character and His intimate care for individuals within His larger plan?**
* **In what tangible ways does knowing that God is a God of perfect order and divine precision bring comfort, or perhaps a healthy challenge, to your personal life and daily walk of faith?**
* **How does the ancient Israelite concept of an "inheritance," inextricably tied to lineage and the Promised Land, deepen your understanding and appreciation of your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed genealogical record important in the Bible, especially in a book like Numbers?**

Answer: Detailed genealogical records, such as the one found in [Numbers 26:40](/numbers/26-40 "Numbers 26:40 - Family Lines of Ard and Naaman"), are profoundly crucial in the Bible for several interconnected reasons. Primarily, they meticulously establish **identity and lineage**, which was absolutely fundamental in ancient Israelite society for defining social structure, legal rights, and tribal affiliation. These records served to publicly demonstrate **God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly the solemn promise of land to Abraham's descendants, as initially given in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land"). The census ensured that each family and clan knew its rightful and divinely ordained claim to a specific portion of the Promised Land. Furthermore, these genealogies were of immense importance for tracing the divinely appointed messianic line, ultimately leading to Jesus Christ, thereby fulfilling numerous prophecies concerning His descent from both Abraham and David, as meticulously recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). They powerfully underscore God's meticulous attention to every detail in orchestrating His grand redemptive plan through specific individuals, families, and generations throughout history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Numbers 26:40](/numbers/26-40 "Numbers 26:40 - Family Lines of Ard and Naaman") is a specific genealogical entry deeply rooted in the old covenant, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment and spiritual resonance within the new covenant. The meticulous counting of families for an earthly inheritance in the wilderness powerfully foreshadows the spiritual and eternal inheritance secured for all believers in Christ. Just as the Ardites and Naamites had a specific, divinely appointed place and identity within the tribe of Benjamin, believers today find their ultimate and enduring identity and belonging not in any physical or ancestral lineage, but in their glorious spiritual adoption into God's family through saving faith in Jesus Christ ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons")). Jesus, as the true and ultimate Israel, perfectly fulfills the promises made to Abraham, including the promise of an inheritance, which is now spiritual, eternal, "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). The census's overarching purpose of preparing a people for a physical land finds its ultimate and glorious reality in Christ gathering a new people for Himself—His church—who are now declared "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), destined not for an earthly territory but for an eternal kingdom. The divine order, precision, and meticulous care seen in the census of Numbers 26:40 powerfully point to the perfect, sovereign, and redemptive plan of God, fully realized and consummated in Christ, who is the head of a new spiritual lineage, a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")).

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 8:3

And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,