patron from סֶרֶד; a Seredite (collectively) or descendants of Sered; Sardites.
Transliteration:Çardîy
Pronunciation:sar-dee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5625 (סַרְדִּי, Çardîy) is a patronymic noun derived from the personal name `{{H5624}}` (סֶרֶד, Sered). As a patronymic, it denotes "of Sered" or "descendant of Sered." Its primary semantic range is therefore limited to identifying a specific clan or family group within ancient Israel, specifically those tracing their lineage back to Sered. In English translations, this term is consistently rendered as "Sardites," referring collectively to the members of this particular family line. The formation of such patronymics was crucial in ancient Israelite society for establishing tribal identity, maintaining genealogical records, and delineating inheritance rights and communal responsibilities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5625 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 26:26]]: "Of the sons of Zebulun according to their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites."
This solitary occurrence is found within the detailed census taken in the plains of Moab, prior to Israel's entry into Canaan. This census, recorded in Numbers 26, is not merely a demographic count but a vital organizational and theological exercise. It meticulously lists the families and clans within each tribe, establishing their identity and confirming their numbers for the impending division of the land. The "Sardites" are specifically identified as one of the three major clans descending from Zebulun, alongside the Elonites and Jahleelites. The inclusion of the Sardites in this comprehensive tribal register underscores the importance of lineage and family units in the divinely ordered structure of the Israelite nation. Their mention here serves to solidify their place within the covenant community and their claim to a portion of the promised inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the proper noun `{{H5624}}` (Sered), who is identified as a son of Zebulun in [[Genesis 46:14]] and [[Numbers 26:26]]. H5625 is simply the adjectival or collective form of this personal name, signifying the descendants.
Beyond this direct linguistic link, H5625 is conceptually related to:
* **Patronymics in general:** The broader linguistic phenomenon of forming clan names from ancestral figures, common throughout the Hebrew Bible (e.g., "Reubenites" from Reuben, "Gadites" from Gad).
* **Tribal System:** The intricate organization of Israel into twelve tribes, each subdivided into clans and families. This system was fundamental to Israel's social, political, and religious life.
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The meticulous recording of family lines, which was essential for maintaining identity, inheritance rights, and, ultimately, for tracing the messianic line.
* **Census (פקד, paqad):** The act of counting and registering the people, often for military, administrative, or land-distribution purposes, as seen in Numbers.
These related concepts highlight the significance of H5625 not as an isolated term, but as an integral part of the divinely ordained structure of the covenant people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5625 and similar patronymics lies in their contribution to the grand narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His meticulous ordering of His chosen people. The precise listing of clans like the Sardites in the census of Numbers 26 reveals several profound truths:
1. **Divine Order and Providence:** The detailed enumeration of families and clans demonstrates God's sovereign hand in organizing His people. It reflects a divine blueprint for the nation, where every family, down to the Sardites, has a defined place and purpose within the larger community.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The preservation of distinct family lines, even through generations of wilderness wandering, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land was to be divided *by families* ([[Numbers 26:53-54]]), emphasizing that God's promises were not just for the nation as a whole but extended to its constituent parts.
3. **Identity and Inheritance:** For the Israelites, lineage was intrinsically linked to identity and the right to inherit. The Sardites' inclusion in the census affirmed their legitimate claim to a share in the promised land, a tangible expression of God's blessing. This meticulous record keeping ensured justice and order in the distribution of the land.
4. **Continuity of God's People:** The persistence of these family names over centuries, from the patriarchs to the wilderness generation, speaks to the enduring nature of God's people and His preservation of their distinct identity.
In essence, the seemingly mundane detail of a patronymic like "Sardites" points to a God who knows His people intimately, orders their lives with precision, and faithfully fulfills His promises across generations.
### Summary
H5625 (סַרְדִּי, Çardîy), translated as "Sardites," is a patronymic term denoting the descendants of Sered, a son of Zebulun. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Numbers 26:26]] places it within a crucial census, highlighting its role in identifying a specific clan within the tribe of Zebulun. This term, and the broader concept of patronymics, underscores the meticulous divine order and the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite society. Theologically, the inclusion of the Sardites in the biblical record reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His precise organization of His people, and the significance of individual and family identity within the larger community of Israel as they prepared to inherit the promised land.
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