Genesis 46:16

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

And the sons {H1121} of Gad {H1410}; Ziphion {H6837}, and Haggi {H2291}, Shuni {H7764}, and Ezbon {H675}, Eri {H6179}, and Arodi {H722}, and Areli {H692}.

The sons of Gad: Tzifyon, Haggi, Shuni, Etzbon, 'Eri, Arodi and Ar'eli.

The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

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

Commentary

This verse lists the names of the seven sons of Gad who went with Jacob (also called Israel) and his family into Egypt. It is part of the detailed census recorded in Genesis chapter 46, documenting the members of Jacob's household who made the significant journey.

Context

Genesis chapter 46 provides a comprehensive list of Jacob's descendants who accompanied him to Egypt to escape the famine, at the invitation of his son Joseph. The list is organized by the mother of each son of Jacob. Verse 16 focuses specifically on the sons of Gad, one of the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. This detailed count underscores the importance of each individual in the formation of the future tribes of Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises to multiply Abraham's seed.

Key Themes

  • Lineage and Genealogy: The primary focus is recording the specific individuals who comprised Jacob's family, establishing the foundation for the twelve tribes.
  • Divine Preservation: The meticulous listing highlights God's care in preserving and tracking the lineage through whom His covenant promises would be fulfilled, even as they faced hardship.
  • Preparation for Nationhood: This census shows the relatively small group (seventy people in total, according to Genesis 46:27) that would grow into a numerous nation during their time in Egypt.

Reflection

While a simple list of names, Genesis 46:16, along with the rest of the chapter, serves as a powerful reminder of God's attention to detail and His faithfulness to His plan through specific people. It shows that every individual in God's lineage matters. These seven sons of Gad were not just names; they were the progenitors of a significant tribe within Israel, playing their part in the unfolding history of God's people and the covenant.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:15 (5 votes)

    The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:

  • Numbers 26:17 (5 votes)

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

  • Genesis 30:11 (3 votes)

    And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.

  • Genesis 49:19 (2 votes)

    Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.

  • Numbers 1:24 (2 votes)

    Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

  • Numbers 1:25 (2 votes)

    Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Gad, [were] forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.

  • Genesis 35:26 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these [are] the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.