Numbers 26 17

Numbers 26:17 kjv

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

Numbers 26:17 nkjv

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

Numbers 26:17 niv

through Arodi, the Arodite clan; through Areli, the Arelite clan.

Numbers 26:17 esv

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

Numbers 26:17 nlt

The Arodite clan, named after their ancestor Arodi.
The Arelite clan, named after their ancestor Areli.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 17 Meaning

Numbers 26:17 meticulously records two families descended from Gad, one of Jacob's sons: "of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites." This verse, part of the second census taken by Moses, establishes the identity and lineage of specific clans within the tribe of Gad, affirming their continuation and distinct identity within the covenant community of Israel. It serves as a precise genealogical record essential for the forthcoming distribution of the Promised Land and highlights the continuity of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, extending to their descendants.

Numbers 26 17 Context

Numbers chapter 26 recounts the second census of the Israelites, taken on the plains of Moab near the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This enumeration follows a devastating plague (Numbers 25) and marks a pivotal moment, as the entire generation counted in the first census (Numbers 1-4)—save Caleb and Joshua—had perished in the wilderness due to disobedience. The new census details the fighting men (20 years and older) of this new generation, poised to enter the Promised Land. The primary purposes of this census were to establish a military roster for the conquest, to re-organize the tribes for the forthcoming occupation of Canaan, and crucially, to serve as the basis for the equitable distribution of the land by lot, with larger clans receiving more territory. Verse 17, specifically concerning the Ozni and Eri families within the tribe of Gad, demonstrates the meticulous record-keeping essential for this divine allocation and underlines the continued covenant faithfulness of God in raising up a new generation.

Numbers 26 17 Word analysis

• of Ozni (אָזְנִי, 'Oznī):

  • Word Level: 'Oznī is one of the seven sons of Gad listed in the initial patriarchal genealogies (Gen 46:16; also 'Ezbon' in some translations, representing the same person or closely related family). His name might derive from the Hebrew word for "ear" (אֹזֶן, 'ozen), suggesting someone who listens or is attentive.
  • Significance: This individual name represents the starting point of a significant family lineage within the tribe of Gad. Its inclusion emphasizes the importance of every individual ancestor in forming the larger community of Israel.

• the family (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpāḥāh):

  • Word Level: The Hebrew term mishpāḥāh denotes a clan, a kinship group, or an extended family, typically larger than a household but smaller than an entire tribe. It implies shared descent from a common ancestor, in this case, Ozni or Eri.
  • Significance: This unit was fundamental to Israelite societal structure. It served as the primary means of identification, inheritance (Num 26:52-56), and social order, crucial for the structured allocation of the Promised Land. The existence of these defined families underscores the corporate nature of the Israelite covenant community.

• of the Oznites:

  • Word Level: This term specifically identifies the descendants of Ozni, forming a distinct clan. The suffix '-ite' is common in Hebrew to denote a people or group originating from a specific person or place.
  • Significance: It signifies continuity of lineage and identity across generations, showing God's preservation of the individual families within the larger tribal structure. This continuity highlights the unbroken chain of the covenant from patriarchal times through the wilderness generation.

• of Eri (עֵרִי, ‘Ērī):

  • Word Level: ‘Ērī is another son of Gad (Gen 46:16). His name potentially relates to the Hebrew root ur (עוּר), meaning "to rouse oneself," "awake," or "to watch." This could signify watchfulness or vigilance.
  • Significance: Similar to Ozni, Eri serves as the progenitor of another distinct family unit within Gad. His inclusion reinforces the systematic nature of the census and the comprehensive attention given to every family in God's plan for Israel.

• the family of the Erites:

  • Word Level: These are the specific descendants and clan that trace their lineage back to Eri, clearly identified by the patronymic suffix.
  • Significance: This further reinforces the comprehensive and precise nature of the census. Every family and every lineage counted had a specific place and a future inheritance in God's design for His people, emphasizing His divine order and detailed provision.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites;": This structured repetition, seen throughout Numbers 26 for each family, highlights the meticulous record-keeping characteristic of divine instruction. It emphasizes that Israel's identity and future were not chaotic but ordered by God through specific family lines. This careful delineation underscores God's commitment to individual families and their corporate identity, ensuring clarity in land distribution and upholding tribal distinctiveness within the larger unity of Israel. The pattern reflects divine order and justice, ensuring that blessings and responsibilities flowed through defined channels from generation to generation.

Numbers 26 17 Bonus section

The highly detailed and repetitive nature of the census in Numbers 26, particularly as exemplified in verse 17, stands in contrast to common human tendencies to forget or dismiss those who have erred or died off. God, however, raises up a new generation and meticulously counts them, highlighting divine perseverance and the unchangeable nature of His covenant promises despite human rebellion. This verse contributes to the overall theological narrative that God works through established lineages and specific identities. It reveals His methodical approach to bringing about His purposes, affirming that even seemingly mundane data like a genealogical list holds immense spiritual significance in understanding the unfolding of salvation history and the foundation for His people's future. It also served as a means of legitimizing claims to land, proving that these new generations had a true and verifiable right to the inheritance of their forefathers.

Numbers 26 17 Commentary

Numbers 26:17, while seemingly a simple genealogical entry, encapsulates profound theological truths. It is part of God's divine preparation for Israel's entry into the Promised Land, meticulously detailing the lineage of a new generation ready to inherit God's promises. After the tragic demise of the wilderness generation due to disobedience, this census acts as a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant with Israel. Despite human failure, God did not abandon His people but raised up new families, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises of land and nationhood. The inclusion of specific families like the Oznites and Erites from the tribe of Gad demonstrates that every clan, no matter how small, was seen, counted, and cherished in God's plan, underscoring His sovereignty, order, and personal care for His people. It also lays the groundwork for the equitable distribution of the land, affirming that every family had an allotted inheritance by God's design. This meticulous record-keeping reminds us that God is a God of order, details, and fulfillment.