This verse underscores God’s faithfulness in preserving each unique family within His covenant plan.
The verse states: Of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites (Numbers 26:17). Here, Scripture lists two distinct family groups descending from the sons of Gad, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Jacob (circa 2006 - 1859 BC) was the patriarch whose descendants became the tribes of Israel. Though this verse itself is brief, it demonstrates how God meticulously kept track of each family within the nation, precisely recording the growth of His people during Israel’s time in the wilderness.
By referring to Of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites (Numbers 26:17), the text underscores the importance of genealogical continuity as the Israelites stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The tribe of Gad, in which these familial groups belong, would later settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The region east of the Jordan, often identified as Gilead, became known for its strategic location on major trade routes and its fertile lands suited for grazing flocks, thus fulfilling God’s promise to provide a homeland for all the tribes of Israel.
In a broader biblical context, genealogical listings like this one emphasize how each family contributed to the larger story of redemption, ultimately pointing forward to Jesus the Messiah (Luke 3). Even short verses that name families or clans remind us that every person was a valued part of God’s covenant community. Whether obscurity or prominence defined their earthly roles, their presence in Scripture shows God’s intimate knowledge and faithful care for His people.
Set to dark mode
Numbers 26:17 meaning
The verse states: Of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites (Numbers 26:17). Here, Scripture lists two distinct family groups descending from the sons of Gad, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Jacob (circa 2006 - 1859 BC) was the patriarch whose descendants became the tribes of Israel. Though this verse itself is brief, it demonstrates how God meticulously kept track of each family within the nation, precisely recording the growth of His people during Israel’s time in the wilderness.
By referring to Of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites (Numbers 26:17), the text underscores the importance of genealogical continuity as the Israelites stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The tribe of Gad, in which these familial groups belong, would later settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The region east of the Jordan, often identified as Gilead, became known for its strategic location on major trade routes and its fertile lands suited for grazing flocks, thus fulfilling God’s promise to provide a homeland for all the tribes of Israel.
In a broader biblical context, genealogical listings like this one emphasize how each family contributed to the larger story of redemption, ultimately pointing forward to Jesus the Messiah (Luke 3). Even short verses that name families or clans remind us that every person was a valued part of God’s covenant community. Whether obscurity or prominence defined their earthly roles, their presence in Scripture shows God’s intimate knowledge and faithful care for His people.