Their thorough genealogies reveal God’s careful involvement in every aspect of Israel’s development.
In this verse, Moses continues listing the descendants of the tribe of Benjamin as part of Israel’s second census in the wilderness. He specifically notes, “And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: from Ard, the family of the Ardites; from Naaman, the family of the Naamanites.” (v.40) The focus here is on establishing the family lines that flow from Bela, who himself was a son of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Genesis 35:23). By giving specific names—Ard and Naaman—Scripture is ensuring that each family’s contribution to the tribe is preserved, demonstrating the thoroughness and care with which God directed Israel to keep track of their people.
Bela, as the firstborn of Benjamin, lived several generations before this census was conducted around the time of Israel’s wilderness wanderings (approximately 1446-1406 BC). By connecting Bela to Ard and Naaman, the text shows how Israel’s various clans were organized under each family head. Though seemingly straightforward, the record underscores that all these descendants contributed to the identity and population of the tribe, which would later produce influential figures such as King Saul (reigning ca. 1050-1010 BC) and, centuries afterward, the Apostle Paul (1st century AD) Philippians 3:5). These future developments illustrate how genealogical records positioned the tribes in Israel’s broader redemptive story.
Furthermore, Numbers 26 is detailing how the covenant promises—originally made to the patriarchs (Genesis 12:2-3)—continued through each generation, preparing a nation that would eventually lead to the coming of Jesus Christ Romans 1:3). This census also set the stage for how the land of Canaan would be distributed among the tribes (Numbers 26:52-56). The faithfulness of God in preserving each lineage—like that of Bela’s sons—is a reflection of His unwavering commitment to His people’s inheritance and destiny.
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Numbers 26:40 meaning
In this verse, Moses continues listing the descendants of the tribe of Benjamin as part of Israel’s second census in the wilderness. He specifically notes, “And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: from Ard, the family of the Ardites; from Naaman, the family of the Naamanites.” (v.40) The focus here is on establishing the family lines that flow from Bela, who himself was a son of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Genesis 35:23). By giving specific names—Ard and Naaman—Scripture is ensuring that each family’s contribution to the tribe is preserved, demonstrating the thoroughness and care with which God directed Israel to keep track of their people.
Bela, as the firstborn of Benjamin, lived several generations before this census was conducted around the time of Israel’s wilderness wanderings (approximately 1446-1406 BC). By connecting Bela to Ard and Naaman, the text shows how Israel’s various clans were organized under each family head. Though seemingly straightforward, the record underscores that all these descendants contributed to the identity and population of the tribe, which would later produce influential figures such as King Saul (reigning ca. 1050-1010 BC) and, centuries afterward, the Apostle Paul (1st century AD) Philippians 3:5). These future developments illustrate how genealogical records positioned the tribes in Israel’s broader redemptive story.
Furthermore, Numbers 26 is detailing how the covenant promises—originally made to the patriarchs (Genesis 12:2-3)—continued through each generation, preparing a nation that would eventually lead to the coming of Jesus Christ Romans 1:3). This census also set the stage for how the land of Canaan would be distributed among the tribes (Numbers 26:52-56). The faithfulness of God in preserving each lineage—like that of Bela’s sons—is a reflection of His unwavering commitment to His people’s inheritance and destiny.