Numbers 26:40
And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
H1961
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְנֵי
And the sons
H1121
בְנֵי
And the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן
and Naaman
H5283
לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן
and Naaman
Strong's:
H5283
Word #:
5 of 10
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of Ard the family
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
of Ard the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
6 of 10
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הָֽאַרְדִּ֔י
of the Ardites
H716
הָֽאַרְדִּ֔י
of the Ardites
Strong's:
H716
Word #:
7 of 10
an ardite (collectively) or descendant of ard
לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן
and Naaman
H5283
לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן
and Naaman
Strong's:
H5283
Word #:
8 of 10
naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene
Historical Context
As Bela's sub-clans, the Ardites and Naamites likely held significant territory within Benjamin's allotment. Their preservation through this census ensured continuity despite Benjamin's near-extinction in Judges 20-21, when only 600 men survived. These families may have been among those who helped rebuild the tribe through the wives obtained from Jabesh-gilead and Shiloh.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Ardites' inclusion (from a name suggesting disability) challenge modern prosperity gospel theology that equates blessing with health and success?
- What does the juxtaposition of 'Ard' (limitation) and 'Naaman' (grace) teach about God's glory displayed through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)?
- How might the name Naaman appearing in both Israel's census and the leprous Syrian general's story illustrate God's intention to extend grace beyond ethnic Israel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites—Bela's two sub-clans receive special mention, emphasizing his prominence as Benjamin's firstborn. Ard (אַרְדְּ, 'humpbacked/descendant') and Naaman (נַעֲמָן, 'pleasant/gracious') contrast physical limitation with beauty—together representing the fullness of human experience under covenant blessing.
Naaman's name will reappear with the Syrian general healed of leprosy (2 Kings 5), creating intertextual resonance: the 'pleasant' clan name anticipates God's grace to a foreign Naaman. The Ardites' 'humpbacked' name suggests even the disabled belonged fully in Israel's inheritance—no eugenics, no merit-based inclusion. The census counts all legitimate descendants regardless of physical capability, anticipating Christ's radical inclusion of the lame and broken (Luke 14:13, 21).