And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the clan of the Ardites; of Naaman, the clan of the Naamites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While this verse simply lists descendants, it's easy to overlook how it connects to the larger narrative of judgment and preservation. By naming these specific family lines after a devastating plague, it highlights God's ongoing faithfulness in continuing and establishing His people, even amidst his righteous wrath.
And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the clan of the Ardites; of Naaman, the clan of the Naamites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues a census of the Israelites, ordered by God after a devastating plague. Moses and Eleazar meticulously list the descendants of each tribe, noting the founding families within them to establish their inheritance rights in the Promised Land. This specific verse details a branch of Benjamin's lineage, listing the sons of Bela and their subsequent family clans.
In this chapter, we see names listed and then followed by their 'clans.' What does this tell us about how ancient Israelite society was structured and remembered?
This passage in Numbers is part of a census, a vital act of organization and remembrance for Israel. It's not just about counting people; it's about defining their place within the larger community.
From Individuals to Groups
Notice how the verse breaks down:
This shows a society built on lineage and kinship. Your identity wasn't just you, but also your father, your grandfather, and the extended family group (clan) you belonged to. These clans were the building blocks of the larger tribes. This structure was crucial for inheritance, justice, and community life.
Why conduct a census right after a devastating plague? This chapter is more than just a headcount; it's a testament to God's faithfulness.
The context of Numbers 26 is critical. This census follows a severe plague that wiped out a generation. Yet, here we see the names of the generation, establishing their families and clans.
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God's Unfailing Promise
This specific genealogy is part of a larger census taken after a plague decimated the Israelites. It highlights God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people, even after severe judgment, as they prepare to inherit the land.
c. 1440 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
The Exodus marks the beginning of the Israelites' journey as a nation. The first census was taken shortly after this event in the Sinai wilderness.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Second Census Ordered
This census in Numbers 26 is ordered by God after a devastating plague swept through the Israelite camp. It serves to recount the new generation as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Land Allotment Begins
Following the census, the land of Canaan is to be divided among the tribes based on their numbers. This establishes the inheritance for each family group.
This passage mentions Ard and Naaman as descendants of Benjamin, directly linking to the same individuals and their lineage mentioned in Numbers 26:40.
Genesis 46:21This verse lists the sons of Benjamin, including Bela, which provides the patriarchal lineage from which the families of Ard and Naaman originate.
Judges 3:15This passage highlights Ehud, a Benjamite, who is described as 'the son of Gera the Benjamite,' showing the continuation of specific family lines within Benjamin.
1 Chronicles 7:6This verse names the sons of Benjamin, including Bela and his sons, which echoes the genealogical record found in Numbers 26:40 and reinforces the family structures.
calvinNumbers 26:1-65: "And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,"
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the Lord:
Filii autem Eliab, Nebuel, Dathan et Abiron: isti sunt Dathan et Abiron majores synagogae qui rixati sunt contra Mosen et…
pooleNumbers 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."
Ard, or Arde , and by transposition, Addar , 1 Chronicles 8:3 .
While this verse simply lists descendants, it's easy to overlook how it connects to the larger narrative of judgment and preservation. By naming these specific family lines after a devastating plague, it highlights God's ongoing faithfulness in continuing and establishing His people, even amidst his righteous wrath.
This passage continues a census of the Israelites, ordered by God after a devastating plague. Moses and Eleazar meticulously list the descendants of each tribe, noting the founding families within them to establish their inheritance rights in the Promised Land. This specific verse details a branch of Benjamin's lineage, listing the sons of Bela and their subsequent family clans.
This passage continues a census of the Israelites, ordered by God after a devastating plague. Moses and Eleazar meticulously list the descendants of each tribe, noting the founding families within them to establish their inheritance rights in the Promised Land. This specific verse details a branch of Benjamin's lineage, listing the sons of Bela and their subsequent family clans.
"And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the clan of the Ardites; of Naaman, the clan of the Naamites." — While this verse simply lists descendants, it's easy to overlook how it connects to the larger narrative of judgment and preservation. By naming these specific family lines after a devastating plag…
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Last reviewed October 2026