The Ard'ites are a biblical group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. They are descendants of Ard, who is one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The Ard'ites are thus part of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Ard'ites is found in the genealogical listings of the tribes of Israel. In Genesis 46:21, the sons of Benjamin are listed, and Ard is mentioned among them: "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard."

Further mention of Ard and his descendants can be found in Numbers 26:38-40, where the census of the tribes of Israel is recorded during their wilderness journey. The passage states: "The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: the Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, the Shuphamite clan from Shupham, and the Huphamite clan from Hupham. The descendants of Ard and Naaman were: the Ardite clan from Ard and the Naamite clan from Naaman."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Ard'ites, as part of the tribe of Benjamin, played a role in the history of Israel, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its warriors and played a significant role in various battles and conflicts recorded in the Old Testament. The Benjaminites were also known for their skill with the sling, as noted in Judges 20:16.

The tribe of Benjamin held a unique position among the tribes of Israel. Despite being the smallest tribe, it produced significant figures in Israel's history, including King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul, who was of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5).

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Ard'ites in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The genealogies serve to connect the people of Israel to the promises made by God to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each clan and family within the tribes of Israel had a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

The Ard'ites, as part of the tribe of Benjamin, remind readers of the diversity and unity within the people of God. Despite their small size, the tribe of Benjamin, including the Ard'ites, contributed to the larger narrative of Israel's history and God's covenantal faithfulness.

Conclusion:

The Ard'ites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, are an integral part of the tribe of Benjamin's lineage. Their mention in the genealogies highlights the importance of each family and clan in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Ard'ites (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 26:40
And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman; of Ard, the family of the Ardites; of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.
(See RSV)

Ard'ites (1 Occurrence)
Ard'ites. Ardites, Ard'ites. Ardon . Multi-Version Concordance Ard'ites
(1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:40 And the sons of Bela were ...
/a/ard'ites.htm - 6k

Ardites (1 Occurrence)

/a/ardites.htm - 6k

Ardon (1 Occurrence)

/a/ardon.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus