Ard is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. He is recognized as one of the sons of Bela, who was the firstborn son of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The name "Ard" is believed to mean "fugitive" or "one who flees," though the etymology is not definitively established.

Biblical References:

Ard is specifically mentioned in the genealogical records found in the Old Testament. In Genesis 46:21, the sons of Benjamin are listed as part of the larger narrative detailing the descendants of Jacob who went to Egypt during the time of Joseph. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard."

In this passage, Ard is listed among the ten sons of Benjamin, highlighting his place within the family lineage that would become one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Further mention of Ard is found in Numbers 26:40, where the descendants of Benjamin are enumerated during the second census of Israel in the wilderness. The BSB records:

"The descendants of Bela were Ard and Naaman. From Ard came the Ardite clan, and from Naaman the Naamite clan."

This passage indicates that Ard was not only a son of Bela but also the progenitor of the Ardite clan, one of the family groups within the tribe of Benjamin. The mention of the Ardite clan underscores the significance of Ard's lineage in the tribal structure of Israel.

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place in Israel's history, being the smallest of the tribes yet producing significant figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. Ard's inclusion in the genealogical records emphasizes the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in the biblical narrative.

Historical and Theological Context:

The genealogies in which Ard is mentioned serve several purposes in the biblical text. They provide a historical record of the Israelite tribes, affirming God's promises to the patriarchs regarding their descendants. These genealogies also establish the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with Israel, tracing the lineage from the patriarchs to the formation of the nation.

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Ard and his descendants in the biblical record reflects the broader theme of God's providence and faithfulness. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding plan for His people, culminating in the coming of the Messiah through the line of Judah, another of Jacob's sons.

Conclusion:

Ard, as a son of Bela and a member of the tribe of Benjamin, is a testament to the intricate tapestry of family and faith that characterizes the biblical narrative. His mention in the genealogies underscores the importance of each individual in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.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.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xlvi
... It gives him three sons: Bela, Becher and Ashbel. To Bela it gives six sons: Gera,
Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim and Huppim. But to Gera it ascribes one son: Ard. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

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