Lexical Summary Arodi: Arodi Original Word: אֲרוֹדִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Arodi, Arodites Patronymic from 'Arvadiy; an Arodite or descendant of Arod -- Arodi, Arodites. see HEBREW 'Arvadiy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a son of Gad, also desc. of Arod NASB Translation Arodi (1), Arodites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲרוֺדִי adjective, of a people with article as proper name collective, ׳מִשְׁפ ׳הָא Numbers 26:17; without article as proper name = אֲרוֺד Genesis 46:16. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Arodi appears twice in the Old Testament record, once in the patriarchal genealogy that migrated to Egypt (Genesis 46:16) and once in the wilderness census that prepared Israel for entry into Canaan (Numbers 26:17). In both places the name designates a son of Gad and, by extension, the clan that descended from him. Genealogical Context Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Zilpah (Genesis 30:9-11). His seven sons—Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli—formed the foundational households of the tribe. Scripture’s preservation of each son’s name underscores that every lineage, no matter how briefly mentioned, was known and counted by God. The listing of Arodi among these sons affirms the continuity between the patriarchal family in Canaan and the burgeoning nation in Egypt. Historical Development from Egypt to Canaan Between Genesis 46 and Numbers 26 roughly four centuries pass. During that time the household of Arodi grew into the clan called “the Arodite” (Numbers 26:17). The second census taken on the plains of Moab counted 40,500 fighting men in Gad (Numbers 26:18)—a testimony to God’s promise of multiplication (Genesis 46:3). Though the text does not isolate the Arodite figures, the clan helped form the eastern-bank force that would later aid the western tribes in the conquest (Joshua 4:12-13). Role within Tribal Allotment The tribe of Gad ultimately settled east of the Jordan, flanked by Reuben to the south and the half-tribe of Manasseh to the north (Joshua 13:24-28). The Arodite clan shared in this inheritance, occupying pastureland ideal for flocks—an environment foreshadowed by Jacob’s blessing over Gad as a raider who would “attack their heels” (Genesis 49:19) and Moses’ later blessing that Gad would dwell “like a lion, tearing off arm and head” (Deuteronomy 33:20-21). The courageous, mobile lifestyle of Gad’s clans, including the Arodites, suited the frontier responsibilities of defending Israel’s eastern border. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Faithfulness: The mention of Arodi in both the migration list and the census demonstrates God’s faithfulness to preserve every branch of Jacob’s family line. Ministry Applications • Shepherding: Pastors and leaders are reminded that every person and family has a place in the covenant community; even seemingly obscure names like Arodi matter to God. Intertextual Insights The Arodite account parallels other brief genealogical mentions—such as Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) or Jaakan (Deuteronomy 10:6)—that invite reflection on God’s larger redemptive tapestry. Although the Arodites disappear from later records, their faithfulness in the wilderness generation contributed to Israel’s mission. Their quiet obedience exemplifies Hebrews 6:10: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown His name.” Forms and Transliterations הָאֲרוֹדִ֑י הארודי וַֽאֲרוֹדִ֖י וארודי hā’ărōwḏî hā·’ă·rō·w·ḏî haaroDi vaaroDi wa’ărōwḏî wa·’ă·rō·w·ḏîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 46:16 HEB: וְאֶצְבֹּ֑ן עֵרִ֥י וַֽאֲרוֹדִ֖י וְאַרְאֵלִֽי׃ NAS: and Ezbon, Eri and Arodi and Areli. KJV: and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. INT: and Ezbon Eri and Arodi and Areli Numbers 26:17 2 Occurrences |
    |