Ard

Ard is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the descendants of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. Ard is listed among the sons of Benjamin in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. His name appears in two significant passages: Genesis 46:21 and Numbers 26:40.

In Genesis 46:21, Ard is mentioned as one of the sons of Benjamin who went down to Egypt with Jacob and his family during the time of famine: "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard." This passage highlights the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, which set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent Exodus.

In Numbers 26:40, Ard is again mentioned in the context of a census taken during the Israelites' wilderness journey: "The descendants of Bela were the Ardite clan from Ard and the Naamite clan from Naaman." Here, Ard is identified as the progenitor of the Ardite clan, one of the subdivisions of the tribe of Benjamin. This census was conducted to organize the Israelites for their eventual settlement in the Promised Land.

The name "Ard" is thought to mean "fugitive" or "one who flees," though the exact etymology is uncertain. Ard's inclusion in the genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in the narrative of the Israelites.

Naaman

Naaman is another descendant of Benjamin, mentioned alongside Ard in the genealogical records of the tribe. Like Ard, Naaman is listed in Genesis 46:21 and Numbers 26:40. In Genesis 46:21, Naaman is one of the sons of Benjamin who accompanied Jacob to Egypt: "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard."

In Numbers 26:40, Naaman is identified as the ancestor of the Naamite clan: "The descendants of Bela were the Ardite clan from Ard and the Naamite clan from Naaman." This passage highlights the division of the tribe of Benjamin into clans, each tracing its lineage back to one of Benjamin's sons or grandsons.

The name "Naaman" means "pleasant" or "gracious," reflecting a positive connotation. Naaman's role in the genealogies emphasizes the continuity of the Israelite tribes and their connection to the patriarchs.

It is important to distinguish this Naaman from the more well-known Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, who is healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 5. The Naaman mentioned in the genealogies of Benjamin is a different individual, and his significance lies primarily in his contribution to the tribal structure of Israel.

Both Ard and Naaman, as descendants of Benjamin, are part of the broader narrative of the Israelite tribes, each contributing to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the multiplication and settlement of their descendants in the land of Canaan.