Areli is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. He is recognized as one of the sons of Gad, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. Gad was the seventh son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Areli's name is listed among the descendants of Gad, who became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 46:16 · In this passage, Areli is mentioned as one of the sons of Gad who went down to Egypt with Jacob and his family during the time of famine. The verse states: "The sons of Gad: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli."

2. Numbers 26:17 · This verse is part of the census taken by Moses and Eleazar in the plains of Moab, where the descendants of the sons of Israel are counted. Areli is again mentioned as a member of the tribe of Gad: "These were the clans of Gad, and their registration numbered 40,500."

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Gad, to which Areli belonged, was known for its warrior-like characteristics and played a significant role in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The tribe settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the region known for its fertile land suitable for livestock, which was fitting for the tribe's pastoral lifestyle.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name "Areli" is believed to derive from a Hebrew root that may mean "lion of God" or "heroic." This etymology reflects the valor and strength often associated with the tribe of Gad, as described in the blessings of Jacob and Moses. In Genesis 49:19, Jacob prophesies about Gad: "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will raid at their heels." Similarly, in Deuteronomy 33:20-21, Moses blesses Gad, highlighting the tribe's military prowess and leadership.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Areli, as a member of the tribe of Gad, would have been part of a community known for its resilience and martial abilities. The tribe's location east of the Jordan River placed it in a strategic position, often serving as a buffer against eastern invaders. This geographical setting required the Gadites to be vigilant and prepared for conflict, traits that are echoed in the meanings attributed to the names of Gad's descendants, including Areli.

Legacy:

While Areli himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives beyond the genealogical records, his inclusion in the lists of Gad's descendants underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in the history of Israel. The genealogies serve to connect the people of Israel to their patriarchal ancestors, reinforcing their shared heritage and covenant relationship with God.Areli

the light or vision of God

Areli

(heroic), a son of Gad. (Genesis 46:16; Numbers 26:17) His descendants are called Arelites. Numb 26:17.

ARELI

a-re'-li ('ar'eli, apparently the gentilic form of a compound that would mean "God's lioness," or "God's hearth"): One of the sons of Gad the son of Jacob (Genesis 46:16 Numbers 26:17). "Arelites" (which see) is exactly the same word.

692. Areli -- a son of Gad, also his desc.
... 691, 692. Areli. 693 . a son of Gad, also his desc. Transliteration: Areli
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-ay-lee') Short Definition: Areli. ...
/hebrew/692.htm - 6k

Chapter xlvi
... living in their sons. 16-18. And the sons of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi,
Shuni and Ezbon, Eri and Arodi and Areli. And the sons of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Areli (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARELI. ...Areli (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:16 The
sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. ...
/a/areli.htm - 7k

Are'li (2 Occurrences)
Are'li. Areli, Are'li. Arelite . ... Are'li (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:16 And the
sons of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. ...
/a/are'li.htm - 6k

Arelites (1 Occurrence)
... a-re'-lits: In Numbers 26:17. See ARELI. ... Arelites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:17 of
Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites. ...
/a/arelites.htm - 6k

Areas (8 Occurrences)

/a/areas.htm - 9k

Ziph'ion (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ziph'ion (1 Occurrence). Genesis 46:16 And the sons of
Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. (See RSV) ...
/z/ziph'ion.htm - 6k

Ziphion (1 Occurrence)
... Ziphion (1 Occurrence). Genesis 46:16 The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon,
Eri, Arodi, and Areli. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/z/ziphion.htm - 7k

Zephon (5 Occurrences)
... See ZIPHION. Multi-Version Concordance Zephon (5 Occurrences). Genesis 46:16 The
sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. (See NIV). ...
/z/zephon.htm - 8k

Lion (92 Occurrences)
... 8:16 Isaiah 29:1, 2, 7); char'el, "upper altar," and 'ari'el, "altar hearth" (Ezekiel
43:15); 'aryeh, "Arieh" (2 Kings 15:25); 'ar'eli, "Areli" and "Arelites ...
/l/lion.htm - 46k

Ezbon (2 Occurrences)
... Ezbon (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:16 The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon,
Eri, Arodi, and Areli. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/ezbon.htm - 7k

Eri (2 Occurrences)
... Eri (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:16 The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon,
Eri, Arodi, and Areli. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/eri.htm - 7k

Who was Gad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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