Ardon is an extremely minor figure in the biblical text, his existence recorded only once in the Book of Chronicles. His singular mention places him within the foundational lineage of the Tribe of Judah, the royal tribe from which the Messiah would eventually spring.
The Lineage of Caleb
Ardon’s identity is established as part of the family of Caleb the son of Hezron. This Caleb, who is not the famous Caleb the spy (son of Jephunneh), was a direct descendant of Judah and a significant ancestor in his own right.
Ardon is listed as the son of Caleb and his wife, Azubah:
“And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth: her sons are these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.” — 1 Chronicles 2:18 (KJV)
This brief verse is the entirety of the scriptural reference to Ardon. He is listed alongside his brothers, Jesher and Shobab, as the offspring of this particular union of Caleb.
Significance
Since no events, deeds, or details are ever ascribed to Ardon, his entire significance rests within the context of the detailed genealogies of Judah that the chronicler deemed important to preserve.
- Preservation of Purity: The inclusion of names like Ardon underscores the meticulous care taken by the scribes to trace and preserve the “purity” of the family lines of Judah, particularly after the return from the Babylonian exile. The chronicler’s purpose was to demonstrate the continuity and validity of God’s covenant with the descendants of Judah.
- Connection to the Davidic Line: While Ardon himself is not directly in the Messianic line that runs from Perez (Judah’s son) through Ram to David, he is still part of the broader family tree of Judah. This entire chapter (1 Chronicles 2) serves to build the case for the tribe’s historical importance as the designated ruling tribe of Israel.
The name Ardon (אַרְדּוֹן, ’Ardōn) has an obscure meaning but is believed by some scholars to be related to the Hebrew word for “to flee” or “fugitive.”