Ard is a genealogical figure in the Old Testament, recorded as one of the grandsons of Jacob and a head of a family clan within the tribe of Benjamin. Like many figures whose lives are only traced through lists, his significance rests solely on his role in the establishment of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Lineage of Benjamin
Ard’s identity is established through his father, Bela, who was the firstborn son of Benjamin. Ard is named among the family members who descended with Jacob into Egypt during the famine, which is the historical event that solidified the initial population of the nation of Israel.
He is specifically mentioned in the comprehensive census that precedes the departure from Canaan:
“And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.” — Genesis 46:21 (KJV)
In this passage, Ard is listed as the tenth son of Benjamin’s firstborn, Bela, confirming his direct lineage from the patriarch.
The Family of the Ardites
As the people of Israel grew into a nation during their sojourn in Egypt, the genealogical lists were maintained to track the formation of the distinct family clans, or clans (mishpachot). Ard’s descendants were counted among the largest tribes of Israel during the census taken shortly before they entered the Promised Land.
The family line tracing back to him is officially recognized:
“Of the sons of Bela, the Ardites, of Ard:” — Numbers 26:40 (KJV)
This clan, named the Ardites, formed a subdivision of the tribe of Benjamin, showing that Ard’s family flourished and maintained its separate identity during the Exodus period.
Identity Confusion: Ehi and Ard
It is important to note a slight variation in the naming of Benjamin’s descendants across different texts. In the list found in 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 (KJV), the names differ slightly, though the intent is to track the same lineage. Biblical scholars often reconcile the names Ehi (Genesis 46:21) and Aharah (1 Chronicles 8:1) as being variant names for Ard, or, more likely, variant ways of listing the numerous descendants of Bela, all of whom became heads of significant families.
Regardless of these textual variations, the name Ard secures his historical place as a founding grandfather of a major family division that contributed to the fighting strength and legacy of the tribe of Benjamin.