The term "Erites" refers to the descendants or members of the family of Eri, who was one of the sons of Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The Erites are mentioned in the context of the genealogies and tribal divisions of the Israelites, particularly in the Book of Numbers.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 26:16 : "These were the descendants of Gad by their clans: The Zephonite clan from Zephon, the Haggite clan from Haggi, the Shunite clan from Shuni, the Oznite clan from Ozni, the Erite clan from Eri."

In this passage, the Erites are listed among the clans of the tribe of Gad during the second census of the Israelites in the wilderness. This census was conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest, as commanded by God, to count all the men of Israel who were able to go to war. The Erites, as part of the tribe of Gad, were included in this enumeration, highlighting their role and presence among the Israelites.

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Gad, to which the Erites belonged, was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Gad was known for its warriors and was allocated land on the east side of the Jordan River, along with the tribes of Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Erites, as a clan within Gad, would have shared in this inheritance and participated in the tribal responsibilities and blessings.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Erites, like other clans within the tribes of Israel, played a role in the social and military structure of ancient Israel. The tribal system was central to the identity and organization of the Israelites, with each tribe and clan having specific roles and territories. The Erites, as descendants of Eri, would have been part of this larger framework, contributing to the collective life and mission of the people of God.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Erites in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The detailed recording of clans and families reflects God's covenantal relationship with Israel, where each tribe and clan had a place in His divine plan. The Erites, as part of the tribe of Gad, were included in the promises and responsibilities given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Erites, though not frequently mentioned in Scripture, are a testament to the intricate tapestry of God's chosen people, where every clan and family had a role in the unfolding account of redemption.ERI; ERITES

e'-ri, e'-rits (`eri, "watcher"):

The fifth of the seven sons of Gad (Genesis 46:16 Numbers 26:16).

Patronymic, Erites (same place), a clan of Gad.

6180. Eri -- descendant of Eri
... Eri. 6181 . descendant of Eri. Transliteration: Eri Phonetic Spelling: (ay-ree')
Short Definition: Erites. ... of Eri NASB Word Usage Erites (1). Erites. ...
/hebrew/6180.htm - 6kErites (1 Occurrence)
... ERI; ERITES. e'-ri, e'-rits (`eri, "watcher"): The fifth of the seven sons of Gad
(Genesis 46:16 Numbers 26:16). Patronymic, Erites (same place), a clan of Gad. ...
/e/erites.htm - 7k

Eri (2 Occurrences)
... ERI; ERITES. e'-ri, e'-rits (`eri, "watcher"): The fifth of the seven sons of Gad
(Genesis 46:16 Numbers 26:16). Patronymic, Erites (same place), a clan of Gad. ...
/e/eri.htm - 7k

Erite (1 Occurrence)
... Erite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri,
the family of the Erites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/erite.htm - 6k

Oznites (1 Occurrence)
... Oznites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri,
the family of the Erites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/o/oznites.htm - 6k

Ozni (1 Occurrence)
... Ozni (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the
family of the Erites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/o/ozni.htm - 7k

Oznite (1 Occurrence)
... Oznite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri,
the family of the Erites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) ...
/o/oznite.htm - 6k

Erodes (1 Occurrence)

/e/erodes.htm - 6k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... Shunites; (See NIV). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites;
of Eri, the family of the Erites; (See NIV). Numbers 26:17 ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

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