1 Chronicles 5:8

KJV

And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Bela {H1106} the son {H1121} of Azaz {H5811}, the son {H1121} of Shema {H8087}, the son {H1121} of Joel {H3100}, who dwelt {H3427} in Aroer {H6177}, even unto Nebo {H5015} and Baalmeon {H1186}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and Bela the son of 'Azaz the son of Sh'ma the son of Yo'el. He lived in 'Aro'er, with territory extending to N'vo and Ba'al-M'on;

Berean Standard Bible

Jeiel the chief, Zechariah, and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in Aroer and as far as Nebo and Baal-meon.

American Standard Version

and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baal-meon:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:8 continues the detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Reuben, specifically tracing the lineage of Bela through Azaz, Shema, and Joel. This verse precisely delineates the geographical extent of their settlement within the Transjordan region, marking their dwelling from Aroer to Nebo and Baalmeon, thereby underscoring the historical reality and divinely allotted inheritance of this prominent Reubenite family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with extensive genealogies (chapters 1-9), establishing the historical continuity from Adam to the post-exilic community. This meticulous record served to re-establish tribal identities, confirm land claims, and organize temple service for the returning exiles. Chapter 5 specifically details the tribes settled east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Verses 1-10 are dedicated to Reuben, the firstborn, outlining his descendants and their territorial holdings. Verse 8, within this section, focuses on a particular branch of Reuben's lineage, that of Bela, and precisely defines the geographical boundaries of their habitation, emphasizing the tangible reality of their inheritance within the broader narrative of Israel's history and divine promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in Chronicles were compiled during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish community was re-establishing its identity and connection to its heritage after the Babylonian captivity. For ancient Israel, lineage was paramount, determining tribal affiliation, social status, priestly duties, and, crucially, land inheritance. The Transjordan region, where Reuben settled, was a fertile plateau east of the Dead Sea, distinct from the main land of Canaan. This territory was acquired early in Israel's conquest under Moses, as detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Settlement of Transjordan Tribes"). The mention of specific cities like Aroer, Nebo, and Baalmeon anchors the account in verifiable geography, reflecting the meticulous record-keeping tradition and the importance of land as a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness to His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness in Preservation**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people by meticulously preserving their lineage and confirming their land inheritance, even through periods of exile and dispersion. It underscores the **Importance of Lineage and Inheritance**, as tribal identity and the right to the land were foundational to Israelite society, fulfilling the promises made to their patriarchs, particularly the land covenant established with [Abraham in Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land"). Furthermore, the precise naming of individuals and places emphasizes **Historical and Geographical Accuracy**, grounding the biblical narrative in concrete reality and affirming the reliability of God's word and His providential guidance over Israel's history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bela (Hebrew, _Bela‘_):** The name Bela appears as the firstborn son of Reuben in [Genesis 46:21](/genesis/46-21 "Genesis 46:21 - Jacob's Descendants Entering Egypt") and [1 Chronicles 5:3](/1_chronicles/5-3 "1 Chronicles 5:3 - Reuben's Sons"). His prominence here, despite Reuben losing his birthright, underscores the Chronicler's interest in preserving the historical tribal structures and land allocations. The inclusion of his specific lineage (son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel) emphasizes the meticulous nature of the genealogical record, tracing a specific family branch within the larger tribe of Reuben and affirming their identity and claim to their territory.
* **Aroer (Hebrew, _‘Arō‘ēr_):** A significant city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, often serving as a key boundary marker for Reuben's territory. Its mention here, along with Nebo and Baalmeon, precisely defines the southern extent of the Reubenite dwelling. Aroer is frequently cited in biblical texts as a geographical landmark, for instance, in [Deuteronomy 3:12](/deuteronomy/3-12 "Deuteronomy 3:12 - Division of Transjordan Territory") and [Joshua 13:16](/joshua/13-16 "Joshua 13:16 - Reuben's Inheritance"). Its inclusion here highlights the historical and geographical precision of the Chronicler's account, grounding the genealogical claims in tangible, recognized locations.
* **Baalmeon (Hebrew, _Ba‘al Mə‘ōn_):** Also known as Beth-meon or Beth-baal-meon, this city was situated in the fertile plains of Moab, within the territory allotted to Reuben. The prefix "Baal" indicates a connection to the Canaanite deity Baal, suggesting its pre-Israelite origins, though it was later integrated into Israelite territory. Its mention alongside Aroer and Nebo further delineates the geographical spread of the Reubenite settlement, indicating a significant presence in the region. The city is also referenced in [Numbers 32:38](/numbers/32-38 "Numbers 32:38 - Rebuilding Cities by Reubenites") and [Ezekiel 25:9](/ezekiel/25-9 "Ezekiel 25:9 - Prophecy Against Moab"), underscoring its historical importance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel":** This clause meticulously traces a specific patrilineal descent within the tribe of Reuben. Bela is identified as a significant figure, and his lineage is detailed through three generations: Azaz, Shema, and Joel. This emphasis on individual names and their ancestral connections served to affirm identity, establish tribal rights, and confirm the historical continuity of the Reubenite families. For the post-exilic audience, such precise genealogical records were crucial for re-establishing community structure and land claims.
* **"who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon":** This phrase provides the geographical scope of the settlement of Bela's descendants. "Aroer" marks a significant southern boundary in Reuben's territory, located on the Arnon River. The phrase "even unto Nebo and Baalmeon" indicates the northern and perhaps western extent of their habitation, encompassing a considerable portion of the fertile Transjordan plateau. Mount Nebo is famously known as the place from which [Moses viewed the Promised Land](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses Views the Promised Land"). Baalmeon was another prominent city in the region, confirming the Reubenites' historical presence and established land inheritance in this area, fulfilling the divine promise of territory.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 5:8, like much of the opening chapters of Chronicles, primarily employs **Genealogy** as its foundational literary device. This meticulous listing of names and lineages serves not merely as a dry record but as a theological statement, affirming God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their identity across generations. Coupled with genealogy is **Toponymy**, the strategic use of place names (Aroer, Nebo, Baalmeon). These geographical markers ground the abstract genealogical claims in concrete, verifiable locations, thereby lending historical credibility to the narrative and emphasizing the tangible fulfillment of God's land promises. The repetitive structure of "son of" within the lineage also functions as a form of **Anaphora** or simple **Repetition**, reinforcing the unbroken chain of descent and the continuity of the tribal identity. Together, these devices construct a narrative that is both historically precise and theologically significant, assuring the post-exilic community of their enduring heritage and God's unwavering commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 5:8, though seemingly a simple genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land inheritance of His people. The precise naming of individuals and locations affirms that God's plan is not abstract but deeply rooted in historical and geographical realities. This passage reminds us that every individual and family, even those seemingly minor in the grand narrative, plays a vital role in God's overarching redemptive design. The preservation of these records, especially after the exile, served as a powerful reminder to Israel that their identity and future were secure in God's hands, reinforcing their hope and encouraging their return to their heritage and worship.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land")
* [Joshua 13:15-23](/joshua/13-15 "Joshua 13:15-23 - The Inheritance of Reuben")
* [Numbers 32:33-38](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33-38 - Reuben and Gad Settle in Transjordan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names and places might initially seem distant from contemporary life, 1 Chronicles 5:8 offers rich ground for reflection. It calls us to consider the profound significance of our own lineage—not just biological, but spiritual. Just as God meticulously preserved the records of Israel's tribes and their land, He cares for the intricate details of our lives, knowing our past, present, and future. This verse encourages us to value our heritage in faith, recognizing that we are part of a larger, ongoing story of God's redemptive work. It reminds us that even seemingly small or obscure contributions within God's kingdom are vital and noticed by Him. Our identity is not merely self-defined but is deeply rooted in God's sovereign plan and His faithful promises, assuring us that our place in His story is secure and purposeful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous attention to detail in genealogies encourage you about His care for the details of your own life?**
* **In what ways does your spiritual heritage (your family of faith, church history, theological traditions) shape your identity and understanding of God's work today?**
* **How can we, like the Chronicler, ensure that the stories of God's faithfulness are preserved and passed down to future generations in our own contexts?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Old Testament, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Old Testament, particularly in Chronicles, serve multiple crucial purposes. They establish historical continuity from creation to the Chronicler's time, affirming God's ongoing work through generations. For the post-exilic community, they were vital for re-establishing tribal identity, confirming land claims (as seen with Reuben's territory in [1 Chronicles 5:8](/1_chronicles/5-8 "1 Chronicles 5:8 - Reuben's Genealogy and Territory")), and verifying eligibility for temple service (especially for priests and Levites, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Genealogies of Jerusalem Residents")). The genealogies also demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing how He preserved a remnant and fulfilled His word through specific lineages, ultimately pointing towards the coming Messiah, whose lineage is meticulously recorded in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus")).

**What is the significance of the specific locations mentioned (Aroer, Nebo, Baalmeon)?**

Answer: The mention of specific locations like Aroer, Nebo, and Baalmeon is highly significant because it grounds the genealogical claims in verifiable geographical reality. These cities were well-known landmarks in the Transjordan region, part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. Aroer, for instance, was a key boundary marker on the Arnon River, frequently mentioned in texts like [Deuteronomy 3:12](/deuteronomy/3-12 "Deuteronomy 3:12 - Division of Transjordan Territory"). Mount Nebo is famously the place from which [Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses Views the Promised Land"). Baalmeon was another prominent city in Reuben's territory, mentioned in [Numbers 32:38](/numbers/32-38 "Numbers 32:38 - Rebuilding Cities by Reubenites"). By specifying these places, the Chronicler reinforces the historical accuracy of the land allocations and the tangible fulfillment of God's promises of inheritance to the tribes of Israel, assuring the returning exiles of their rightful claims.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 5:8 details the physical lineage and land inheritance of the tribe of Reuben, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment points us to a far greater spiritual inheritance and a more profound lineage. The meticulous genealogies in the Old Testament, including this one, serve as a divine thread leading to the [promised Messiah](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"), whose earthly lineage is traced through Abraham and David, as recorded in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). In Christ, the concept of inheritance transcends geographical boundaries and tribal affiliations. Believers, regardless of their earthly lineage, are adopted into God's family, becoming [spiritual heirs with Christ](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"). The "dwelling" described for Bela's descendants foreshadows the ultimate dwelling God desires with His people, fully realized in Christ, who is the [true temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection") and in whom we find our eternal home and rest. Through His sacrifice, Jesus secures for us an [imperishable inheritance](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance"), not of land, but of eternal life and fellowship with God, fulfilling the deepest longings for belonging and security that these ancient genealogies hinted at.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 32:34

And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

Numbers 32:38

And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

1 Chronicles 5:4

The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,

Joshua 13:17

Heshbon, and all her cities that [are] in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,

Deuteronomy 32:49

Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, [unto] mount Nebo, which [is] in the land of Moab, that [is] over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

Isaiah 17:2

The cities of Aroer [are] forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.

Deuteronomy 34:1

¶ And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that [is] over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,