The Hebrew word Belaʻ, represented by H1106, is used as a proper name for a place, an Edomite, and two Israelites. The name appears 14 times in 14 unique verses of the Bible. Its occurrences are divided among these distinct figures and locations, highlighting its role in genealogical records and early regional history.
In the biblical narrative, H1106 is used in several key contexts. Geographically, it is the name of a city, also called Zoar, whose king engaged in war H4421 against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 14:2, Genesis 14:8). The name also identifies an early king H4428 who reigned H4427 in the land of Edom, Bela the son H1121 of Beor Genesis 36:32. Most prominently, Bela is the firstborn H1060 son H1121 of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 8:1, whose descendants formed the family of the Belaites Numbers 26:38. A different Bela, a descendant of Reuben, is also mentioned 1 Chronicles 5:8.
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of Belaʻ's roles:
- H1121 bên (son): This word is essential for defining Belaʻ's identity in genealogies, as he is identified as the son of Beor Genesis 36:32, the son of Benjamin Genesis 46:21, and the son of Azaz 1 Chronicles 5:8. His own sons are also listed 1 Chronicles 8:3.
- H1060 bᵉkôwr (firstborn): This term highlights Belaʻ's status within his family, as Benjamin begat H3205 Bela his firstborn 1 Chronicles 8:1. This designation carries significant weight for inheritance and lineage.
- H4427 mâlak (to reign): This root word establishes Belaʻ's political authority as a monarch in Edom before Israel had its own kings. Scripture records that Bela the son H1121 of Beor reigned in Edom Genesis 36:32.
- H3187 yâchas (to enroll by pedigree): This word connects directly to the descendants of Bela the Benjaminite, who were reckoned by their genealogies H3187 and numbered twenty and two thousand and thirty and four 1 Chronicles 7:7.
The narrative weight of H1106 is seen in its function across historical, political, and familial contexts.
- Foundational Lineage: As the firstborn H1060 of Benjamin, Bela is the progenitor of a major family line. His descendants are noted as heads H7218 of the house H1004 of their fathers and mighty H1368 men of valour H2428 1 Chronicles 7:7.
- Pre-Israelite Kingship: The account of Bela, king of Edom, is significant as it documents a monarchy that existed "before any king H4428 reigned H4427 over the children of Israel" 1 Chronicles 1:43, providing important historical context.
- Early Geopolitics: The inclusion of the king H4428 of Bela in the battle of the vale of Siddim places the name within a foundational Old Testament narrative of regional alliances and conflict Genesis 14:8.
- Genealogical Marker: The repeated use of the name in different lineages (Benjaminite and Reubenite) underscores its importance in tracking ancestry and tribal affiliations within Israel.
In summary, H1106 is a multifaceted name used to identify distinct people and a specific place in scripture. It is not just a label but a key marker in genealogies, a title of royal authority in Edom, and a geographic point in a major historical conflict. The various applications of Belaʻ demonstrate how a single name can anchor significant narratives of lineage, leadership, and land in the biblical record.
TRV