the same as בֶּלַע; Bela, the name of a place, also of an Edomite and of two Israelites; Bela.
Transliteration:Belaʻ
Pronunciation:beh'-lah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1106 (בֶּלַע, *Belaʻ*) is primarily a proper noun, referring to individuals and a geographical location in the Old Testament. Its core meaning is intrinsically linked to H1105 (בֶּלַע, *belaʻ*), which signifies "a swallowing, a devouring, consumption." This etymological connection suggests that the name "Bela" may have been bestowed with an underlying meaning related to power, destruction, or perhaps even an escape from such. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its specific referents, but the root meaning provides a rich layer of interpretive depth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H1106 appears in several contexts, identifying different figures and one significant place:
1. **Bela, Son of Benjamin:** This is the most frequent usage. Bela is listed as the firstborn son of Benjamin [[Genesis 46:21]], and his descendants, the Belaites, form a prominent family within the tribe of Benjamin [[Numbers 26:38]]. He is also mentioned in the genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 7:6]], [[1 Chronicles 8:1]], and [[1 Chronicles 8:3]], establishing him as an important patriarchal figure. His lineage contributes to the tribal identity and organization of Israel.
2. **Bela, King of Edom:** Identified as "Bela the son of Beor," he was an early king of Edom, reigning in Dinhabah [[Genesis 36:32]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:43]]. His mention highlights the early monarchical structures among Edom, Israel's brother nation, and serves to delineate the historical and political landscape of the region.
3. **Bela, a Reubenite:** A less prominent figure, Bela is listed as a son of Azaz, a chief man of the tribe of Reuben [[1 Chronicles 5:8]]. This illustrates the commonality of names across different tribal lines and the detailed genealogical records maintained in Israel.
4. **Bela, a City of the Plain:** This city is famously known as the original name of Zoar, one of the five cities of the plain, alongside Sodom and Gomorrah [[Genesis 14:2]], [[Genesis 14:8]]. Uniquely, Bela/Zoar was spared from the divine judgment and destruction that befell the other cities, due to Lot's plea and God's mercy [[Genesis 19:20-23]]. Its survival stands in stark contrast to the destructive fate of its neighbors.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is H1105 (בֶּלַע, *belaʻ*), the common noun meaning "swallowing, devouring, consumption," from which the proper noun H1106 is derived. This noun, in turn, comes from the verbal root H1104 (בָּלַע, *balaʻ*), meaning "to swallow down, engulf, consume, destroy."
Concepts related to H1106 therefore include:
* **Destruction and Consumption:** Directly linked to the root meaning.
* **Preservation and Escape:** Paradoxically, exemplified by the city of Bela/Zoar, which *escaped* the devouring judgment.
* **Lineage and Identity:** Central to the individuals named Bela, particularly the Benjaminite and Reubenite figures, who contribute to tribal genealogies.
* **Kingship and Authority:** Evident in Bela, the king of Edom.
### Theological Significance
The name "Bela," rooted in the concept of "swallowing" or "devouring," carries a potent theological resonance, especially when considered alongside its various biblical occurrences.
For the individuals named Bela, the etymology might suggest a formidable or perhaps even destructive character, or simply be a name passed down without a direct reflection of its meaning in the person's life. However, the most profound theological significance emerges from the city of Bela, later called Zoar. This city, whose very name means "devouring," was destined for utter destruction alongside Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet, by divine mercy and Lot's intercession, it was "swallowed up" by the earth's judgment. Instead, it was spared, becoming a place of refuge. This narrative powerfully illustrates:
1. **Divine Judgment and Mercy:** The city's name foreshadowed its deserved fate, yet God's compassion intervened, highlighting His sovereign right to judge and His boundless capacity for mercy, even in the midst of overwhelming wrath.
2. **The Efficacy of Intercession (or God's Grace for the Righteous):** Lot's plea, though imperfect, was heard, and the city was preserved for his sake. This underscores the principle of God's care for the righteous, even if they are flawed.
3. **Paradoxical Naming:** The irony of a city named "Devouring" being the one place that *escaped* being devoured serves as a stark reminder of God's power to overturn expected outcomes and to work contrary to the natural implications of a name or situation.
### Summary
H1106 (בֶּלַע, *Belaʻ*) is a proper noun used for several individuals and a significant place in the Hebrew Bible. Derived from H1105 (בֶּלַע), meaning "swallowing" or "devouring," the name carries a powerful underlying connotation. While it identifies a prominent son of Benjamin, an early king of Edom, and a Reubenite, its most profound theological impact comes from its use as the original name of Zoar, one of the cities of the plain. This city, despite its name signifying destruction, was miraculously spared from divine judgment, serving as a powerful testament to God's sovereign mercy, the efficacy of intercession, and His ability to work paradoxically to achieve His redemptive purposes.
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