### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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