The Hebrew word Balʻîy, represented by H1108, is a patronymic term meaning a Belaite, or a descendant of Bela. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, specifically to identify a family group collectively. Its meaning is derived directly from the name of the progenitor, Bela.
The sole appearance of H1108 is in the census recorded in Numbers 26:38. Here, the term is used to count "the family of the Belaites" as one of the clans descended from the sons of Benjamin. It functions as a specific genealogical marker, distinguishing this lineage from others like the Ashbelites and the Ahiramites, which are listed in the same verse.
Several related words provide the genealogical context for this term:
- H1106 Belaʻ: The individual from whom the Belaites descend. He is identified as a son of Benjamin Genesis 46:21 and his firstborn 1 Chronicles 8:1.
- H1144 Binyâmîyn: The tribe to which the Belaites belong. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and the head of one of the twelve tribes of Israel Numbers 26:38.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family): This word is central to the verse where H1108 appears, defining the "family" or clan unit being counted in the census Numbers 26:38. It can also refer to a tribe, people, or kindred Genesis 12:3.
- H789 ʼAshbêlîy (Ashbelites): This is another patronymic term used in parallel to H1108 in Numbers 26:38, identifying the descendants of Ashbel.
- H298 ʼĂchîyrâmîy (Ahiramites): Like the Belaites and Ashbelites, this term designates the family descending from Ahiram within the tribe of Benjamin Numbers 26:38.
While not a major theological term, the significance of H1108 lies in its role within the biblical emphasis on lineage and covenant identity.
- Tribal Identity: The term establishes a specific family's identity within the larger tribe of Benjamin Numbers 26:38. This was crucial for the organization of Israel, particularly regarding military groupings and the future allocation of land.
- Genealogical Record: The use of Balʻîy is part of the meticulous record-keeping that chronicles the families of Israel. This accounting demonstrates an orderly structure within the nation and its various clans.
- Foundation of Lineage: The word is derived from a person, Belaʻ H1106, highlighting the patriarchal system where families and clans were named after their founders. This reinforces the importance of ancestry in defining one's place within the covenant community.
In summary, while H1108 is a rarely used term, its function is precise and important. It serves as a clear example of a patronymic, identifying the descendants of Bela. Its sole use within a national census underscores the value placed on lineage, family structure, and tribal identity in the Old Testament narrative.
TRV