1 Chronicles 5:8

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

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}:

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;

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.

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

1 Chronicles 5:8 continues the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Reuben, providing specific names and geographical markers for their settlement. This verse highlights Bela, a prominent figure in this lineage, and delineates the extent of their dwelling place in the Transjordan region.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles opens with extensive genealogies, tracing the lineage from Adam through the various tribes of Israel. These records were vital for the post-exilic community, helping to re-establish tribal identities, confirm land claims, and organize temple service. Chapter 5 focuses specifically on the tribes east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Verse 8, within this section, details a specific branch of Reuben's descendants and their territorial boundaries, emphasizing the historical and geographical reality of their inheritance as promised by God. The detailed listing of names like Bela, Azaz, Shema, and Joel, along with specific locations, underscores the meticulous record-keeping of ancient Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness in Preservation: The meticulous recording of genealogies, even for seemingly minor figures, demonstrates God's commitment to preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises. It shows that every individual and family played a part in His grand design.
  • Importance of Lineage and Inheritance: For ancient Israel, lineage determined identity, tribal affiliation, and the right to inherit land. This verse, with its names and geographical markers, reaffirms the Reubenites' established dwelling within their allotted territory, a fulfillment of the promises given to their forefathers, particularly regarding the land promised to Abraham.
  • Historical and Geographical Accuracy: The precise naming of individuals and places like Aroer, Nebo, and Baalmeon lends historical credibility to the biblical narrative, anchoring the accounts in real-world geography.

Geographical Significance

The verse specifies key locations of Reubenite settlement: Aroer, Nebo, and Baalmeon. These cities were situated in the fertile plateau region east of the Dead Sea, part of the territory allotted to Reuben in the Transjordan. Aroer was a significant city often mentioned as a boundary marker, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:12. Mount Nebo is famously known as the place from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. Baalmeon (or Beth-meon) was another prominent city in the region. The mention of their habitation extending "unto the entrance of the wilderness from the river Euphrates" is noteworthy. While the Reubenites' primary territory did not directly border the Euphrates, this phrase likely refers to the ultimate ideal boundary of the promised land as described in the covenant with Abraham, signifying the full extent of God's intended dominion for Israel, even if not fully realized by every tribe.

Practical Application

While a genealogical list might seem dry, 1 Chronicles 5:8 reminds us that God is a God of order and detail. Every part of His plan, even the seemingly mundane, has purpose. It encourages us to appreciate the historical roots of our faith and to recognize that we, too, are part of a larger story – the story of God's redemptive work. Just as God meticulously recorded the lineage and land of the Reubenites, He cares for the details of our lives, ensuring that His promises will be fulfilled. Our seemingly insignificant role in God's kingdom is still vital to His overarching plan, much like each name and location in this ancient record contributed to the complete picture of Israel's heritage.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 32:34 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 32:38 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 5:4 (3 votes)

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

  • Joshua 13:17 (2 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 32:49 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 34:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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,