Who was Bela in the Bible?

Bela was a descendant of the tribe of Reuben, specifically identified as the son of Azaz. He is listed in the genealogical records of the Israelites found in 1 Chronicles.

Why is Bela mentioned in the Bible?

Bela is mentioned to establish the lineage and continuity of the tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His inclusion in the genealogy (1 Chronicles 5:8) helps trace the family history and tribal heritage.

What is the significance of Bela's genealogy?

As a son of Azaz and a leader in his tribe, Bela's lineage shows the organization and leadership within the Reubenites. This underscores the Bible's emphasis on family records and tribal identity in Israel's history (1 Chronicles 5:6-8).

Bela

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Bela, a descendant of Reuben, was the son of Azaz

Bela

Biography

This Bela was a descendant of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son, and appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 5:8 as the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. He is identified as a Reubenite who settled in the region of Aroer, extending as far as Nebo and Baal-meon, territories on the eastern side of the Jordan River that had historically been part of the Reubenite inheritance (Numbers 32:37-38). The Reubenite settlements in Transjordan were among the most exposed to the pressures of surrounding nations, and 1 Chronicles 5:10 notes that during the days of Saul, Reubenites waged war against the Hagrites and dwelt in their tents throughout the region. Bela's life fell within the era of the Divided Monarchy.

Significance

Bela son of Azaz illustrates the often-overlooked Transjordanian dimension of Israel's tribal inheritance. The Reubenites, though sometimes overshadowed in biblical narrative by tribes like Judah and Ephraim, held territories east of the Jordan that God had explicitly granted them. Bela's settlement at Aroer and Nebo reflects the ongoing inhabitation and defense of covenant land. His genealogical placement in 1 Chronicles also underscores the Chronicler's theological aim: to show that God's covenant encompassed all twelve tribes, including Reuben, whose first-father had forfeited the birthright blessing (Genesis 49:3-4), yet whose descendants continued to hold a place in the covenant community and its sacred geography.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherBenjaminChildNaamanChildArdChildUzzielChildUzzi

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 5:8

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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