What is the meaning of Genesis 46:21? Bela “The sons of Benjamin: Bela…” (Genesis 46:21) • Firstborn and head of the Belaites (Numbers 26:38). • His line becomes numerically dominant among the Benjamites (1 Chronicles 8:1–4). • From Bela’s grandson Gera comes Judge Ehud, God’s left-handed deliverer (Judges 3:15). • The name Bela is early proof that God was already multiplying Benjamin’s house, fulfilling the promise of a nation (Genesis 35:11). Becher “…Becher…” • Listed again in 1 Chronicles 7:6, confirming historic reliability. • Though not prominent later, his presence shows every family counted by God; even quieter branches matter in the covenant story. • The Becherites help swell the total that later forms the fighting force of Saul’s tribe (1 Samuel 9:21). Ashbel “…Ashbel…” • Father of the Ashbelites (Numbers 26:38). • His clan settles in and around Jerusalem after the exile (1 Chronicles 8:1, 38). • Ashbel’s name reappears whenever census lists trace Israel’s roots back to Egypt, underscoring continuity from patriarchs to restored nation. Gera “…Gera…” • Ancestor of Shimei, the Benjamite who confronts King David (2 Samuel 16:5). • Through Judge Ehud, Gera’s line twice shows up as instruments of both discipline and deliverance—illustrating how God uses one family in contrasting ways. Naaman “…Naaman…” • Mentioned again as a son of Bela in Numbers 26:40; the shift from son of Benjamin to grandson reflects how biblical genealogies sometimes telescope generations without contradiction. • His descendants, the Naamites, form part of the tribal militia recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:7. Ehi “…Ehi…” • Also called Ahiram (Numbers 26:38). • His name sits quietly in the record, yet every census reaffirms that God remembers individuals who might otherwise be overlooked (Psalm 139:16). Rosh “…Rosh…” • Only Genesis 46:21 names him, showing that some branches merged or faded before later censuses. • Even so, the Spirit preserved his name once, reminding readers that no part of the family story is lost to God (Isaiah 49:15-16). Muppim “…Muppim…” • Appears as Shupham/Shuppim in Numbers 26:39 and 1 Chronicles 7:12. • His clan later provides gatekeepers in temple service, an example of how God repurposes warrior clans into worship roles (1 Chronicles 9:13-17). Huppim “…Huppim…” • Rendered Hupham/Huppim elsewhere (Numbers 26:39). • Partnered with Muppim, his name signals that Benjamin’s tribe supplied multiple paired families, a structure seen again in Nehemiah’s rebuilding teams (Nehemiah 11:7-8). Ard “…and Ard.” • Counted as Bela’s son in Numbers 26:40, again showing generational overlap rather than discrepancy. • From Ard’s branch comes the town of Arad-Benjamin, settled after the exile (Nehemiah 11:34). summary Genesis 46:21 is more than a list. It is a snapshot of God faithfully multiplying Benjamin’s house as He brings Jacob’s family into Egypt. Each name either launches a lasting clan, plays a key role in Israel’s history, or quietly assures that no person God records is ever forgotten. Together they underscore the literal accuracy of Scripture, trace the roots of later leaders and warriors, and remind believers that every branch in God’s family tree has purpose in His unfolding plan. |
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