Topical Encyclopedia Bela, the son of Beor, is noted in the Bible as one of the early kings of Edom, a region and people descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. His reign is mentioned in the genealogical and historical records of the Edomite kings, which provide insight into the political landscape of the region before the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.Biblical References: Bela is first introduced in Genesis 36:31-32, which states: "These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom; the name of his city was Dinhabah." . This passage highlights the existence of a structured monarchy in Edom prior to the Israelite monarchy, indicating a well-established political system. The account of Bela is reiterated in 1 Chronicles 1:43, which mirrors the Genesis account: "These were the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor; the name of his city was Dinhabah." . This repetition underscores the significance of Edom's early kingship in the biblical narrative. Historical and Cultural Context: Edom, located to the southeast of Israel, was a significant neighbor and often a rival to the Israelites. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, and their history is intertwined with that of Israel. The mention of Bela as a king suggests a period of organized governance and possibly prosperity in Edom. The city of Dinhabah, associated with Bela, is not extensively detailed in the biblical text, but its mention indicates it was a notable location during his reign. The Edomite kingship, as described in the Bible, predates the Israelite monarchy, which began with Saul. This detail is significant as it provides a chronological framework for understanding the development of regional powers in the ancient Near East. The Edomite kings, including Bela, are part of a list that serves to establish the historical and genealogical context of the nations surrounding Israel. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the account of Bela and the Edomite kingship reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations. While Edom often stood in opposition to Israel, the inclusion of its kings in the biblical record acknowledges their role in the unfolding of God's plan for His chosen people. The narrative of Edom and its kings, including Bela, serves as a backdrop to the account of Israel and highlights the complex relationships between the nations in biblical history. Bela's reign, though briefly mentioned, is part of the larger tapestry of the biblical narrative that illustrates the rise and fall of nations and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 36:32,33And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 1:43,44 Library The Nations of the South-East Chapter xxxvi Chapter xiv Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Resources Who was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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