Beor is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is recognized primarily as the father of Bela, who was one of the early kings of Edom. The references to Beor are brief, yet they provide insight into the lineage and historical context of the Edomite kingship.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 36:32 · "Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom. The name of his city was Dinhabah."
This verse introduces Bela as the son of Beor, establishing Beor's role in the genealogy of Edomite rulers. Bela's reign in Edom marks the beginning of a list of kings who ruled before any king reigned over the Israelites, highlighting the established governance in Edom during the patriarchal period.

2. 1 Chronicles 1:43 · "These were the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor, whose city was Dinhabah."
This passage reiterates the information found in Genesis, emphasizing the historical precedence of Edomite kingship. The chronicler's account serves to remind the Israelites of the longstanding political structures in neighboring regions.

Historical and Theological Context:

Beor's mention in the genealogies underscores the interconnectedness of the nations surrounding Israel. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, had their own line of kings, which is documented in the biblical narrative. This connection between Israel and Edom is significant, as it reflects the broader familial ties and tensions that existed between the two nations.

The genealogical records in Genesis and 1 Chronicles serve not only as historical accounts but also as theological affirmations of God's sovereignty over all nations. By listing the kings of Edom, the biblical text acknowledges the existence of other political entities while maintaining the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Cultural and Geographical Significance:

Edom, located to the southeast of Israel, was a region of strategic importance due to its control over trade routes and its mineral resources. The city of Dinhabah, associated with Bela, is one of the few Edomite cities mentioned in the Bible, though its exact location remains uncertain. The mention of Beor and his son Bela in the context of Edomite kingship highlights the region's significance in the ancient Near Eastern world.

Conclusion:

While Beor himself is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of Bela situates him within the broader context of Edomite history and its interactions with Israel. The genealogical records serve as a reminder of the complex relationships between the descendants of Esau and Jacob, reflecting both historical realities and theological themes within the biblical text.Genesis 36:32
And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:43
Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel; Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xxxvi
... Not one of these eight kings succeeded his father. Note what things the following
list reveals: Kings of Edom. 1. Bela"son of Beor"his city Dinhabah. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... the first Edomite king is said to have been Bela or Balaam the son of Beor, and
the ... His father-in-law, "the priest of Midian," had visited him under the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

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