Ezbon: Son of Bela
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Ezbon is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. He is identified as one of the sons of Bela, who was the firstborn son of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The name Ezbon appears in the context of the tribal lineage, which is significant for understanding the distribution and inheritance of the tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

Ezbon is specifically mentioned in the Book of Numbers, which provides a census of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 26:38-39 , the text states: "The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: the Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, the Shuphamite clan from Shupham, and the Huphamite clan from Hupham. The descendants of Bela were Ard and Naaman." While Ezbon is not directly mentioned in this passage, he is listed in earlier genealogical records.

In 1 Chronicles 7:7 , Ezbon is mentioned in the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin: "The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri—five in all. They were heads of their families, and there were 22,034 mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies."

Genealogical Significance:

Ezbon's inclusion in the genealogical records highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in ancient Israel. The tribe of Benjamin held a unique position among the tribes of Israel, being the smallest tribe but also producing significant figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel. The genealogies served not only as a record of ancestry but also as a means of establishing identity and inheritance rights within the nation of Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The genealogies in which Ezbon is mentioned reflect the broader cultural and historical context of the Israelites during their wilderness journey and subsequent settlement in Canaan. These records were crucial for organizing the tribes, distributing land, and maintaining the covenantal promises given to the patriarchs. The tribe of Benjamin, to which Ezbon belonged, was strategically located between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim, playing a pivotal role in the history of Israel.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Ezbon and his brothers underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving the lineage of His chosen people. Each name in the genealogical records represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the coming of the Messiah. The tribe of Benjamin, despite its small size, is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs.

In summary, Ezbon, as a son of Bela and a member of the tribe of Benjamin, is a part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan for His people. His mention in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage, identity, and divine purpose in the biblical narrative.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Chronicles 7:7
And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valor; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter xlvi
... "Ziphion" is listed in Numbers as "Zephon." "Ezbon" becomes "Ozni ... To Bela it gives
six sons: Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim ... But to Gera it ascribes one son: Ard ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Resources
Who was Gad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Ezbon: A Son of Gad: Called Ozni In
Top of Page
Top of Page