The Belaites were a clan within the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Belaites" is derived from Bela, the firstborn son of Benjamin. The genealogical records in the Bible provide insight into the lineage and significance of the Belaites within the broader context of Israelite history.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 46:21 · "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard." This verse lists Bela as the firstborn son of Benjamin, establishing the patriarchal origin of the Belaites.

2. Numbers 26:38-40 · "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." This passage provides a census of the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the Belaites as a distinct clan within the tribe.

3. 1 Chronicles 7:6-7 · "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael—three in all. The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five in all. They were heads of their families. There were 22,034 mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies." This genealogical record emphasizes the prominence and military strength of the Belaites, noting their role as leaders and warriors.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Belaites, as descendants of Bela, played a significant role in the early history of Israel. As part of the tribe of Benjamin, they were situated in a strategically important region, often involved in the defense and political affairs of the nation. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors, and the Belaites contributed to this reputation.

The genealogical records in the books of Genesis, Numbers, and 1 Chronicles underscore the importance of lineage and family heritage in ancient Israelite society. The Belaites, like other clans, were integral to the tribal structure, which was foundational to the social, political, and religious life of the Israelites.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Belaites, as part of the tribe of Benjamin, are a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. The preservation and prosperity of the Belaites reflect the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel, where each tribe and clan played a role in the unfolding of divine history.

The Belaites, through their lineage and contributions, exemplify the themes of identity, heritage, and divine providence that are central to the biblical narrative. Their account is interwoven with the larger account of Israel, highlighting the interconnectedness of God's people and His sovereign plan for their lives.The Belaites

(Numbers 26:38) [BELA, 3]

1108. Bali -- descendant of Bela
... Bali. 1109 . descendant of Bela. Transliteration: Bali Phonetic Spelling:
(bel-ee') Short Definition: Belaites. ... of Bela NASB Word Usage Belaites (1). Belaites. ...
/hebrew/1108.htm - 6kThe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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