Bela בֶּ֫לַע
Son of Beor, the first king of Edom.
Who is Bela in the Bible?
Bela, son of Beor, was the first king to reign in Edom, as recorded in Genesis 36:32-33 and 1 Chronicles 1:43-44. He ruled from the city of Dinhabah and established the Edomite monarchy before Israel had crowned any king of its own. His prominence in the genealogy of Esau (also called Edom) marks the beginning of organized political rule among Edom's descendants. Bela's reign is significant because it demonstrates that the nations surrounding Israel developed their own governmental structures and dynasties during Israel's pre-monarchical period.
Biography
Bela, the son of Beor, is mentioned in Gen.36.32-33 and 1Ch.1.43-44 as the first king of Edom. The context of these passages is the genealogy of Esau, also known as Edom, and the list of kings who reigned in Edom before Israel had a king. Bela is described as reigning in Edom, with his city named Dinhabah. The mention of Bela as the first king suggests that he played a significant role in establishing the Edomite monarchy. The fact that he reigned before Israel had a king highlights the political development of Edom as a nation.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 2 verses
- Genesis 36:32
"Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom; the name of his city was Dinhabah."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:33
"When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 1:43
"These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor. His city was named Dinhabah."
- 1 Chronicles 1:44
"When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בֶּ֫לַע |