Bela

Biblical Record

Bela is the first person named in the list of Edomite kings in Genesis 36. The list names in succession "the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel," and at its head it states, "And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah" (Genesis 36:32). When Bela died, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead (Genesis 36:33). 1 Chronicles 1:43-44 repeats the same account almost verbatim.

The Bible records only Bela's name, his father, his city, and his successor. Neither his deeds nor the length of his reign is recorded.

Significance Within the Bible

The list that includes Bela is part of a genealogy summarizing the history of Edom, the people descended from Esau. In this list the kings are generally associated with different cities, and there is no statement that a son succeeded his father. For this reason, some interpreters hold that the Edomite kingship was probably not passed down from father to son. Bela is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretation and Issues

• The phrase "before there reigned any king over the children of Israel": This verse is frequently discussed in connection with the date of composition of the Pentateuch. Those who hold the traditional view that Moses wrote the Pentateuch explain the verse as a prophetic reference or as a later editorial addition. Critical scholars regard it as evidence that the text was written after the Israelite monarchy had begun.
• Relationship to Balaam: Both Bela and Balaam are introduced as "the son of Beor" (Numbers 22:5). For this reason, some ancient Jewish traditions reportedly identified the two as the same person. The biblical text, however, does not connect them, and their names and places of origin differ.
• Others bearing the same name: The name Bela is used of several others in the Bible: the former name of Zoar, a city near Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 14:2); a son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:38); and a son of Azaz, a descendant of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:8). All are distinct from the person treated in this article.

In the Korean Church

Because Bela appears only as a name in the Edomite genealogy, he is rarely treated as a subject in his own right in sermons or Sunday school. Most readers encounter him in passing when they reach Genesis 36 or 1 Chronicles 1 during Bible read-through programs.