Bela was a descendant of Joel who inhabited the eastern region of the Jordan, showing the continuity of the Reubenish line across significant biblical geography.
“and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal-meon” (1 Chronicles 5:8). This verse identifies a specific branch of the tribe of Reuben. Bela, the principal figure here, is noted as a descendant of Azaz, Shema, and Joel. Historically, Bela is part of the Reubenite lineage, which traces back to Reuben, the eldest son of the patriarch Jacob (Genesis 29:32). Although detailed records about Bela are sparse, this genealogical note underscores the continuity and heritage of Israel’s tribes, a sequence that contributes to Israel’s communal identity and historical timeline. By attributing Bela’s lineage to Joel, the chronicler highlights the unbroken generational link from the earliest tribal founders through to the kingdom period (roughly spanning 10th to 6th century BC).
In describing Bela’s dwelling place, the text mentions Aroer, Nebo, and Baal-meon. These locations lie east of the Jordan River in the territory traditionally settled by the tribe of Reuben. Aroer was located on the northern edge of the Arnon River in modern-day Jordan, serving as a strategic site in the region (Deuteronomy 2:36). Nebo, not to be confused with Mount Nebo, was similarly situated in that eastern area. Baal-meon (also spelled as Beth-baal-meon) was another settlement in this region, often associated with grazing lands. Together, these references depict a wide stretch of territory that Bela’s family inhabited, demonstrating the Reubenites’ established influence east of the Jordan. The chronicler’s emphasis on these places reminds readers that God’s promise of land to the tribes extended beyond the western side of the Jordan.
This genealogical note can also be linked to the ongoing biblical theme that God preserves the identity of His people and demonstrates fidelity to His covenant. When the New Testament discusses spiritual lineage—such as Paul’s reflections on believers being heirs of Abraham through faith (Galatians 3:29)—it echoes the idea of an enduring legacy through lineage, yet expanded to a spiritual family in Christ. Though Bela’s name does not appear in later redemptive contexts, his inclusion in the chronicled line shows how each family and location plays its part in unfolding the larger story of Israel.
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1 Chronicles 5:8 meaning
“and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal-meon” (1 Chronicles 5:8). This verse identifies a specific branch of the tribe of Reuben. Bela, the principal figure here, is noted as a descendant of Azaz, Shema, and Joel. Historically, Bela is part of the Reubenite lineage, which traces back to Reuben, the eldest son of the patriarch Jacob (Genesis 29:32). Although detailed records about Bela are sparse, this genealogical note underscores the continuity and heritage of Israel’s tribes, a sequence that contributes to Israel’s communal identity and historical timeline. By attributing Bela’s lineage to Joel, the chronicler highlights the unbroken generational link from the earliest tribal founders through to the kingdom period (roughly spanning 10th to 6th century BC).
In describing Bela’s dwelling place, the text mentions Aroer, Nebo, and Baal-meon. These locations lie east of the Jordan River in the territory traditionally settled by the tribe of Reuben. Aroer was located on the northern edge of the Arnon River in modern-day Jordan, serving as a strategic site in the region (Deuteronomy 2:36). Nebo, not to be confused with Mount Nebo, was similarly situated in that eastern area. Baal-meon (also spelled as Beth-baal-meon) was another settlement in this region, often associated with grazing lands. Together, these references depict a wide stretch of territory that Bela’s family inhabited, demonstrating the Reubenites’ established influence east of the Jordan. The chronicler’s emphasis on these places reminds readers that God’s promise of land to the tribes extended beyond the western side of the Jordan.
This genealogical note can also be linked to the ongoing biblical theme that God preserves the identity of His people and demonstrates fidelity to His covenant. When the New Testament discusses spiritual lineage—such as Paul’s reflections on believers being heirs of Abraham through faith (Galatians 3:29)—it echoes the idea of an enduring legacy through lineage, yet expanded to a spiritual family in Christ. Though Bela’s name does not appear in later redemptive contexts, his inclusion in the chronicled line shows how each family and location plays its part in unfolding the larger story of Israel.