Who Is Bela In The Bible: Unveiling An Enigmatic Figure

What is the significance of the Hebrew name Bela? Bela, which means “destruction” in Hebrew, holds historical importance as it was the name of a notable figure in biblical history, specifically a king of Edom. In this context, “Bela” serves as a proper masculine noun. Understanding the meaning of this name sheds light on its significance in the cultural and historical context of the Hebrew language and biblical narratives.

In Genesis 14, we encounter a historical account of a conflict involving several ancient kings in the region. At the heart of this narrative, we find Abram (later known as Abraham) engaging in a military campaign. One of the key figures in this story is the king of Bela, whose name is not explicitly mentioned but is also known as Zoar. This king was part of a coalition of rulers that included Bera, the king of Sodom, Birsha, the king of Gomorrah, Shinab, the king of Admah, and Shemeber, the king of Zeboiim. The reference to the king of Bela (Zoar) emphasizes the importance of this city-state in the context of the conflict, shedding light on its role and significance within the broader historical narrative.

Bella is mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 36:32-33. In these verses, it is recorded that Bela, the son of Beor, ruled over the land of Edom, and his capital city was named Dinhabah. Bela eventually passed away, and Jobab, the son of Zerah from Bozrah, succeeded him as the ruler of Edom. This biblical reference provides insights into the historical leadership transition within the region of Edom. The information was last verified on September 15, 2017.