1 Chronicles 5 8

1 Chronicles 5:8 kjv

And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:

1 Chronicles 5:8 nkjv

and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal Meon.

1 Chronicles 5:8 niv

and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in the area from Aroer to Nebo and Baal Meon.

1 Chronicles 5:8 esv

and Bela the son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal-meon.

1 Chronicles 5:8 nlt

and Bela son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel. The Reubenites lived in the area that stretches from Aroer to Nebo and Baal-meon.

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 8 Meaning

This verse traces a specific lineage within the tribe of Reuben, identifying Bela, Azaz, Shema, and Joel as ancestors. Crucially, it defines the geographical extent of their dwelling places within the Transjordanian territory allotted to Reuben, specifically from Aroer south to Nebo and Baal Meon, signifying the established and known boundaries of their habitation. This genealogical detail underscores the chronicler's interest in maintaining tribal identity, land ownership, and continuity, even after the Babylonian exile, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant regarding the land.

1 Chronicles 5 8 Context

1 Chronicles 5:8 is part of an extended genealogical record found in chapters 1-9 of the book. Specifically, it falls within the detailed lineage of the tribe of Reuben (1 Chr 5:1-10), the firstborn of Jacob. The Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, emphasizes these genealogies to reconstruct and reinforce the identity of the repatriated community, demonstrating continuity with the ancient covenant people of Israel. For Reuben, although they lost the birthright (1 Chr 5:1-2), their lineage and territorial claims were still vital.

The verse anchors a segment of Reuben's descendants in specific geographical locations east of the Jordan River. This region, distinct from Cisjordan, was the first part of the Promised Land settled by Israel. By detailing the dwelling places—Aroer, Nebo, and Baal Meon—the Chronicler firmly establishes Reuben's historical claim to these lands. This is particularly significant given that the Transjordanian tribes were among the first to be carried into Assyrian captivity (1 Chr 5:26), highlighting YHWH's sovereign faithfulness in having given them the land, even amidst their subsequent failures and loss of territory. The mention of cities like Baal Meon, with its inherent Baal connection, may subtly reaffirm Israel's claim over territories originally influenced by pagan deities, asserting YHWH's supremacy.

1 Chronicles 5 8 Word analysis

• Bela (בֶּלַע, Belaʻ): A proper name, likely meaning "swallowing" or "devouring." This is not Bela, son of Benjamin, but a distinct individual within the tribe of Reuben, emphasizing the recurring nature of certain names across different tribal lineages. Its placement first establishes a specific individual from whom the lineage continues.
• son of (בֶּן, ben): A standard Hebrew construct linking a descendant to an ancestor. It denotes direct paternal lineage, forming the backbone of these genealogies.
• Azaz (עָזָז, ʻAzaz): A proper name, meaning "strong" or "robust." This individual is listed as Bela's father.
• the son of Shema (בֶּן שֶׁמַע, ben Shemaʻ): "Shema" means "heard" or "report." This continuation of the "son of" phrase establishes a three-generation direct male lineage, vital for accurate record-keeping.
• the son of Joel (בֶּן יוֹאֵל, ben Yoʼel): "Joel" means "Yahweh is God." This is a significant name, embodying a theological statement. Joel serves as the head of this particular household or sub-clan within Reuben.
• who lived (יָּשְׁבוּ, yashvu): From the verb "yashav," meaning "to sit, dwell, inhabit." This indicates established, long-term settlement and possession of the land, not temporary encampment. It emphasizes their legal and historical claim to the territory.
• in Aroer (בַּעֲרֹעֵר, baʻĂrôʻêr): "Aroer" is a city on the northern bank of the Arnon River, in the territory of Reuben (Deut 2:36; Josh 13:16). Its mention marks the geographical anchor for this specific clan's habitation. Multiple sites were named Aroer; this one specifies the border region of Reuben.
• as far as (עַד, ʻad): A preposition indicating a boundary or limit of extent, implying continuous settlement across this described region. It defines the range of their habitat.
• Nebo (נְבוֹ, Nebo): Likely referring to a city of that name rather than the mountain, also in Reuben's territory (Num 32:3; Jer 48:1). It signifies a location deeper within their traditional lands, south of Aroer and Heshbon. It was later frequently associated with Moab.
• and Baal Meon (וּבַעַל מְעוֹן, ûBaʻal Meʻôn): "Baal Meon" means "lord of habitation" or "Baal of the dwelling." This city (also called Beth-Meon or Beon) was initially a Moabite city that the Reubenites rebuilt and claimed (Num 32:38; Josh 13:17). Its inclusion firmly outlines the southernmost extent of this specific Reubenite clan's territory, demonstrating their influence and presence even in areas potentially associated with pagan deities. The Chronicler records the land as part of Israel's inheritance under YHWH.

1 Chronicles 5 8 Bonus section

• The chronicler's meticulous listing of specific cities (Aroer, Nebo, Baal Meon) emphasizes actual land ownership and use, contrasting with a simple tribal allocation. It asserts a historical claim over these regions.
• The fact that Reuben, though Jacob's firstborn, had lost his preeminence (Gen 49:3-4; 1 Chr 5:1-2), makes the Chronicler's decision to meticulously list their genealogies and territorial holdings all the more significant. It signifies that even a flawed and punished tribe retains its place in God's covenant people and in His historical record.
• The naming of "Baal Meon," a city containing "Baal" (a Canaanite deity's name), yet claimed as Israelite territory, reflects the Israelites' assimilation of existing geographical names. It implicitly underlines God's power over former pagan strongholds.
• This verse provides an ancient record of the extent of a particular family's dwelling place, demonstrating the biblical importance of specific geographical and family-based claims.

1 Chronicles 5 8 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:8 is a succinct genealogical entry that serves multiple purposes within the broader narrative of the book of Chronicles. It grounds a specific lineage of Reuben—descending from Joel through Shema and Azaz to Bela—by delineating their actual dwelling places. The mention of Aroer, Nebo, and Baal Meon geographically anchors this particular family in the southern reaches of Reuben's territory east of the Jordan River. This detailed identification of location reinforces the tribe's historical reality and the fulfillment of God's covenantal promise to provide land. For the post-exilic audience, this specificity would have been critical, affirming the historical continuity of Israel's tribes and their claims to the land despite their scattering. It quietly affirms divine sovereignty over the land and lineage, even as it records human history.