King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 5:8 Mean?

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

Context

Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites. Tilgathpilneser: or, Tig-lath-pilne-ser, 2.kin.15.29.and 16.7.

And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

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

And eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates: because their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead.

And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagarites, who fell by their hand: and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east land of Gilead. throughout: Heb. upon all the face of the east

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Bela.**—His descent is traced, like that of Beerah. but through fewer names. This does not necessarily imply that Bela and Beerah were not contemporaries. Intermediate names are often omitted in genealogies. (See Joshua 7:18 : “Achan son of Carmi son of Zabdi son of Zerah,” and 1Chronicles 5:24, “Achan son of Zerah,” and the different lengths of the pedigrees of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan in 1Chronicles 6:33-47.) It is not likely that the Joel of 1Chronicles 5:8 is the same as the Joel of 1Chronicles 5:4, in spite of the further coincidence of Shema-Shemiah. **Who dwelt.**—*He was dwelling,* that is, *he and his clan.* **Aroer.**—Now *Arā’ir,* on the north bank of the Arnon (Joshua 12:2). **Nebo,** a place on the famous mount Nebo, in the region east of the Dead Sea (now *Jebel Neba,* Deuteronomy 34:1), over against Jericho (Numbers 32:38). **Baal-meon.**—Or, *Beth-bqal-meon,* now *Ma’in,* about two miles south-east of Heshbon. Aroer gives the southern Nebo, and Baalmeon the northern, limits of the tribe. All three places are mentioned on the Stone of Mesha, kings of Moab (2Kings 3:4-27).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 5:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.