Bible Figure
Bela ben Beor
king of Edom (Book of Genesis)
Bela son of Beor was an early king of Edom who reigned at Dinhabah before Israel had kings.
Biography
Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1 list Bela son of Beor as the first named king in the sequence of rulers who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. His city was Dinhabah. After Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah succeeded him. Scripture records no military exploits, sayings, or additional biography for Bela.
Biblical Significance
Bela is significant for the early political history of Edom and the biblical notice that Edomite kingship preceded Israel's monarchy. He should not be confused with other biblical men named Bela.