Who was Belaite?

The Belaite was a descendant of Bela, the firstborn son of Benjamin, and refers collectively to the members of his clan or family line. In Hebrew, the name Bela (בֶּלַע, Bela‘) means “devouring” or “destruction.” The term Belaite (בֶּלְעִי, Beli’) refers to the descendants or clan that originated from Bela. They are mentioned in Numbers 26:38-39, during the second census of Israel in the wilderness, taken near the end of the Israelites‘ forty-year journey before entering the Promised Land.

“The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: through Bela, the Belaite clan…” — Numbers 26:38 (NIV)

Biblical References

• Genesis 46:21 – Bela is listed among the sons of Benjamin who went down to Egypt.

• Numbers 26:38-39 – Bela is identified as the patriarch of the Belaite clan.

• 1 Chronicles 7:6-7 – Further genealogical information is given about Bela’s descendants.

The Role of the Belaite Clan in the Bible

The Belaite clan formed part of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the wilderness census recorded in Numbers 26, each tribe was numbered by its clans in preparation for the allocation of the Promised Land. The Belaites are thus identified as a key sub-group within the Benjaminites.

Bela, their ancestor, was significant because his descendants formed the largest clan within the tribe of Benjamin during the wilderness period (cf. Numbers 26:38-41). This detail illustrates the growth and prominence of his lineage among the Benjaminites.

Historical and Tribal Context

Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel and held a unique position in Israelite history. The tribe of Benjamin later became known for both its warriors (Judges 20) and for producing key leaders, such as King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2) and later the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5).

The Belaite clan, being descendants of Benjamin’s firstborn, likely held significant standing in the tribal structure. In the tribal arrangement around the tabernacle and during the march, Benjamin’s position next to the powerful tribe of Judah (cf. Numbers 2:22-24) showed the tribe’s strategic and spiritual importance.

Theological Implications

Though the Belaite clan is only briefly mentioned, their inclusion in the divinely ordered census signifies that every tribe and family has a place in God’s redemptive plan. The Belaite’s presence affirms God’s faithfulness in preserving the descendants of Jacob according to His covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 17:6-8).

Additionally, the existence of such clans reminds readers that biblical history is not merely mythological or symbolic—it is genealogical and historical. The Scriptures take care to record the names, numbers, and lineages of real people because God is concerned with real people and real families.

Literary and Genealogical Significance

In Hebrew narrative and law, genealogies serve to legitimize inheritance, leadership, and priesthood. The genealogy of the Belaites:

• Establishes inheritance rights in the Promised Land.

• Connects to future leadership in Israel (especially through the tribe of Benjamin).

• Demonstrates God’s ordering and preservation of His people through history.

Names and clans like the Belaite, while often overlooked, help structure the biblical narrative and show continuity from patriarchal times through national formation.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 33:12 – The blessing of Moses on the tribe of Benjamin.

• Judges 20:12-14 – The tribe of Benjamin’s warriors in the civil war against Israel.

• 1 Samuel 9:1-2 – Saul, Israel’s first king, a Benjaminite from the line of Matri (possibly linked to Bela).

• Philippians 3:5 – Paul identifies himself as of the tribe of Benjamin.

How the Belaites Point to Jesus and the Gospel

While the Belaites are not directly messianic, their inclusion in Israel’s structure foreshadows the broader spiritual truth that every tribe and nation has a place in the kingdom of God. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, yet in His ministry He reached out to all of Israel and even beyond, gathering a people from every tribe and language (Revelation 7:9).

Moreover, Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, was a Benjaminite (Romans 11:1), possibly of Belaite descent. His transformation and ministry to the world shows how God uses even obscure lineages for His redemptive work in Christ.

Just as the Belaite clan was counted among God’s people, today all who are in Christ are counted as Abraham’s offspring (Galatians 3:29), not by physical descent but through faith.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereign Preservation

Even obscure clans like the Belaites were known and preserved by God. This reveals the personal, covenant-keeping nature of God, who remembers His people.

2. The Importance of Genealogy and Inheritance

Old Testament genealogies underscore the legal and spiritual heritage of God’s people. In Christ, believers become heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:7).

3. Inclusion in God’s Plan

The presence of the Belaites in Scripture reminds us that no person or family is insignificant in the economy of God. Each one matters in the unfolding story of redemption.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think the Bible includes detailed records of clans like the Belaites?

2. How does seeing your own spiritual heritage as part of God’s family affect the way you live your faith today?

3. What can we learn from the inclusion of lesser-known clans about God’s character and His concern for all people?

4. How does the legacy of people like the Belaites challenge modern believers to take their spiritual inheritance seriously?

5. In what ways can you trace God‘s faithfulness through your own family or spiritual lineage?

The story of the Belaite clan, though brief in Scripture, is part of the rich tapestry of God’s redemptive plan—showing that He is a God who remembers names, counts people, and fulfills promises, ultimately in Christ.