Ashbel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. His name appears in genealogical records, highlighting his role in the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 46:21 : "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard." This verse lists Ashbel as one of the ten sons of Benjamin who went down to Egypt with Jacob and his family during the time of famine. The inclusion of Ashbel in this list underscores his importance as a progenitor within the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Numbers 26:38-39 : "The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: the Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, the Shuphamite clan from Shupham, and the Huphamite clan from Hupham." In this passage, Ashbel is recognized as the founder of the Ashbelite clan, one of the families that made up the tribe of Benjamin. This clan played a role in the census taken during the Israelites' wilderness journey, reflecting the organizational structure of the Israelite community.

3. 1 Chronicles 7:6-7 : "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael—three in all. The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri—five in all. They were the heads of their families. There were 22,034 mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies." Although Ashbel is not directly mentioned in this passage, the genealogical records of Benjamin's descendants, including the Ashbelites, emphasize the military strength and leadership within the tribe.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Ashbel's mention in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant position among the tribes of Israel, with notable figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel, emerging from its ranks. The Ashbelites, as descendants of Ashbel, contributed to the tribe's legacy and its role in the history of Israel.

Theologically, the genealogies in which Ashbel appears serve to demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs, particularly the promise of numerous descendants and a lasting heritage. The detailed records of family lines underscore the continuity of God's covenant with His people, as each generation plays a part in the unfolding of His divine plan.

In summary, Ashbel, as a son of Benjamin, represents a link in the chain of Israel's history, contributing to the identity and strength of the tribe of Benjamin. His inclusion in the biblical genealogies reflects the broader narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His chosen people.Genesis 46:21
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 26:38
The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 8:1
Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,
Nave's Topical Index

788. Ashbel -- the second son of Benjamin
... 787, 788. Ashbel. 789 . the second son of Benjamin. Transliteration: Ashbel
Phonetic Spelling: (ash-bale') Short Definition: Ashbel. ...
/hebrew/788.htm - 6k

Chapter xlvi
... correct. It regroups Benjamin's descendants. It gives him three sons: Bela, Becher
and Ashbel. ... Huppim. But to Gera it ascribes one son: Ard. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... Benjamin Douglas now stands, bearing with them the declaration of the clergy then ...
His son Ashbel contracted a lameness in boyhood by going into the water and ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm

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