Naaman: Son of Bela
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Naaman, a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, is identified as a son of Bela. Bela was the firstborn son of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. This places Naaman within the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant position among the tribes, known for its warriors and its strategic location in the land of Israel.

Biblical References:

Naaman is mentioned in the genealogical listings found in the Book of Genesis and the Book of Numbers. In Genesis 46:21, the Berean Standard Bible records: "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard." This passage lists Naaman among the sons of Benjamin, indicating his place within the family lineage.

Further mention of Naaman is found in Numbers 26:38-40 , which provides a census of the tribes of Israel during their wilderness journey: "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. The descendants of Bela were Ard and Naaman." Here, Naaman is noted as a descendant of Bela, further affirming his role within the tribe of Benjamin.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The tribe of Benjamin, to which Naaman belonged, played a crucial role in the history of Israel. Situated between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim, Benjamin served as a buffer and often found itself at the center of significant biblical events. The tribe was known for its skilled warriors, as evidenced in various battles recorded in the Scriptures.

Naaman's inclusion in the genealogical records highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in ancient Israelite society. These records were meticulously maintained to ensure the inheritance of land and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

Theological Significance:

While Naaman, son of Bela, does not have a detailed narrative associated with his name, his mention in the genealogies underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving the lineage of His people. Each name in these records represents a link in the chain of God's covenant promises, ultimately leading to the coming of the Messiah through the line of Israel.

The genealogies serve as a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history. Naaman's place within this lineage, though brief, contributes to the larger tapestry of God's work among His chosen people.
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Numbers 26:40
And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.
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1 Chronicles 8:4
And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,
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Library

Chapter xlvi
... It gives him three sons: Bela, Becher and Ashbel. To Bela it gives six sons: Gera,
Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim and Huppim. But to Gera it ascribes one son: Ard. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

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