The Ash'belites are a biblical group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. They are descendants of Ashbel, who was one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The Ash'belites are thus part of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Ashbel and his descendants can be found in the Book of Numbers. In Numbers 26:38, the Berean Standard Bible states: "The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: the Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram." This passage is part of a larger census taken by Moses and Eleazar, the priest, as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. The census lists the clans of each tribe, highlighting the Ash'belites as one of the significant families within the tribe of Benjamin.

Genealogical Significance:

The Ash'belites, as descendants of Ashbel, hold a place in the genealogical records that underscore the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. The tribe of Benjamin, to which the Ash'belites belong, played a crucial role in Israel's history. Benjamin was the only tribe to remain with Judah when the kingdom split after the reign of Solomon, forming the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This connection emphasizes the Ash'belites' contribution to the continuity and preservation of the Israelite identity.

Historical Context:

The tribe of Benjamin, including the Ash'belites, was known for its warriors and played a significant role in various military campaigns throughout Israel's history. The tribe's territory was strategically located between the powerful tribes of Ephraim and Judah, which often placed them at the center of political and military events. The Ash'belites, as part of this tribe, would have shared in these experiences and contributed to the tribe's reputation for bravery and skill in battle.

Cultural and Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Ash'belites in the biblical genealogies reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Each clan and family within the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. The Ash'belites, like other clans, are part of the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan through the nation of Israel.

In summary, the Ash'belites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, represent an integral part of the tribe of Benjamin. Their mention in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the importance of family and tribal identity in the history and theology of ancient Israel.Ash'belites (1 Occurrence)

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;
(See RSV)

Ash'belites (1 Occurrence)
Ash'belites. Ashbelites, Ash'belites. Ashchenaz . Multi-Version Concordance
Ash'belites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:38 The sons of ...
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Ashbelites (1 Occurrence)

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Ashchenaz (2 Occurrences)

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