Biblical Reference:
Din'habah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. It is referenced in the genealogical and territorial accounts concerning the descendants of Esau, also known as Edom.

Scriptural Citation:
Genesis 36:32 : "Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom. His city was named Dinhabah."

Historical Context:
Din'habah is identified as the city associated with Bela, the son of Beor, who was the first king to reign over Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and they settled in the region south of the Dead Sea. The mention of Din'habah in Genesis situates it within the broader narrative of the Edomite kings, who ruled before any king reigned over the Israelites.

Geographical Significance:
While the exact location of Din'habah is not definitively known today, it is understood to have been situated within the territory of Edom. The Edomite region was characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location along trade routes, which contributed to its historical significance and interactions with neighboring nations, including Israel.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
The mention of Din'habah in the genealogical records of Genesis underscores the historical reality of Edom as a distinct nation with its own line of kings. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4). The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, were part of this broader narrative of God's covenantal dealings with the patriarchs and their offspring.

Theologically, the account of Edom and its cities like Din'habah serves as a backdrop to the complex relationship between the Israelites and the Edomites throughout biblical history. Despite their shared ancestry, the two nations often found themselves in conflict, which is reflected in various biblical passages. The prophetic literature, such as the Book of Obadiah, addresses the judgment and eventual downfall of Edom, highlighting themes of divine justice and the sovereignty of God over all nations.

Archaeological Considerations:
Archaeological evidence for Din'habah specifically remains elusive, as is the case with many ancient cities mentioned in biblical texts. However, ongoing excavations in the region of ancient Edom continue to shed light on the broader cultural and historical context of the Edomites, providing insights into their way of life, trade practices, and interactions with neighboring peoples.

Conclusion:
Din'habah, as the city of the first Edomite king, Bela, holds a place in the biblical narrative as part of the lineage and history of Esau's descendants. Its mention in Genesis contributes to our understanding of the early political structures in Edom and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

The Nations of the South-East
... At all events, the first Edomite king is said to have been Bela or Balaam the son
of Beor, and the name of the city of Din-habah, from which he came, has a ...
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Din'habah (2 Occurrences)
Din'habah. Dinhabah, Din'habah. Dining . Multi-Version Concordance
Din'habah (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:32 And Bela the son of ...
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Dinhabah (2 Occurrences)

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Dining (3 Occurrences)

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