Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Bela in Genesis 36:33?
A: Bela was one of the early kings of Edom mentioned in the Torah. According to Rashi, the list of Edomite kings in Genesis 36 teaches us that even though these kings ruled before there were kings in Israel, their reigns were temporary, showing that Hashem's plan unfolds in His time.
Q: Why does the Torah list the kings of Edom in Genesis 36?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 54a) explains that listing these kings shows the transience of worldly power compared to the eternal nature of Torah. Ramban adds that it establishes the historical context for future interactions between Israel and Edom, as Edom is identified with Rome in later Jewish tradition.
Q: What is the significance of Yovav becoming king after Bela in Genesis 36:33?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 83:2) notes that the frequent succession of Edomite kings demonstrates how worldly kingdoms rise and fall quickly. This contrasts with the enduring nature of the Jewish people's spiritual mission, which isn't dependent on political power.
Q: Why does the verse mention Yovav's father (Zerach) and hometown (Botzra)?
A: Rashi explains that the Torah provides these details to distinguish him from others with similar names. The Sforno adds that mentioning his origin teaches that leadership in Edom wasn't hereditary like it would be in Israel, showing a difference in how nations are governed.
Q: How does Genesis 36:33 relate to us today?
A: The verse reminds us that all earthly power is temporary. As the Rambam writes in Hilchos Melachim, true leadership is about serving Hashem, not personal glory. The rapid succession of Edomite kings contrasts with the eternal values of Torah that guide Jewish life through all generations.
Context in Sefer Bereishit
The verse (Bereishit 36:33) appears in the genealogy of Esav's descendants, listing the kings who ruled in Edom before any king reigned over Bnei Yisrael. The transition from Bela to Yovav reflects the dynastic shifts among the Edomite kings.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi notes that the phrase "Yovav ben Zerach" indicates Yovav's lineage from Zerach, one of the sons of Yehuda (Bereishit 38:30). This suggests that despite being an Edomite king, Yovav had ancestral ties to Bnei Yisrael through Yehuda. Rashi also explains that "Bozrah" refers to a prominent city in Edom (based on Amos 1:12), emphasizing Yovav's regional authority.
Ibn Ezra's Perspective
Ibn Ezra highlights that the Edomite kingship was not hereditary like the Davidic dynasty, but rather "kings were chosen from different cities" (Ibn Ezra on Bereishit 36:31). This explains why Yovav, from Bozrah, succeeded Bela, who was from Dinhabah (Bereishit 36:32).
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 9:10) references Edom's kingship structure to contrast it with the eternal Davidic dynasty, teaching that non-Jewish kingships are transient, while Malchut Beit David is divinely ordained to endure.