Ashbel

Ashbel is one of the sons of Benjamin and the head of a Benjaminite clan, the Ashbelites. He appears in three genealogical lists: the descent into Egypt, the wilderness census, and the Chronicler's family tree.

Among the Sons of Benjamin

In the list of those who went down to Egypt with Jacob, Ashbel is named third among Benjamin's sons: "And the sons of Benjamin: Bela, and Becher, and Ashbel; and the sons of Bela were: Gera and Naaman, Ehi and Rosh, and Muppim; and Gera begot Ard" (Gen 46:21). The chronicler's parallel makes him second rather than third: "And Benjamin begot Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third," (1Ch 8:1).

The Ashbelite Clan

The wilderness census attaches a clan to his name: "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;" (Nu 26:38). The Ashbelites are counted as one of the recognized Benjaminite divisions through whom the tribe is mustered.