Bela the son of Beor is similar to “Balaam son of Beor” in Num 22.5, but no established connection exists.

Reigned in Edom: reigned renders the Hebrew verb form related to the noun meaning “king” and refers to the rule of a king. It is assumed the king reigned until he died.

The name of his city: this probably refers to his hometown, the city he lived in. The king would have the political support of the people of his hometown, the city he grew up in.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .