And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagarites. — The great extension of the tribe in an easterly direction took place in the reign of Saul, the first king of Israel. Bela and his clan victoriously fought with the Hagarites (Heb., Hagri’im) or Hagarenes (see Psalms 83:7, Hagrim), that is, the sons of Hagar, for possession of the pasture-grounds east of Gilead. This Arab nation is mentioned in the Assyrian inscriptions. (The LXX. has τοὺς παροίκους, i.e., haggârîm, u sojourners,” “nomads.”)
They dwelt in their tents. — This phrase first occurs in Genesis 9:27. The Belaites occupied the territory of the Hagarites.
Throughout all the east land of Gilead. — Rather, on the whole eastern side or border of Gilead. This includes the new settlements of Bela beyond the border.