Numbers 26 8

Numbers 26:8 kjv

And the sons of Pallu; Eliab.

Numbers 26:8 nkjv

And the son of Pallu was Eliab.

Numbers 26:8 niv

The son of Pallu was Eliab,

Numbers 26:8 esv

And the sons of Pallu: Eliab.

Numbers 26:8 nlt

Pallu was the ancestor of Eliab,

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 8 Meaning

Numbers 26:8 states a genealogical fact: "The son of Pallu was Eliab." This concise statement functions primarily as a lineage marker within the tribal census of Reuben, providing a direct link to the figures mentioned in the subsequent verse (Numbers 26:9) who were instrumental in the rebellion against God and Moses. Its deeper significance lies in setting the stage for recalling a pivotal act of divine judgment against rebellion in Israel's wilderness journey.

Numbers 26 8 Context

Numbers 26 records the second census of Israel, taken on the plains of Moab just before entry into Canaan. This census contrasts sharply with the first one in Numbers 1, taken at Sinai, by demonstrating a new generation, counting only those 20 years and older who survived the wilderness wandering. Its primary purposes were to account for the fighting men, distribute land proportionally to tribal size, and affirm God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite judgment. Numbers 26:8, in particular, sets the immediate genealogical context for Numbers 26:9-10, which recount the destruction of Dathan and Abiram—Eliab's sons—who were swallowed by the earth for their rebellion against Moses and Aaron, thereby against the LORD. This deliberate inclusion serves as a stark reminder of divine justice and a solemn warning within the detailed census records, underscoring that while certain lines (like Korah's in Num 26:11) continued, others were utterly cut off due to egregious sin.

Numbers 26 8 Word analysis

• The son: Hebrew: בֵּן (ben). This common word simply means "son," "child," or "descendant." Here, it directly indicates a male offspring. Its straightforward use initiates the genealogical identification.
• of Pallu: Hebrew: פַּלּוּא (Palluʾ). Pallu was one of the four sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob (Gen 46:9; Num 26:5). He is the patriarch of the Palluite clan, one of the primary divisions of the tribe of Reuben. His mention grounds the lineage within the larger tribal structure established since Jacob.
• was Eliab: Hebrew: אֱלִיאָב (ʾĔliʾav). The name means "My God is Father" or "God is Father." The ironic nature of this name, given that Eliab's sons, Dathan and Abiram, rebelled against God's appointed authority (Num 16), is significant. While Eliab himself is not implicated in the rebellion, his identity here serves solely to identify his infamous sons. The name itself speaks to God's ultimate fatherhood and sovereignty, against which rebellion is ultimately waged.

• "The son of Pallu was Eliab" (Words-group analysis): This phrase functions as a genealogical pivot. It is succinct and purely descriptive. However, within the biblical narrative's structure, its placement immediately precedes the description of the judgment of Dathan and Abiram (Num 26:9-10), Eliab's sons. This precision in tracking lineage, even for those whose immediate descendants faced divine eradication for their actions, emphasizes God's meticulous knowledge and remembrance. It serves as a narrative bridge connecting the structure of the tribes (through Pallu's clan) to the historical event of profound rebellion and its consequences, recorded for the enduring instruction of Israel. It shows that judgment extends even through a notable lineage, ensuring that such significant events are contextually preserved within Israel's memory and records.

Numbers 26 8 Bonus section

The inclusion of Numbers 26:8-11 demonstrates a deliberate narrative strategy within the Bible: genealogy is not merely for recording lineage but for serving theological and historical didactic purposes. By pausing the census list to specifically highlight Eliab's lineage and the fate of Dathan and Abiram, the text ensures that a critical lesson about the cost of rebellion is permanently woven into Israel's national records. The contrasting survival of Korah's sons (Num 26:11), while his company perished, further distinguishes specific judgment criteria—God's discernment between personal actions and broader familial implications, sometimes sparing and sometimes condemning a line. This shows that divine judgment is precise, discerning, and serves to establish covenant faithfulness. It underscores that every detail in the Scripture, even seemingly mundane names, has a purpose in revealing God's character and instructing His people.

Numbers 26 8 Commentary

Numbers 26:8, though seemingly a mere genealogical entry, carries profound weight within its immediate context and the broader narrative of the Pentateuch. It serves as a precise identifier for Eliab, not because of Eliab's own deeds, but because he was the father of Dathan and Abiram, who orchestrated a major rebellion against Moses, Aaron, and God's divine order (Num 16). The census aims to show who survived the wilderness generation, thereby emphasizing God's faithfulness and justice. The deliberate inclusion of Eliab's lineage just before recounting his sons' fate reminds Israel of the devastating consequences of direct rebellion against divine authority. It distinguishes between clans that persisted and individuals/families that were supernaturally removed, affirming that God remembers both faithfulness and rebellion. The preservation of these details highlights the seriousness of challenging God's chosen leaders and His sovereign plan. It functions as a warning for future generations about the perils of disobedience and the specific, dramatic ways God enforces His righteous decrees, even amidst the recording of lineage and land distribution.