Numbers 26 9

Numbers 26:9 kjv

And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:

Numbers 26:9 nkjv

The sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are the Dathan and Abiram, representatives of the congregation, who contended against Moses and Aaron in the company of Korah, when they contended against the LORD;

Numbers 26:9 niv

and the sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan and Abiram. The same Dathan and Abiram were the community officials who rebelled against Moses and Aaron and were among Korah's followers when they rebelled against the LORD.

Numbers 26:9 esv

The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are the Dathan and Abiram, chosen from the congregation, who contended against Moses and Aaron in the company of Korah, when they contended against the LORD

Numbers 26:9 nlt

and Eliab was the father of Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. This Dathan and Abiram are the same community leaders who conspired with Korah against Moses and Aaron, rebelling against the LORD.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 9 Meaning

Numbers 26:9 records a vital genealogical detail within the second census of Israel, specifically noting Dathan and Abiram, two Reubenites who led a significant rebellion alongside Korah. This verse underscores their unique prominence within the "congregation" (referring to the dissenting faction) and their direct defiance, first "against Moses and Aaron," and crucially, as an ultimate affront, "against the Lord Himself." It serves as a somber reminder of a grave past sin that brought severe divine judgment upon the perpetrators and their families, thereby solidifying their infamous legacy within Israel's historical record and cautioning future generations.

Numbers 26 9 Context

Numbers chapter 26 records the second census of the Israelites in the plains of Moab, taken nearly forty years after the first census at Sinai (Num 1). The primary purpose of this census was to enumerate the new generation of fighting men (aged 20 and above) who would enter the Promised Land and to distribute the land by lot according to their numbers. It notably excludes anyone over 20 from the first census, except for Caleb and Joshua, signifying God's judgment on the rebellious generation who died in the wilderness (Num 14).

Verse 9, therefore, functions as a crucial parenthetical insertion within this genealogical and demographic accounting. As the families of Reuben are listed, the scribe deliberately pauses to single out Dathan and Abiram, providing a brief but poignant historical reference to their catastrophic rebellion. This acts as a severe reminder and a cautionary tale embedded directly within the record of Israel's survival and renewal. It highlights the lasting consequence of defying divine authority, ensuring that the infamy of these individuals is preserved even as their descendants are now counted among the heirs of the Land. Historically, this account serves as a strong warning against challenging God-appointed leadership, a polemic against internal strife and pride that could jeopardize the entire community's future.

Numbers 26 9 Word analysis

• and the sons of Eliab were Nemuel and Dathan and Abiram.

  • Eliab: (אֱלִיאָב - ʾĚlīʾāḇ - "My God is Father" or "God is my Father"). Eliab was a prominent Reubenite, his name ironically meaning "My God is Father." While the name suggests divine connection, his sons acted contrary to divine order.
  • Nemuel: (נְמוּאֵל - Nəmūʾēl - "God is light" or "Day of God"). He is mentioned first, then later his family (Nemuelites) is listed among the Reubenite clans, showing continuity and a distinct fate from his rebellious brothers.
  • Dathan: (דָּתָן - Dātān - "Fountain" or "Law/Custom").
  • Abiram: (אֲבִירָם - ʾǍḯrām - "My Father is Exalted" or "My Father is High"). Their names contrast sharply with their actions. "My Father is High" is particularly ironic given that his actions brought him low into the earth.

• These are Dathan and Abiram,

  • These are: A direct identification, emphasizing their distinctiveness due to their notorious actions.

• who were called by the congregation,

  • called: (קָרוּא - qārûʾ - "called, summoned, appointed"). This could imply they were figures of note, perhaps even leaders, among the "congregation" of rebels, gaining a following or being put forth by the discontented faction. It marks their active role as instigators.
  • congregation: (עֵדָה - ʿēḏāh - "assembly, congregation, multitude"). Here, it doesn't refer to the righteous congregation of Israel, but specifically the rebellious faction or those who were gathered to support the uprising. It signifies that they were not merely followers but ringleaders among the disaffected. They actively drew people to their cause, thus demonstrating significant influence, albeit destructive. This assembly stood in opposition to God’s true congregation.

• who contended against Moses and Aaron

  • contended: (בְּהִקָּהֲלָם - bəhiqqāhālām - literally "in their assembling themselves," from קָהַל - qāhal - "to assemble, gather together"). The English translation "contended" captures the essence of their gathering, which was not for worship or counsel, but for divisive opposition. Their "gathering" was an act of hostility and rebellion, a direct challenge to established authority.
  • Moses and Aaron: The divinely appointed leaders of Israel, symbolizing both the political and religious authority. Rebellion against them was inherently rebellion against God who appointed them.

• in the company of Korah,

  • company of Korah: (בַּעֲדַת קֹרַח - baʿaḏaṯ qōraḥ - "in the company/assembly of Korah"). While Dathan and Abiram were Reubenites (from a secular tribe) and Korah was a Levite (from the priestly/sacred tribe), their distinct grievances (challenging civil vs. priestly leadership) coalesced into one formidable opposition. This phrase explicitly links them to the larger, well-known rebellion, reinforcing its gravity and broad opposition to God's ordained order. Though distinct in origin and specific grievances (Dathan and Abiram primarily challenged Moses' secular authority and right to lead them into Canaan; Korah challenged Aaron's priestly exclusive rights), they formed a unified rebellious front.

• when they contended against the Lord.

  • when they contended against the Lord: This final clause reveals the profound spiritual interpretation of their rebellion. Their defiance of Moses and Aaron was not merely an interpersonal conflict or a challenge to human authority. It was a direct act of contention (using the same implied meaning as "contended" above) against God Himself, who had instituted that authority. This elevates the nature of their sin from insubordination to sacrilege, justifying the severe divine judgment that followed. It underscores the principle that rejecting God's chosen servants is equivalent to rejecting God.

Numbers 26 9 Bonus section

The fact that On, son of Peleth (Num 16:1), also a Reubenite initially listed alongside Dathan and Abiram as part of the rebellion, is notably absent from Numbers 26:9, is highly significant. This omission suggests that On likely withdrew from the rebellion before the divine judgment was enacted, thereby escaping the tragic fate of Dathan and Abiram and their families. His disappearance from the narrative provides a subtle but important lesson: there is always an opportunity to repent and separate oneself from sin and impending judgment, even when initially entangled. This offers a sliver of hope contrasting with the stubborn resolve of Dathan and Abiram. Furthermore, the descendants of Korah (Korahites) do survive, and later even become prominent in temple service (e.g., in the Psalms). This emphasizes that while God’s judgment is absolute, His grace can also allow for redemption or a new beginning for families touched by the sin of their ancestors, depending on the lineage's subsequent obedience and dedication.

Numbers 26 9 Commentary

Numbers 26:9, though a brief interjection in a genealogical list, carries immense theological and historical weight. It immortalizes Dathan and Abiram not as mere footnotes, but as prime examples of rebellion against God’s established order, their sin echoing down generations. The precise wording ("called by the congregation," "contended against Moses and Aaron," and "contended against the Lord") clarifies their active leadership, the direct target of their defiance, and the ultimate recipient of their opposition. Their inclusion here serves as a potent reminder that divine judgment on rebellion is real, permanent, and often hereditary in its immediate effects, despite the new generation's hope and promise. This historical truth provided a necessary cautionary tale for the Israelites poised to enter Canaan, emphasizing the critical importance of respect for authority and submission to God's sovereign will as prerequisites for national stability and spiritual blessings. Their infamous example warned against pride, envy, and the temptation to usurp roles not divinely granted. The selective mention of their names within a list otherwise focused on continuity highlights the gravity of actions that provoke God's direct wrath. For Christians today, this verse remains a stark warning against challenging spiritual authority and sowing discord within the community of faith, for such actions are seen by God as rebellion against Him.