Numbers 26:9

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:

And the sons {H1121} of Eliab {H446}; Nemuel {H5241}, and Dathan {H1885}, and Abiram {H48}. This is that Dathan {H1885} and Abiram {H48}, which were famous {H7148}{H7121} in the congregation {H5712}, who strove {H5327} against Moses {H4872} and against Aaron {H175} in the company {H5712} of Korah {H7141}, when they strove {H5327} against the LORD {H3068}:

and the sons of Eli'av: N'mu'el, Datan and Aviram. These are the same Datan and Aviram, men of reputation in the community, who rebelled against Moshe and Aharon in Korach's group, when they rebelled against ADONAI;

and the sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. It was Dathan and Abiram, chosen by the congregation, who fought against Moses and Aaron with the followers of Korah who rebelled against the LORD.

And the sons of Eliab: Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram, who were called of the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against Jehovah,

Commentary

Understanding Numbers 26:9 KJV

Numbers 26:9 serves as a concise, yet powerful, parenthetical reminder within the second census of Israel concerning the infamous rebellion led by Dathan and Abiram, alongside Korah. This verse underscores the severity of their actions, identifying them as individuals "famous in the congregation" not for positive deeds, but for their direct opposition to God's appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron, which the text explicitly equates to striving "against the LORD."

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in the midst of the second census of the Israelites, taken approximately 38 years after the first census at Mount Sinai (Numbers 1:1). The primary purpose of this census, conducted in the plains of Moab, was to count the new generation who would enter the Promised Land, as the previous generation had largely perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience and unbelief. The mention of Dathan and Abiram here is crucial: it reminds the new generation of the severe consequences of rebellion, specifically referencing the earth swallowing them up as a divine judgment. This historical note serves as a stark warning and a validation of Moses and Aaron's authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rebellion Against Divine Authority: The core message is the danger and sinfulness of rebelling against leadership established by God. Dathan and Abiram's defiance of Moses and Aaron was not merely a challenge to human leaders but a direct affront to God Himself, as stated by the phrase "strove against the LORD." This highlights the sacred nature of divinely appointed roles.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse implicitly points to the catastrophic end of Dathan and Abiram, serving as a powerful deterrent. Their story is a perpetual warning against presumption and challenging God's order, demonstrating that divine judgment is certain for those who persist in such rebellion.
  • God's Sovereignty and Justice: Even amidst the recounting of generations, God ensures that significant acts of rebellion and His subsequent justice are remembered. This reinforces His sovereign control over His people and His commitment to upholding His established order.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strove against" (KJV) translates a Hebrew word that implies contention, quarrel, or litigation. It suggests a deliberate and aggressive opposition, not just a disagreement. When applied to "the LORD," it elevates their human conflict with Moses and Aaron into a direct challenge to God's ultimate authority. The description "famous in the congregation" is used ironically; they were known not for their piety or service, but for their notorious acts of rebellion, a fame that led to their destruction.

Practical Application

The account of Dathan and Abiram remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It calls for:

  • Respect for God-Given Authority: While not endorsing blind obedience to all human authority, the principle stands that challenging legitimate, God-ordained leadership without just cause is a serious matter, potentially leading to spiritual peril. Believers are encouraged to pray for and practice submission to governing authorities and spiritual leaders where appropriate.
  • Warning Against Spiritual Pride: Dathan and Abiram's rebellion stemmed from pride and a desire for power. This serves as a cautionary tale against spiritual arrogance and the temptation to usurp roles God has not given.
  • Learning from History: God preserves these accounts in His Word not just as historical records, but as lessons for future generations. We are to learn from the failures of those who went before us, understanding that God's character and principles of justice remain unchanged.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 1:16 (5 votes)

    These [were] the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.

  • Numbers 16:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took [men]:

  • Numbers 16:35 (3 votes)

    ¶ And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

  • Jude 1:11 (2 votes)

    Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

  • Psalms 106:17 (2 votes)

    The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.