Numbers 26:9
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
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just listing names; it's deliberately highlighting Dathan and Abiram as "famous" not for good deeds, but for their defiant rebellion against God's appointed leaders. Their inclusion here, in a census meant to record God's faithful people, serves as a stark reminder that even within the community, there were those who directly challenged the divine order, ultimately facing severe consequences.
This passage appears in the midst of a census of the Israelite tribes, ordered by God after a devastating plague. The verse specifically calls out Dathan and Abiram, identifying them as the same infamous men who, along with Korah, rebelled against Moses and Aaron, directly challenging God's authority. Their inclusion here serves as a somber reminder of divine judgment and the consequences of challenging God's chosen leaders.
Have you ever wondered how some people become infamous? The Bible doesn't shy away from naming names, especially when they represent significant warnings.
Numbers 26:9 points to Dathan and Abiram, identifying them as "famous in the congregation." This wasn't a fame for good deeds, but a notoriety earned through rebellion. They are explicitly linked to Korah's uprising, a direct challenge against Moses, Aaron, and ultimately, the Lord Himself.
The Gravity of Contention
Their "contending" wasn't a minor disagreement. It was a serious dispute against divinely appointed leaders, questioning God's authority and choices. This event served as a stark example of what happens when people directly oppose God's established order and His chosen servants.
Why would a census, meant for counting God's people, pause to highlight infamous rebels?
This census, taken after a period of great loss (implied by "after the plague" in verse 1), serves a dual purpose. While it records the growing nation of Israel, it also uses specific individuals to underscore God's judgment and faithfulness.
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The Significance of Naming Names
By naming Dathan and Abiram here, alongside the enumeration of Israel's tribes and families, the text ensures their rebellion is remembered. It's a theological statement within a historical record. Their fate wasn't just a past event; it was a lesson for the ongoing generation. Their "infamy" became a marker, distinguishing those who perished due to rebellion from the faithful who were counted for the inheritance of the land.
Understand the original words
edah · Hebrew Noun
The entire assembly or gathering of the people of Israel, often characterized as a covenant community called together by God for His purposes.
natsah · Hebrew Verb
To oppose, strive, or rebel against someone or something, often used in a judicial or military sense of challenging authority.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel, who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush; He is the self-existent, eternal, and faithful One.
This verse's stark reminder of Dathan and Abiram's rebellion immediately follows the recounting of Israel's second census. It underscores that even as God blesses and brings His people into new seasons, the memory and consequences of past rebellion serve as a potent warning.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt and Wilderness Wanderings Begin
The Israelites leave Egypt after centuries of slavery. Their subsequent 40-year journey through the wilderness is marked by rebellion and divine judgment, culminating in the death of the entire generation that left Egypt.
c. 1407 BC— this verse
Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, leads a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron's leadership and God's chosen priesthood, resulting in their divine punishment and the death of many.
c. 1406 BC
Second Census Ordered After Wilderness Wandering
Following the rebellion and subsequent plague, God commands a new census to be taken of the remaining Israelites, excluding the Levites, to prepare for their inheritance of the Promised Land.
This passage details the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron, providing the full context for why Dathan and Abiram are infamous.
Psalm 106:16-18This psalm recounts the rebellion in the wilderness, specifically mentioning the envy of Korah and the earth opening to swallow Dathan and Abiram, echoing the judgment described here.
Jude 1:11This New Testament verse explicitly references the 'rebellion of Korah' as an example of destructive defiance against God's appointed leaders.
1 Corinthians 10:10This passage warns against grumbling and questioning authority, drawing a parallel to those in the wilderness (implicitly including figures like Dathan and Abiram) who faced destruction as a result.
gillNumbers 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 of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram,.... Of Nemuel we nowhere else read either he died without children, or he and his family perished with his brethren, being concerned with them in the conspiracy; or the family of the Palluite was in…
calvinNumbers 26:1-65: "And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,"
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:
Filii autem Eliab, Nebuel, Dathan et Abiron: isti sunt Dathan et Abiron majores synagogae qui rixati sunt contra Mosen et…
This verse isn't just listing names; it's deliberately highlighting Dathan and Abiram as "famous" not for good deeds, but for their defiant rebellion against God's appointed leaders. Their inclusion here, in a census meant to record God's faithful people, serves as a stark reminder that even within the community, there were those who directly challenged the divine order, ultimately facing severe consequences.
This passage appears in the midst of a census of the Israelite tribes, ordered by God after a devastating plague. The verse specifically calls out Dathan and Abiram, identifying them as the same infamous men who, along with Korah, rebelled against Moses and Aaron, directly challenging God's authority. Their inclusion here serves as a somber reminder of divine judgment and the consequences of challenging God's chosen leaders.
This passage appears in the midst of a census of the Israelite tribes, ordered by God after a devastating plague. The verse specifically calls out Dathan and Abiram, identifying them as the same infamous men who, along with Korah, rebelled against Moses and Aaron, directly challenging God's authority. Their inclusion here serves as a somber reminder of divine judgment and the consequences of challenging God's chosen leaders.
"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" — This verse isn't just listing names; it's deliberately highlighting Dathan and Abiram as "famous" not for good deeds, but for their defiant rebellion against God's appointed leaders. Their inclusion…
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