Numbers Chapter 26 · Verse 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:
Original Language Analysis
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the sons
H1121
וּבְנֵ֣י
And the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 21
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בַּֽעֲדַת
in the company
H5712
בַּֽעֲדַת
in the company
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
10 of 21
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּהַצֹּתָ֖ם
when they strove
H5327
בְּהַצֹּתָ֖ם
when they strove
Strong's:
H5327
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַֽל
H5921
וְעַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּֽעֲדַת
in the company
H5712
בַּֽעֲדַת
in the company
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
17 of 21
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
קֹ֔רַח
of Korah
H7141
קֹ֔רַח
of Korah
Strong's:
H7141
Word #:
18 of 21
korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites
בְּהַצֹּתָ֖ם
when they strove
H5327
בְּהַצֹּתָ֖ם
when they strove
Strong's:
H5327
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel
Historical Context
This second census occurred 38 years after the first (chapter 1), documenting the new generation replacing those who died in wilderness wandering. The reference to Korah's rebellion (chapter 16) reminded the new generation of rebellion's consequences. The explicit note that 'Korah's sons died not' (verse 11) explains the Psalms attributed to 'sons of Korah' (Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88), showing mercy can interrupt judgment's cycle.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the preservation of Korah's line despite his rebellion demonstrate God's grace toward subsequent generations?
- What lessons from ancestors' failures can inform your own faithfulness to God?
Analysis & Commentary
The specific naming of Dathan and Abiram as those who 'strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah' serves as historical memorial of rebellion's consequences. Their inclusion in this census record decades later demonstrates that infamous sin leaves lasting marks on family history. Yet the preservation of Korah's line (verse 11) shows God's grace can transcend ancestral sin. This illustrates that individual rebellion brings personal judgment but doesn't necessarily curse entire family lines when descendants choose faithfulness.