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Numbers 26:9 - Rebels against divine authority?

Numbers 26:9 - במדבר 26:9

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי אֱלִיאָב נְמוּאֵל וְדָתָן וַאֲבִירָם הוּא־דָתָן וַאֲבִירָם קרואי [קְרִיאֵי] הָעֵדָה אֲשֶׁר הִצּוּ עַל־מֹשֶׁה וְעַל־אַהֲרֹן בַּעֲדַת־קֹרַח בְּהַצֹּתָם עַל־יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And the sons of Eli᾽av; Nemu᾽el, and Datan, and Aviram. This is that Datan and Aviram, who were regularly summoned to the congregation, who strove against Moshe and against Aharon in the company of Qoraĥ, when they strove against the Lord:

Transliteration

U'vnei Eli'av Nemuel ve'Datan va'Aviram hu-Datan va'Aviram kri'ei ha'edah asher hitzu al-Moshe ve'al-Aharon ba'adat Korach behatzotam al-Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵ֣י אֱלִיאָ֔ב נְמוּאֵ֖ל וְדָתָ֣ן וַאֲבִירָ֑ם הֽוּא־דָתָ֨ן וַאֲבִירָ֜ם <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(קרואי)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[קְרִיאֵ֣י]</span></span> הָעֵדָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִצּ֜וּ עַל־מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְעַֽל־אַהֲרֹן֙ בַּעֲדַת־קֹ֔רַח בְּהַצֹּתָ֖ם עַל־יְהֹוָֽה׃
וּבְנֵ֣י אֱלִיאָ֔ב נְמוּאֵ֖ל וְדָתָ֣ן וַאֲבִירָ֑ם הֽוּא־דָתָ֨ן וַאֲבִירָ֜ם (קרואי) [קְרִיאֵ֣י] הָעֵדָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִצּ֜וּ עַל־מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְעַֽל־אַהֲרֹן֙ בַּעֲדַת־קֹ֔רַח בְּהַצֹּתָ֖ם עַל־יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Context of Datan and Aviram's Rebellion

The verse (Bamidbar 26:9) recounts the lineage of Eli'av and identifies his sons, Datan and Aviram, as key instigators in Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aharon. Rashi explains that their names are singled out here to emphasize their persistent defiance—they had previously challenged Moshe's authority in Egypt (Shemot 2:13-14) and later joined Korach's mutiny. Their repeated opposition marks them as archetypes of rebellion against divinely appointed leadership.

The Phrase "קְרִיאֵי הָעֵדָה" (Summoned to the Congregation)

Ramban notes that the term "קְרִיאֵי הָעֵדָה" ("summoned to the congregation") suggests Datan and Aviram held prominent roles, possibly as tribal representatives (Midrash Tanchuma, Korach 5). Despite their status, they abused their positions to incite dissent. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) highlights their arrogance, interpreting their summons as a self-aggrandizing claim to authority rather than genuine communal service.

Their Sin: Striving Against Hashem

The verse explicitly states they "strove against Hashem"—not merely against Moshe and Aharon. The Sforno explains that rejecting divinely chosen leaders equates to rejecting Hashem Himself, as Moshe and Aharon acted as His agents. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Berachos 5a) that persecution of Torah scholars is akin to opposing the Divine Presence.

  • Rashi: Emphasizes their history of rebellion, linking their actions in Egypt to Korach's revolt.
  • Ramban: Focuses on their misuse of leadership, corrupting their role as representatives.
  • Sforno: Stresses the theological gravity of their defiance, framing it as a direct challenge to Hashem.

Lessons from Their Downfall

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:10) contrasts Datan and Aviram's fate—being swallowed by the earth—with Korach's punishment (consumed by fire). This distinction underscores that their sin was uniquely severe due to their unrepentant defiance. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) adds that their earthly burial symbolizes how their rebellion uprooted their very connection to Klal Yisrael, serving as a warning against divisiveness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the rebellion of Korach and his followers, particularly focusing on Datan and Aviram's role in the conflict against Moses and Aaron.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Datan and Aviram in the Torah?
A: Datan and Aviram were rebellious figures who joined Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aharon (Numbers 16). They were from the tribe of Reuven and are mentioned here again in Numbers 26:9 as a reminder of their sinful actions. Rashi explains they were 'regularly summoned to the congregation' meaning they had leadership roles but misused their positions.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Datan and Aviram again in Numbers 26?
A: The Torah mentions them during the census to teach that their lineage was cut off due to their rebellion (they died in the earth swallowing them - Numbers 16:32). Ramban explains this serves as a warning about the consequences of challenging Torah leadership and creating divisions among the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Datan and Aviram's story?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) derives from their story the importance of avoiding machlokes (disputes) and respecting proper Torah leadership. Midrash Tanchuma warns that their initial small complaints snowballed into full rebellion, teaching us to correct negative traits before they grow worse.