Numbers 26:8

⁷These were the clans of Reuben, and their registration numbered 43,730.⁸Now the son of Pallu was Eliab, ⁹and 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.

Summary

This verse lists the descendants of Pallu, one of the sons of Reuben, during the census taken by Moses and Eleazar the priest. It serves as a record of the Reubenite lineage, highlighting the importance of genealogy and the preservation of tribal heritage among the Israelites. The detailed account reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs by ensuring the continuity of their descendants. Through these genealogies, the Israelites are reminded of their identity as God's chosen people and the fulfillment of His covenant with their forefathers.

Commentary

John Gill
Tyndale

John Gill Bible Commentary

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 his line; one of the same name may be observed in the tribe of Simeon: this is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation; either before their rebellion, for their power and authority, being heads of their fathers' houses; or for their parts and abilities, being men of great wisdom and sense; or for their zeal, activity, and usefulness; or after it, and became famous, or rather infamous, on account of it, see Num 16:2. who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the Lord; who joined with Korah and his company, and quarrelled with Moses and Aaron about the priesthood; with Moses for putting Aaron into it, and with Aaron for accepting it, and officiating in it; and so with the Lord himself, by whose orders he was invested with it.