Num 26:11 | KingComments | STEP | The census begins with Reuben, emphatically named “Israel’s firstborn”. The census comprises four generations ( ). Among them Pallu is named in particular because from his family Dathan and Abiram originated. These names recall the terrible revolt of Korah, Dathan and Abiram ( ). We are once again told what the sin of the rebels was and the special judgment that struck them from God. It is stated that they “became a warning” ( ). They are a sign that warns against any form of pride and rebellion. But here we also read that the “sons of Korah, however, did not die” ( ). The reason is not that they have shown a special faithfulness to the LORD. They belong to a doomy family. They were saved because God wanted to save them because they have not shown the spirit of their father. There is no other motive to discover than the grace of God. The sons of Korah have remained conscious of this grace also in next generations. We find expressions of this in several psalms (Psalms 42-49; 84; 85; 87; 88).

‏ Numbers 26:11

Reuben numbered

The census begins with Reuben, emphatically named “Israel’s firstborn”. The census comprises four generations (Gen 46:9). Among them Pallu is named in particular because from his family Dathan and Abiram originated. These names recall the terrible revolt of Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Num 16:1-35). We are once again told what the sin of the rebels was and the special judgment that struck them from God. It is stated that they “became a warning” (Num 26:10). They are a sign that warns against any form of pride and rebellion.

But here we also read that the “sons of Korah, however, did not die” (Num 26:11). The reason is not that they have shown a special faithfulness to the LORD. They belong to a doomy family. They were saved because God wanted to save them because they have not shown the spirit of their father. There is no other motive to discover than the grace of God. The sons of Korah have remained conscious of this grace also in next generations. We find expressions of this in several psalms (Psalms 42-49; 84; 85; 87; 88).