Numbers 26:9-11 And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation… Sin and infamy cling to families long after the actors have passed away. Parents ought to strive above all to leave to their children the heritage of a good name. Sin and infamy are long lived; as in the verse of our text, many years after the descendants are reminded of their ancestor's crime. Their sin was to oppose Moses and God — using their influence as men of note to create a rebellion. God visited them for their sin — "And they became a sign" (see chap. Numbers 16.). They became "symbols," "beacons." God made use of them to teach great lessons. Visitations like that have tongues; they speak to us from God. I. THE INSIDIOUS CHARACTER OF SIN. Sin grows upon us; never trifle with it; safety in the opposing it. As the moth, dazzled with the light, &c., ends in being scorched or burnt, so it ever is with those who trifle with sin and parley with temptation. II. THEY WARN US OF THE TERRIBLE EVIL AND DANGER OF SIN. Sin becomes our greatest curse; we have, indeed, nothing else to fear. III. THEY SHOW US WHAT A CURSE BAD MEN ARE TO THEIR FAMILIES AND OTHERS. If there is any manhood left in one, this thought must arrest his attention. IV. THEY SHOW US GOD'S DESIRE TO BENEFIT MAN. (David Lloyd.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
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