Peleth
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Topical Encyclopedia
Peleth is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. His name, which means "swiftness" or "fleetness," is associated with a significant event in the history of Israel during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Genealogy and Family

Peleth is identified as the father of On, one of the key figures involved in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron. This rebellion is famously known as the "Korah's Rebellion," named after its principal leader, Korah, a Levite. The account of this rebellion is found in the Book of Numbers.

Biblical Account

In Numbers 16:1, the Berean Standard Bible states: "Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly, men of renown."

Peleth's son, On, is mentioned as one of the co-conspirators in this insurrection. The rebellion was a significant challenge to the leadership of Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and the divine appointment given to them by God. The narrative highlights the tension and discontent among certain factions within the Israelite community during their desert sojourn.

Theological Significance

The involvement of On, son of Peleth, in the rebellion underscores the broader theme of obedience and submission to God's chosen leaders. The rebellion led by Korah and his associates, including On, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, ambition, and dissent against divinely established order. The severe consequences faced by the rebels, as described in Numbers 16, emphasize the seriousness with which God views rebellion against His appointed servants.

Cultural and Historical Context

Peleth's mention in the context of Korah's rebellion provides insight into the tribal dynamics and familial alliances during the wilderness period. The association of On with the Reubenites, alongside Dathan and Abiram, suggests a coalition of discontented groups within the Israelite camp. This coalition reflects the complex social and political landscape of the Israelite tribes as they navigated their identity and leadership structure in the absence of a settled homeland.

Legacy

While Peleth himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of On places him within the larger account of Israel's journey and the challenges they faced. The account of Korah's rebellion, including the role of On son of Peleth, serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of challenging God's ordained leadership.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Peleth

(swiftness).

  1. The father of On the Reubenite who joined Dathan and Abiram in their rebellion. (Numbers 16:1) (B.C. 1490.)
  2. Son of Jonathan and a descendant of Jerahmeel. (1 Chronicles 2:33)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Swiftness.

(1.) A Reubenite whose son was one of the conspirators against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:1).

(2.) One of the sons of Jonathan (1 Chronicles 2:33).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PELETH

pe'-leth (peleth, "swiftness"):

(1) Father of On, one of the rebels against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:1); probably same as PALLU (which see).

(2) A descendant of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:33).

Strong's Hebrew
6431. Peleth -- two Israelites
... 6430, 6431. Peleth. 6432 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Peleth Phonetic
Spelling: (peh'-leth) Short Definition: Peleth. ... NASB Word Usage Peleth (2). Peleth ...
/hebrew/6431.htm - 5k

6432. Pelethi -- some of David's soldiers
... Word Origin from the same as Peleth Definition some of David's soldiers NASB Word
Usage Pelethites (7). Pelethites. ... see HEBREW Peleth. 6431, 6432. ...
/hebrew/6432.htm - 6k

Library

The Sedition of Corah and of the Multitude against Moses, and ...
... had determined to bestow it on the eldest be, that of Reuben might have it most
justly; and then Dathan, and Abiram, and [On, the son of] Peleth, would have it ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 the sedition of.htm

Thesaurus
Peleth (2 Occurrences)
...PELETH. pe'-leth (peleth, "swiftness"): (1) Father of On, one of the rebels against
Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:1); probably same as PALLU (which see). ...
/p/peleth.htm - 7k

Pelethite (7 Occurrences)

/p/pelethite.htm - 8k

Korah (51 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 11:6 and Psalm 106:17. Another Reubenite, On, the son of Peleth,
was in the conspiracy. It has been inferred that he ...
/k/korah.htm - 44k

Zaza (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zaza (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:33 The sons of
Jonathan: Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel. ...
/z/zaza.htm - 7k

Jerahmeel (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:33 The sons of Jonathan:
Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel. ...
/j/jerahmeel.htm - 11k

Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences)
... and Eker. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:33 And the sons of Jonathan: Peleth,
and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel. (See RSV). 1 ...
/j/jerah'meel.htm - 8k

Izhar (10 Occurrences)
... Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with
Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of ...
/i/izhar.htm - 10k

Insolent (16 Occurrences)
... Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with
Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of ...
/i/insolent.htm - 11k

Reubenites (37 Occurrences)
... Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with
Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of ...
/r/reubenites.htm - 19k

Eli'ab (19 Occurrences)
... Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with
Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of ...
/e/eli'ab.htm - 11k

Resources
Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

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