Bamidbar 26: Count-ering Authority

YINR 929: Tanach Yomi · Mar 17, 2026 · 2m

Why is there yet another census in chapter 26? This census happens after the plague in chapter 25. After another mass death, God wants another census. There are a few unique features about this counting. This counting is done by families and there are four stories mixed within the names. These four stories are: Datan and Aviram who were swallowed up by the ground during Korach’s rebellion, Korach himself and the 250 leaders who were burned to death (although Korach’s sons survived), Er and Onan who died back in Bereishit, and Nadab and Avihu who died in Vayikra.

Datan and Aviram are mentioned…