Psalms 106:17

The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.

The earth {H776} opened {H6605} and swallowed up {H1104} Dathan {H1885}, and covered {H3680} the company {H5712} of Abiram {H48}.

The earth opened up and swallowed Datan and closed over Aviram's allies.

The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram.

The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, And covered the company of Abiram.

Commentary

Psalms 106:17 is a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and His appointed leaders.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 106, a lengthy historical psalm that recounts the history of Israel's journey from Egypt through the wilderness and into the promised land. The psalm highlights the repeated failures and rebellions of the Israelites against God, contrasted with God's enduring mercy and faithfulness. Verse 17 specifically references a dramatic event of divine judgment that occurred during their wilderness wanderings, serving as an example of Israel's provoking God.

Historical and Cultural Context

The event described in Psalms 106:17 refers directly to the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram (along with Korah, though he is not mentioned by name in this specific verse) against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. This occurred in the wilderness, challenging the authority God had established for Israel's governance and worship. The earth opening up to swallow them and their families was a unique and terrifying act of God's judgment, confirming Moses and Aaron's divine appointment and demonstrating the severe penalty for such direct defiance against God's order. The full account is found in Numbers chapter 16.

Key Themes

  • Rebellion Against Authority: The verse underscores the seriousness of rebelling against the authority that God has instituted, whether it is His own direct commands or the leaders He has appointed.
  • Divine Judgment: It serves as a vivid example of God's swift and severe judgment upon blatant and defiant sin.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The fate of Dathan and Abiram illustrates that choosing to disobey and challenge God's order leads to destruction.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "swallowed up" (Χ‘ΧœΧ’ - bala') and "covered" (Χ›Χ‘Χ” - kasah) are forceful terms indicating a complete and irreversible act of consumption and concealment. The earth didn't just open; it actively engulfed them, leaving no trace of their presence among the living, emphasizing the finality and totality of the judgment.

Reflection and Application

While the specific judgment on Dathan and Abiram was unique, the principle remains: resisting God's will and appointed authority carries serious consequences. This verse reminds us of the importance of humility, submission to God's plan, and respect for the order He establishes. It calls us to consider the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's justice, urging us towards obedience rather than rebellion.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 11:6 (8 votes)

    And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that [was] in their possession, in the midst of all Israel:

  • Numbers 26:10 (5 votes)

    And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

  • Numbers 16:29 (5 votes)

    If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; [then] the LORD hath not sent me.

  • Numbers 16:33 (5 votes)

    They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.