Psalms 106:17 – “The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the company of Abiram.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 106:17 recounts a dramatic and sobering event where the earth literally opened up and swallowed Dathan, along with Abiram and their followers. This verse refers to a time when these men, driven by pride and rebellion, opposed Moses and Aaron’s leadership. Their defiance was not merely against human authority but against God Himself, who had chosen Moses and Aaron to lead His people. By allowing the ground to swallow them, God demonstrated that rebellion against His chosen leaders is ultimately rebellion against Him. This verse serves as a stark warning about the seriousness of rejecting God’s authority.
Historical Context
The historical background for this verse is found in Numbers 16. Dathan, Abiram, and Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of taking on too much power. They questioned why Moses and Aaron had special authority, claiming that all the people of Israel were holy. However, their challenge was not truly about equality; it was rooted in envy and a desire for power. God responded decisively: the ground split open and swallowed up Dathan, Abiram, and their followers, while fire consumed others involved in the rebellion. This event served as a public demonstration of God’s judgment against those who sought to disrupt His plans.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes that God does not take rebellion lightly, especially when it’s directed against those He has appointed for leadership. Theologically, it shows that God is both just and protective of His chosen leaders. The consequences faced by Dathan and Abiram reveal that God will defend His purposes and maintain order among His people. The verse challenges us to recognize that opposing God’s established order is ultimately a challenge against God Himself. It also reminds us that God’s patience has limits, and there are consequences for persistent rebellion.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 106:17 uses vivid imagery to describe the judgment that fell upon Dathan and Abiram. The phrase “the earth opened up” conveys a sense of divine intervention, showing that this was not a natural disaster but a direct act of God. The words “swallowed” and “buried” imply finality, emphasizing the completeness of God’s judgment. The verse is part of a larger narrative in Psalm 106, which recounts the repeated failures of Israel to remain faithful, highlighting both God’s justice and mercy throughout their history.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Numbers 16:31-33: “As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions.”
- Deuteronomy 11:6: “And what he did to Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab the Reubenite, when the earth opened its mouth right in the middle of all Israel and swallowed them up with their households, their tents, and every living thing that belonged to them.”
- Jude 1:11: “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.”
These passages emphasize the severity of rebelling against God’s appointed leaders and the serious consequences that follow such actions.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, Psalm 106:17 serves as a warning about the dangers of pride, envy, and rebellion against God’s authority. It reminds us that challenging God’s appointed leaders is a serious matter and can lead to dire consequences. This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of rebellion or jealousy, especially within the church or community. Instead of opposing those whom God has called to lead, we are called to support, respect, and pray for them.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Though this verse illustrates God’s judgment, it also reflects His love for His people. By dealing swiftly with rebellion, God was protecting the rest of the nation from being led astray. God’s love is not only about kindness and patience but also about maintaining righteousness and justice. He loves His people enough to correct them when necessary, ensuring that His plans for them are not derailed by the actions of a rebellious few.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus, like Moses, faced opposition from those who rejected His authority. The religious leaders of His time were envious of His influence and sought to undermine His mission. Yet, unlike Dathan and Abiram, Jesus responded to opposition with humility and obedience to God’s will, even to the point of death on the cross. In Philippians 2:8, we read that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” Jesus’ willingness to submit to God’s authority stands in contrast to the rebellious actions of Dathan and Abiram. Through Christ, we see the ultimate example of humble submission to God’s plan.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle with envy or rebellion against God’s appointed leaders?
- How can you cultivate a heart of humility and submission to God’s will?
- What lessons can we learn from the story of Dathan and Abiram about the consequences of challenging God’s authority?
- How can Jesus’ example of humble obedience inspire you to trust God’s plan, even when it’s difficult?
- What steps can you take to support and pray for the leaders God has placed in your life?
Psalm 106:17 challenges us to respect God’s order and to resist the temptation of pride and envy. It reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our own and that submission to His will brings peace and blessing, while rebellion leads to destruction.