What does Psalms 106:17 mean?

The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. Psalms 106:17

Explanation

The verse in question, [The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.] Psalms 106:17, is referring to a dramatic episode from the Old Testament in which two Israelite rebels, Dathan and Abiram, along with their followers, are punished by God for rebelling against Moses and Aaron. The earth is described as literally opening up and swallowing them, along with their households and all their possessions, as an act of divine retribution. This event illustrates the severe consequences of challenging God’s appointed leaders and the authority of God Himself.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse emanates from the narrative found in Numbers 16, where Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram, from the tribe of Reuben, lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership over the Israelites during their wandering in the desert. This rebellion is quashed by God Himself, who causes the earth to open up and swallow the rebels, their families, and their possessions, followed by a fire consuming the 250 men offering incense. Psalm 106 is a retrospective reflection on Israel’s history, acknowledging the nation’s repeated disobedience and God’s acts of judgment and mercy.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is often interpreted to represent the sovereignty and justice of God. It conveys that defiance against God’s established order is considered a grave sin that leads to severe consequences. It affirms the belief that God protects and vindicates His chosen leaders while warning against the dangers of pride and rebellion.

Different theological viewpoints may emphasize the mercy of God in contrast to His judgment. While the punishment of Dathan and Abiram is severe, it also serves as a corrective warning to the remaining Israelites to follow God faithfully.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, the verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, obedience, and respecting leadership, especially when it is believed to be divinely appointed. The teaching can be applied in various aspects of life including within families, communities, and religious congregations to follow principles of order and to avoid discord.

Cross-References

• Numbers 16:31-33: “And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. 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.”
• Deuteronomy 11:6: “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.”

Language Study

In the Hebrew text, the word for “swallowed up” (בָּלַע) carries the connotation of destruction or consummation. It reflects the sudden and complete nature of the judgment that befell Dathan and Abiram. The word for “earth” (אָרֶץ) is used here to denote not only the physical ground but also the instrument of God’s justice.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This narrative of the earth swallowing rebels can be compared to various cultural myths where the earth or nature acts as a means of divine justice. It’s a motif that emphasizes the power of the gods (or God in the case of the Bible) and acts as a cautionary tale to maintain social and religious order.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific viewpoint, seismic activity, such as earthquakes or sinkholes, could be considered natural phenomena that may have inspired such accounts. While science does not attest to supernatural causation, it seeks to understand the natural processes that could lead to the earth opening up.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have interpreted this passage as a literal historical account, while others see it as a symbolic narrative to reinforce the lesson of the story. Most agree on the significance of obedience to God and His chosen leaders, seeing this as a key teaching of the text. The verse is also a testament to the Israelites’ remembrance of their own history—both the good and the bad—as well as an acknowledgment of God’s providence and justice throughout their journey.