Psalm 106:17-18
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The psalm specifically mentions Dathan being swallowed by the earth and Abiram's company being covered, subtly omitting Korah. This detail highlights a difference in their fates, as Korah himself was consumed by fire, while Dathan and Abiram's rebellion was directly punished by the earth opening beneath them. This narrative choice points to the varied ways God dealt with this rebellion, focusing on the earth's dramatic response to these particular instigators.
the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. Fire also broke out in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse recalls a dramatic rebellion in the wilderness where Dathan and Abiram, along with their followers, openly challenged Moses' and Aaron's God-given authority. Their defiance led to a terrifying divine judgment where the earth itself opened up and swallowed them whole, demonstrating the seriousness of opposing God's chosen leaders. This event serves as a stark example of the consequences of rebellion against God's established order, just as the psalmist is recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.
Have you ever wondered why some people get taken down so dramatically, while others seem to fade away? This verse points to a specific, terrifying judgment, but also to a deeper rebellion.
This verse vividly recalls a shocking event from Israel's history: the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. The Hebrew text in Numbers 16 describes how the earth literally opened up and swallowed these men and their followers alive.
A Distinct Divine Judgment
It's interesting that Korah, another leader in this rebellion, isn't mentioned by name here. Commentaries suggest this is because Korah and his immediate followers were consumed by fire from the Lord, while Dathan and Abiram's fate was the earth opening up. This psalm highlights the specific and terrifying nature of God's judgment when His appointed leaders are challenged.
The Deeper Rebellion
Calvin points out that envying Moses and Aaron wasn't just about personal dislike. It was a rebellion against God Himself, because God had appointed them. When people reject or challenge those God has placed in authority, they are ultimately rejecting God's own order and will. The dramatic judgment described here serves as a stark warning against such defiance.
We all forget things. But what happens when an entire nation forgets the incredible things God has done for them? The consequences can be devastating.
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The book of Psalms often looks back at Israel's history, not just to recount events, but to draw lessons. This verse, placed within Psalm 106, comes after a review of Israel's repeated failures and rebellions in the wilderness.
Forgetfulness Leads to Rebellion
Commentaries like Expositors highlight that a key theme of Psalm 106 is how Israel "forgot His mighty deeds." This forgetfulness wasn't just a minor lapse; it was the root cause of their repeated sinning and grumbling. When people stop remembering God's past faithfulness and power, they become susceptible to doubting His present care and rebelling against His commands.
Judgment as a Consequence, Not Random
The dramatic judgment on Dathan and Abiram, and others like them, wasn't a random act of anger. It was a direct consequence of their rebellion, which stemmed from forgetting who God was and what He had done. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual health is deeply connected to our remembrance of God's actions and faithfulness.
Understand the original words
edah · Hebrew Noun
A gathering or assembly of people, often used in a negative sense to denote a rebellious or conspiratorial faction acting against God's order.
esh · Hebrew Noun
An agent of divine judgment or presence, often signifying the holiness of God that consumes impurity or rebellion; it serves as a sign of God's active disapproval.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who violate God's law or standard, characterizing people who are morally crooked, guilty, and actively opposed to God's ways.
The psalm recalls the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram as a stark example of Israel's repeated sinfulness, reminding readers that challenging God's anointed leadership leads to severe consequences, a pattern evident throughout Israel's history.
c. 1440 BC
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
Following 400 years of slavery, God miraculously led the Israelites out of Egypt under Moses, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Wilderness Sojourn
During their 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites frequently grumbled, rebelled, and tested God, despite His provision and guidance.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other leaders challenged Moses and Aaron's authority, leading to a catastrophic divine judgment.
c. 1400 BC
Divine Judgment on Rebels
The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan and Abiram, while fire consumed their followers, demonstrating God's severe judgment against rebellion.
c. 1400 BC
Destruction of Korah's Followers
In a related judgment, fire from the Lord consumed the 250 men who had offered incense with Korah, further emphasizing the consequences of challenging God's appointed leaders.
Post-Exilic Period
Composition of Psalm 106
This psalm was likely composed after the Babylonian exile, looking back on Israel's history of sin and God's persistent faithfulness.
This is the direct historical account from which Psalm 106 draws its imagery, detailing the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram and their terrifying end.
Deuteronomy 11:6This passage also retells the event, highlighting God's judgment on those who rebelled against His appointed leaders, mirroring the Psalmist's theme of divine retribution.
Psalm 105:26-28This passage, from a psalm celebrating God's faithfulness, contrasts Israel's rebellion with God's past acts of deliverance, placing the sin of Dathan and Abiram within a larger narrative of God's patience and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.
Hebrews 12:29This New Testament passage uses the imagery of God as a 'consuming fire' to speak about His holiness and judgment, providing a theological lens for understanding the terrifying finality of God's actions against rebels like Dathan and Abiram.
pulpitPsalms 106:17: "The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram."
Verse 17. - The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan (see Numbers 16:31-33). And covered the company of Abiram. It is asked why there is no mention of Korah here, and suggested that he owed his escape from mention to the favouritism of the Levitical "temple poets" (Cheyne). But the real reason seems to be that Korah was not "swallowed up;" he and his company were destroyed by fire, and are alluded to…
ellicottPsalms 106:17: "The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram."
(17) The omission of Korah is in keeping with the historical accounts, which indicate a difference both in the attitude of Korah and his family from that of Dathan and Abiram, and also a difference of fate. (Comp. Numbers 16:23 , seqq.; Deuteronomy 11:6 ; Numbers 26:10 .)
The psalm specifically mentions Dathan being swallowed by the earth and Abiram's company being covered, subtly omitting Korah. This detail highlights a difference in their fates, as Korah himself was consumed by fire, while Dathan and Abiram's rebellion was directly punished by the earth opening beneath them. This narrative choice points to the varied ways God dealt with this rebellion, focusing on the earth's dramatic response to these particular instigators.
This verse recalls a dramatic rebellion in the wilderness where Dathan and Abiram, along with their followers, openly challenged Moses' and Aaron's God-given authority. Their defiance led to a terrifying divine judgment where the earth itself opened up and swallowed them whole, demonstrating the seriousness of opposing God's chosen leaders. This event serves as a stark example of the consequences of rebellion against God's established order, just as the psalmist is recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.
This verse recalls a dramatic rebellion in the wilderness where Dathan and Abiram, along with their followers, openly challenged Moses' and Aaron's God-given authority. Their defiance led to a terrifying divine judgment where the earth itself opened up and swallowed them whole, demonstrating the seriousness of opposing God's chosen leaders. This event serves as a stark example of the consequences of rebellion against God's established order, just as the psalmist is recounting Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.
"the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. Fire also broke out in their company; the flame burned up the wicked." — The psalm specifically mentions Dathan being swallowed by the earth and Abiram's company being covered, subtly omitting Korah. This detail highlights a difference in their fates, as Korah himself was…
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Last reviewed October 2026
