Psalm 106:17

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

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

Latin

Aperta est terra, et deglutivit Dathan, et operuit super congregationem Abiron.

Hebrew

English

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

The people became jealous because they wanted the same role as the priests God had chosen (see Numbers 16:1–35).
The earth opened up: See Numbers 16:28–33.

The Israelite community in exile confessed the Lord’s goodness and justice and their own past sins. From their humble state in exile, they asked for redemption and restoration. They hoped to be gathered back from all the places the Lord had scattered them in his anger.
The psalm ends with a memory of the Lord’s past mercy and hope for renewed mercy (Psalm 106:44–48). Israel failed, but the Lord remains constant.
Verses 1, 47–48 (along with Psalms 96; 105:1–15) are included in David’s song of praise recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:1–43.

Theme notes and profiles

Deuteronomy 11:6
…and what He did in the midst of all the Israelites to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab the Reubenite, when the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, their households, their tents, and every living thing that belonged to them.
Numbers 26:10
And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose followers died when the fire consumed 250 men. They serve as a warning sign.
Numbers 16:29–33
If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me.

Abiram: Reubenite who rebelled against Moses and Aaron Dathan: Reubenite who rebelled against Moses and Aaron