Psalms 106:18
And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
בַּעֲדָתָ֑ם
in their company
H5712
בַּעֲדָתָ֑ם
in their company
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 6
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
Cross References
Historical Context
The 250 leaders who offered incense were prominent men ('famous in the congregation,' Numbers 16:2), yet their status didn't grant them priestly privileges. Their destruction by fire demonstrated that God's holiness cannot be approached casually or by self-appointed means. Later, Nadab and Abihu (Aaron's sons) were similarly consumed by fire for offering 'strange fire' (Leviticus 10:1-2), showing that even priests must approach God on His terms, not their own.
Questions for Reflection
- What does judgment by divine fire teach about God's holiness and our approach to worship?
- How does the destruction of unauthorized priests prefigure Christ as our only access to God?
- In what ways do people today presume unauthorized access to God?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse continues describing judgment on Korah's rebellion. 'A fire was kindled in their company' refers to the fire from the LORD that consumed the 250 men offering incense (Numbers 16:35). These men had presumed to offer incense, a privilege reserved for Aaron's priesthood. 'The flame burned up the wicked' emphasizes that this was divine fire executing judgment. Fire is frequently associated with God's holiness and judgment (Hebrews 12:29: 'our God is a consuming fire'). The consuming fire demonstrates that approaching God presumptuously, without authorized access, brings destruction. This prefigures the truth that only through Christ, our great High Priest, can we approach God's holiness safely (Hebrews 4:14-16).