Deuteronomy 11:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 11:6
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:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 11 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, love. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 11:6
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:
Analysis
The judgment on Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 16) demonstrated God's holiness and the seriousness of rebellion against His appointed leadership. The earth 'opened her mouth and swallowed them up' uses vivid Hebrew imagery—the ground patach peh (פָּתַח פֶּה, 'opened mouth'), as if the earth itself executed divine judgment. This spectacular destruction served as warning against presumption and sedition. Significantly, Moses omits Korah (the Levite ringleader) but emphasizes Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites), perhaps because his immediate audience descended from those tribes and needed this specific warning. The phrase 'their households, and their tents' indicates comprehensive judgment extending to families—sobering reminder of sin's corporate consequences.
Historical Context
Korah's rebellion challenged both Moses's leadership and God's ordained priesthood. The earthquake judgment, combined with fire consuming 250 incense-offering rebels, vindicated God's chosen servants. This event occurred relatively early in the wilderness period, serving as a deterrent to future rebellion.
Reflection
- What does this severe judgment teach about God's view of rebellion against His appointed authority?
- How should we balance honoring human leadership with ultimate allegiance to God alone?
- Why does God sometimes judge not just individuals but households, and what does this teach about corporate responsibility?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 27:3, Psalms 106:17