Deuteronomy 11:6

6 You recall what he did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab of the tribe of Reuben. In the sight of everyone the earth opened up and swallowed them, along with their families, their tents, and all their servants and animals. 1

Deuteronomy 11:6 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 11:6

And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the
son of Reuben
When they with Korah and his company quarrelled with Moses and Aaron about the priesthood, ( Numbers 16:1 ) , how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up; the history of which see in ( Numbers 16:30-33 )

and their households and their tents;
not their houses and their tents, as the Septuagint and some other versions; for though the word signifies houses, and is often used for them, yet here it must signify families, their wives, and children; since they had no houses, but dwelt in tents, all which were swallowed up with them:

and all the substance that was in their possession;
gold, silver, cattle, household goods, and whatever they were possessed of:

or was at their feet
F3; or which followed them, their living creatures; or was for them, as Aben Ezra interprets it; for, their use, service, and necessity: and this was done

in the midst of all Israel;
openly and publicly, they beholding it, as follows; and therefore should be rendered, "before all Israel" F4; and, besides, the tents of Dathan and Abiram, Reubenites, were not in the midst of Israel.


FOOTNOTES:

F3 (Mhylgrb rva) "quae erat in pedibus eorum", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus.
F4 (brqb) "coram omni Israele", Noldius, p. 212. No. 975.

Deuteronomy 11:6 In-Context

4 You saw how the Lord completely wiped out the Egyptian army, along with their horses and chariots, by drowning them in the Red Sea when they were pursuing you.
5 You know what the Lord did for you in the desert before you arrived here.
6 You recall what he did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab of the tribe of Reuben. In the sight of everyone the earth opened up and swallowed them, along with their families, their tents, and all their servants and animals.
7 Yes, you are the ones who have seen all these great things that the Lord has done.
8 "Obey everything that I have commanded you today. Then you will be able to cross the river and occupy the land that you are about to enter.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 11.6Numbers 16.31, 32.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.