Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 11:6 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Deuteronomy 11:6 KJV
The Setting of the Book of Deuteronomy
The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is part of the Torah or the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses. In this book, Moses speaks to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of God’s laws and past actions. Deuteronomy is a book of instruction, encouragement, and warning.
The Israelites are at the edge of Canaan, the land God promised to give them. Moses, knowing he will not enter the land with them, gives his final messages. He urges them to remain faithful to God and to obey His commandments.
Moses’ Sermon in Chapter 11
In Deuteronomy 11, Moses is encouraging the people to love the Lord their God and to obey His commandments. He tells them that if they obey God, He will bless them. If they disobey, curses will follow. Moses uses past examples to show that God rewards obedience and punishes rebellion.
Verse 6 refers to an event in the past when God judged rebellious men named Dathan and Abiram. Moses uses this as a warning to the new generation of Israelites. He wants them to learn from the mistakes of their ancestors and not repeat them.
Deuteronomy 11:6 (KJV)
“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.” — Deuteronomy 11:6 (King James Version)
Deuteronomy 11:6 Meaning
Who Were Dathan and Abiram?
Dathan and Abiram were sons of Eliab, from the tribe of Reuben. They were leaders among the Israelites. However, they joined a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. This rebellion is described in Numbers 16, where another man named Korah led a group that opposed Moses’ leadership.
Dathan and Abiram refused to accept Moses as the leader chosen by God. They accused him of leading the people into the wilderness to die and of making himself a prince over them. They were arrogant and disrespectful toward God’s appointed servant.
Their rebellion was not just against Moses; it was ultimately against God. They did not trust God’s plan. They did not want to follow His appointed leaders. This attitude of pride and rebellion brought serious consequences.
What Happened to Dathan and Abiram?
As a result of their rebellion, God performed a dramatic act of judgment. The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan, Abiram, their families, and all their belongings. This was not a small event. It happened “in the midst of all Israel,” meaning the whole community saw it.
This judgment showed that God does not take rebellion lightly. It also showed that God protects His chosen leaders. When people oppose His will, there are real consequences.
This event became a powerful memory for the Israelites. It reminded them of God’s holiness and justice. It was meant to cause fear and respect for God among the people.
Why Is This Mentioned in Deuteronomy 11?
In Deuteronomy 11, Moses uses this event as a reminder. He wants the Israelites to remember what God had done. He says, in earlier verses, that the people he is speaking to saw these things with their own eyes (Deuteronomy 11:2-7). They were either witnesses or had heard the story directly from those who were there.
Moses’ point is clear: if you disobey God, there will be consequences. But if you obey Him, blessings will follow. He wants them to choose life and blessing by staying faithful to God.
The Meaning of “the Earth Opened Her Mouth”
This phrase is poetic but also literal in this case. It means the ground split open, like a mouth, and swallowed the rebels. This image emphasizes the power and seriousness of God’s judgment. Nature itself obeyed God’s command to punish sin.
This also points to how God’s judgment can come swiftly and without warning. Dathan and Abiram had no chance to escape. One moment they were standing; the next they were gone.
Deuteronomy 11:6 Application in Life
A Warning Against Rebellion
This verse serves as a strong warning. Rebellion against God is a serious sin. Today, rebellion may not look like standing against Moses. It could be rejecting God’s Word, resisting His will, or refusing to follow His guidance.
Just like Dathan and Abiram, people who live in pride and disobedience put themselves at risk. God may not open the earth today, but He still judges sin. Rebellion leads to broken relationships, loss of peace, and spiritual destruction.
Christians are called to submit to God, to honor His Word, and to follow the leaders He appoints. This doesn’t mean blindly following people, but it does mean respecting godly authority and remaining humble before God.
Remembering God’s Power
The story of Dathan and Abiram shows the mighty power of God. He is not just loving—He is also holy and just. Today, many people focus only on God’s love and forget His justice.
This verse reminds us that God’s power is real. He sees everything. He cannot be mocked. His justice is perfect and His timing is exact.
When we remember God’s power, we live in reverence and fear—not terror, but respect. It leads us to obey His commands and to trust Him fully.
Teaching the Next Generation
Deuteronomy 11 continues with an emphasis on teaching children about God’s laws and works. Verse 19 says, “And ye shall teach them your children…” God wants each generation to know about His power, love, and expectations.
We can use stories like that of Dathan and Abiram to help children understand that actions have consequences. It’s important to teach the truth of God’s Word, not just the pleasant parts, but also the warnings and lessons.
When we teach our children well, we help them walk in God’s ways and avoid the mistakes of the past.
Staying Humble Before God
One of the root causes of Dathan and Abiram’s downfall was pride. They thought they knew better than Moses. They did not respect God’s order. Pride made them blind to the truth.
God calls His people to humility. In James 4:6 it says, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” This principle is true throughout Scripture. Humility invites God’s blessing. Pride invites His opposition.
By staying humble, we remain open to correction. We honor God’s ways. We avoid the path of destruction that rebellion brings.
Choosing Obedience
Deuteronomy 11 as a whole is about obedience. Verse 1 says, “Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.” Love and obedience go together.
Obedience is not just about rules. It’s about relationship. When we obey God, we show that we love and trust Him. We believe that His ways are best.
The story of Dathan and Abiram is a strong example of what happens when people do not obey. Let us choose the better path—the path of life, blessing, and peace.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 11:6 is more than a historical reference. It is a powerful warning and lesson for all believers. It reminds us of the danger of rebellion, the justice of God, and the importance of obedience. God is holy and just, but also merciful to those who seek Him. Let us take this verse to heart. Let us learn from the past so that we can walk wisely in the present. May we always choose faithfulness, humility, and obedience.
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