Psalm 106:17 says the earth swallowed Dathan and his followers—how do we reconcile this with a lack of archaeological confirmation of such an event?

I. Scriptural Context and the Event Described

Psalm 106:17 states, “And the earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram.” This verse refers back to the account in Numbers 16, where individuals led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. According to Numbers 16:31–34, the ground split apart under them, and they were swallowed by the earth.

This event communicates a specific act of divine judgment. It underscores a broader theme in Scripture: disobedience against God leads to grave consequences, while humility and reverence bring divine favor.

II. Absence of Direct Archaeological Confirmation

Scholars and archaeologists acknowledge that the events described in Numbers occurred over three millennia ago, during a wilderness period that did not generate an abundance of permanent settlements or large-scale artifacts. Archaeology in desert regions often yields fewer remains, due to sand shifts, erosion, and other environmental processes. Such factors make it challenging to discover physical evidence linked to brief and mobile ancient encampments (e.g., Kadesh-Barnea or regions around the wilderness wanderings).

Additionally, catastrophic ground openings—whether earthquake faults, sinkholes, or other geological events—can obliterate or bury evidence too deeply to be recovered. If Dathan and his followers were swallowed up in a localized collapse of the ground, remnants—if any still exist—could be concealed by centuries of subsequent sedimentation. The lack of direct material artifacts does not confirm or deny the event; it simply reflects the practical limitations of excavation efforts in those areas.

III. Reliability of the Biblical Record

1. Consistent Internal Testimony: The account appears in multiple Old Testament passages (Numbers 16; Deuteronomy 11:6; Psalm 106:17). These references display consistency in describing a sudden, divinely ordained judgment. Consistency across different biblical authors and time periods points to the integrity of the scriptural tradition.

2. Manuscript Evidence and Textual Transmission: Ancient Hebrew manuscripts (e.g., the Dead Sea Scrolls) contain large portions of the Pentateuch, confirming that the Numbers 16 account has been passed down accurately. Comparisons of these Hebrew texts with the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) reveal a stable transmission history. Leading textual scholars (e.g., those studying the Dead Sea Scrolls and early Masoretic Text traditions) affirm that we possess a reliable record of the original events as conveyed by the biblical authors.

3. Archaeological Corroborations for Other Biblical Accounts: Although no direct artifact tied to Dathan’s rebellion has surfaced, many other Old Testament details have been supported by archaeological discoveries (e.g., the Tel Dan Stele supporting the mention of the “House of David,” the Merneptah Stele referencing Israel in Canaan around 1200 BC). Such findings increase confidence in the Old Testament’s historical framework, lending credibility to narratives for which direct archaeological traces may be elusive.

IV. Geological Considerations and Miraculous Interventions

1. Local Phenomena: The region in question is part of the broader Rift Valley, known for tectonic activity. Scripture often describes divine miracles that could work through or coincide with natural processes. An earthquake or localized sinkhole event could have aligned with the timing of God’s judgment, or God may have supernaturally caused the earth to open. Because of the dynamic nature of geologic changes, traces of such an opening from that era might be subtle or entirely obscured.

2. Miraculous Aspect: The biblical text frames this event as a direct intervention by God, not merely a natural hazard. Supernatural acts, by definition, are not always accompanied by conventional material evidence. One can point to other biblical miracles, including the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15), whose key evidences rest upon reliable documentation, eyewitness testimony, and the enduring witness of subsequent believers.

V. Theological and Historical Harmony

1. Scripture as Authoritative Witness: The biblical texts present this incident as a real historical event. While archaeology seeks physical remnants, Scripture remains a vital primary source. Its divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16) and consistent internal testimony warrant serious consideration, even when certain discoveries are unavailable or incomplete.

2. Lack of Contradictory Evidence: The absence of definitive archaeological proof is not the same as contradictory evidence. Ongoing research continues to shed light on biblical events long thought unconfirmed. That no direct trace of Dathan’s fate has come to light yet does not negate the credibility of the scriptural record.

3. Complementary Nature of Faith and Evidence: Historical data and scientific inquiries often support biblical narratives. Yet faith also rests on the consistent testimony of the entire Bible, corroborating documents from surrounding cultures, and the convicted belief of countless witnesses across centuries. For many, the harmony between Scripture and external evidence, even if partial, is sufficient to trust the reliability of biblical events.

VI. Practical Implications for Study and Faith

1. Recognizing Archaeological Limitations: Archaeological data from ancient nomadic periods is sparse. Believers can hold confidence in Scripture without expecting an artifact for every biblical event. The discipline of archaeology can confirm some aspects of biblical records but will never exhaustively confirm every miracle or judgment described in Scripture.

2. Encouragement for Further Exploration: Continued excavation in desert regions, fresh analysis of geological formations, and advancements in remote-sensing technology may yet yield new discoveries. Researchers have often been surprised by finds that illuminate otherwise obscure biblical accounts. These ongoing explorations remind us that our current knowledge is incomplete and continually growing.

3. Deeper Reverence for God’s Word: The story of Dathan and his followers underscores that there are consequences for rebellion against divine authority. Reflecting on this truth promotes a sense of humility and reverence. Whether or not we discover material evidence of the earth swallowing Dathan, the message of Scripture stands as timeless counsel.

VII. Conclusion

The narrative in Psalm 106:17 and Numbers 16 of the earth swallowing Dathan and his followers is an account of God’s decisive judgment. Although archaeological investigations have not unearthed direct material confirmation of this specific event, such absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Historical testimonies, the reliability of the Old Testament manuscript tradition, and the broader archaeological record all converge to reinforce the trustworthiness of Scripture.

Theologically, this event illustrates the seriousness of rebellion against the divine will. Historically, it remains consistent with the experiences and literary conventions of the ancient Near East, where both miraculous and natural occurrences shaped the communal memory. Embodied in the revealed Word, the lesson endures whether or not present-day archaeology can uncover its physical remains.