Psalm 106:18

Modern

Then fire blazed through their company; flames consumed the wicked.

Traditional

And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

Literal

And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame consumed the wicked.

Latin

Et exarsit ignis in synagoga eorum: flamma combussit peccatores.

Hebrew

English

Then fire blazed through their company; flames consumed the wicked.

The people became jealous because they wanted the same role as the priests God had chosen (see Numbers 16:1–35).
The earth opened up: See Numbers 16:28–33.

The Israelite community in exile confessed the Lord’s goodness and justice and their own past sins. From their humble state in exile, they asked for redemption and restoration. They hoped to be gathered back from all the places the Lord had scattered them in his anger.
The psalm ends with a memory of the Lord’s past mercy and hope for renewed mercy (Psalm 106:44–48). Israel failed, but the Lord remains constant.
Verses 1, 47–48 (along with Psalms 96; 105:1–15) are included in David’s song of praise recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:1–43.

Theme notes and profiles

Hebrews 12:29
“For our God is a consuming fire.”
Numbers 16:35–40
And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.
Numbers 16:46
Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.”