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Numbers 16:30
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all thatappertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

Genesis 4:11
And nowart thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;

Isaiah 5:14
Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

all the

Numbers 16:17
And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, eachof you his censer.

Numbers 26:11
Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

Numbers 27:3
Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.

and swallowed them
The act of the earth swallowing the rebels is a vivid demonstration of God's immediate and severe judgment against sin and rebellion. This event serves as a warning to the Israelites and future generations about the consequences of defying God's appointed leaders. It parallels other instances of divine retribution, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25). The swallowing is both literal and symbolic, indicating total and irreversible judgment.

and their households
The inclusion of households in the judgment highlights the communal nature of sin and its consequences. In ancient Near Eastern culture, families were often seen as a single unit, and the actions of one member could affect the entire household. This reflects the biblical principle that sin can have far-reaching effects beyond the individual, as seen in the story of Achan (Joshua 7:24-25). It underscores the importance of collective responsibility and obedience to God.

all Korah’s men
Korah's men were part of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. This rebellion is a significant event in Israel's history, illustrating the dangers of pride and ambition. Korah, a Levite, sought the priesthood, which was not his appointed role. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of respecting God's established order, as seen in the New Testament with the roles within the church (1 Corinthians 12:28).

and all their possessions
The destruction of their possessions signifies the totality of God's judgment. In biblical times, possessions were often seen as a sign of God's blessing, and their loss indicated divine disfavor. This complete eradication serves as a stark reminder of the futility of earthly wealth and status when opposed to God's will. It echoes the teaching of Jesus about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-20).

– Scripture presents a literal, extraordinary act of God: “the earth opened its mouth” (Numbers 16:32).

– Throughout the Word, the Lord uses nature to demonstrate His sovereignty (Exodus 15:12;Psalm 18:7;Isaiah 64:1).

– Here the ground itself obeys, underscoring that nothing in creation is beyond God’s command.

– This immediate, visible judgment follows Moses’ warning inNumbers 16:30, affirming the truth that “the LORD has sent me to do all these works.”

– The same verb appears inPsalm 106:17, confirming that Korah’s rebellion received swift, unmistakable retribution.

– God’s action was not symbolic; it was an actual swallowing, removing the rebels from the camp (cf.Deuteronomy 11:6).

– The scene anticipates later reminders that “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29) and that persistent rebellion invites divine wrath (2 Peter 2:4–9).

– Judgment extended to immediate families, highlighting the communal impact of sin (Joshua 7:24–25;Acts 5:1–11).

– Household solidarity was common in covenant life; when a head rebelled, consequences touched the whole tent.

– This conveys the sober truth that leadership carries weight: choices ripple outward to spouses, children, and dependents.

– The phrase gathers Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250 chiefs (Numbers 16:1–2, 35).

– It underscores personal accountability: each man aligned himself against Moses and, by extension, against God (Jude 11).

– The passage cautions us about joining ungodly coalitions. Choosing sides matters (Psalm 1:1;1 Corinthians 15:33).

– Nothing remained: tents, goods, and wealth disappeared (Numbers 16:33).

– This mirrors later warnings that earthly treasures cannot protect from divine judgment (Proverbs 11:4;Luke 12:20).

– The total loss demonstrates God’s thoroughness; “He reserves wrath for His enemies” (Nahum 1:2).

Numbers 16:32 portrays a literal, decisive act of God against rebellion. The earth itself becomes His instrument, swallowing the rebels, their families, followers, and belongings. The episode teaches that God’s authority is absolute, sin’s influence is far-reaching, and judgment can be sudden and comprehensive. Living obediently under His appointed leadership safeguards us from similar ruin and keeps us in the place of blessing.