Numbers 16:34

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And all Israel that [were] round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up [also].

Complete Jewish Bible:

All Isra'el around them fled at their shrieks, shouting, "The earth might swallow us too!"

Berean Standard Bible:

At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!”

American Standard Version:

And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them; for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And all Israel^{H3478} that were round about^{H5439} them fled^{H5127} at the cry^{H6963} of them: for they said^{H559}, Lest the earth^{H776} swallow us up^{H1104} also.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 16:34

Numbers 16:34 is part of the narrative concerning the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. This event occurs during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land.

**Themes:**
1. **Rebellion and Its Consequences:** The verse reflects the theme of divine judgment against those who challenge God's appointed leaders. The rebellion of Korah and his followers is met with a dramatic and fatal response, emphasizing the importance of respecting divine authority.
2. **Divine Power and Justice:** The sudden and supernatural punishment—the earth opening up and swallowing the rebels—demonstrates God's power and serves as a warning to the Israelites that such actions will not go unpunished.
3. **Fear of God:** The reaction of the Israelites, fleeing in fear, shows an awareness of the power of God and the seriousness of divine retribution, reinforcing the idea that fear of the Lord is foundational to the Israelite faith.

**Historical Context:**
The book of Numbers is set in the period after the Israelites have received the Law at Mount Sinai and are organized into a nation preparing to enter Canaan. This period is characterized by a series of challenges to Moses' leadership, including the incident with Korah and his followers. The rebellion is not just against Moses and Aaron but against the Lord himself, as they are questioning the authority structure established by God.

The verse captures a moment of crisis within the community, highlighting both the internal conflicts among the Israelites and the assertion of divine authority through miraculous intervention. The event serves as a stark reminder to the Israelites, and to future readers, of the importance of submission to God's will and the respect due to His chosen representatives.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3478
   There are 2229 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יִשְׂרָאֵל
   Transliteration: Yisrâʼêl
   Pronunciation: yis-raw-ale'
   Description: from שָׂרָה and אֵל; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5439
   There are 282 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סָבִיב
   Transliteration: çâbîyb
   Pronunciation: saw-beeb'
   Description: or (feminine) סְבִיבָה; from סָבַב; (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around; (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5127
   There are 143 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נוּס
   Transliteration: nûwç
   Pronunciation: noos
   Description: a primitive root; to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver); [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6963
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קוֹל
   Transliteration: qôwl
   Pronunciation: kole
   Description: or קֹל; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound; [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell.
   
5. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
6. Strong's Number: H776
   There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶרֶץ
   Transliteration: ʼerets
   Pronunciation: eh'-rets
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1104
   There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּלַע
   Transliteration: bâlaʻ
   Pronunciation: baw-lah'
   Description: a primitive root; to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy; cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up).