Numbers 16:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But if the LORD {H3068} make {H1254} a new thing {H1278}, and the earth {H127} open {H6475} her mouth {H6310}, and swallow them up {H1104}, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down {H3381} quick {H2416} into the pit {H7585}; then ye shall understand {H3045} that these men {H582} have provoked {H5006} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if ADONAI does something new - if the ground opens up and swallows them with everything they own, and they go down alive to Sh'ol - then you will understand that these men have had contempt for ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”

American Standard Version

But if Jehovah make a new thing, and the ground open its mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then ye shall understand that these men have despised Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:30 captures Moses' prophetic declaration of an unprecedented divine judgment against Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and their followers. This verse sets forth the extraordinary sign—the earth supernaturally opening to swallow the rebels and all their possessions alive—that would unequivocally prove whether their challenge was merely against human leadership or a direct provocation of the LORD Himself. It serves as the climactic pronouncement of God's unique intervention to vindicate His chosen servants and demonstrate the absolute seriousness of rebellion against His divinely established order and holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:30 is the dramatic climax of Moses' challenge to the rebellion initiated by Korah, a Levite, and Dathan and Abiram, Reubenites, along with 250 prominent leaders. Their central accusation, articulated in [Numbers 16:1-3](/numbers/16-1-3 "Numbers 16:1-3 - Korah's Rebellion and Accusation"), was that Moses and Aaron had "lifted themselves up" above the congregation, which they claimed was entirely holy. Moses, in response, proposed a test involving censers before the LORD, as detailed in [Numbers 16:4-11](/numbers/16-4-11 "Numbers 16:4-11 - Moses' Challenge and Warning"), and then directly confronted Dathan and Abiram who defiantly refused to come to him, a confrontation described in [Numbers 16:12-15](/numbers/16-12-15 "Numbers 16:12-15 - Dathan and Abiram's Defiance"). This verse, [Numbers 16:30](/numbers/16-30 "Numbers 16:30 - Moses' Prophecy of Judgment"), immediately precedes the terrifying fulfillment of this prophecy in [Numbers 16:31-35](/numbers/16-31-35 "Numbers 16:31-35 - The Earth Swallows the Rebels and Fire Consumes the 250"), where the earth indeed opens and consumes the rebels and their households, followed by fire consuming the 250 men with censers. The subsequent narrative in [Numbers 17](/numbers/17 "Numbers 17 - Aaron's Budding Staff") further confirms Aaron's legitimate priesthood through the miraculous budding of his staff, providing a definitive end to the challenge to priestly authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 16 occur during Israel's forty-year wilderness wanderings, a period marked by repeated grumbling, disobedience, and challenges to Moses' leadership, which was directly appointed by God. The Israelite society was structured around divine commands, with clear distinctions between the roles of the Levites, priests (Aaron's lineage), and the rest of the congregation. Defying Moses, God's chosen prophet and leader, or Aaron, God's appointed high priest, was tantamount to defying God Himself. The concept of divine judgment was well-established in Israelite history, often manifesting through plagues or natural disasters, but the specific nature of this judgment—the earth opening its mouth—was unprecedented and served as a unique, undeniable sign of God's direct intervention. This was not a natural earthquake but a supernatural act designed to reinforce the sanctity of God's appointed offices and the severe consequences of desecrating them within the covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes illuminated by [Numbers 16:30](/numbers/16-30 "Numbers 16:30 - The Prophecy of Divine Judgment") include the absolute **Sovereignty and Holiness of God**, who meticulously establishes order and punishes rebellion against it. It underscores the **Seriousness of Rebellion against Divinely Appointed Authority**, demonstrating that challenging Moses and Aaron was a direct affront to the LORD. This verse also highlights **Divine Vindication**, as God dramatically intervenes to confirm the legitimacy of His chosen leaders and the truth of His word. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Provocation**, making it clear that the rebels' actions were not mere political dissent but an act of direct defiance against God, leading to immediate and catastrophic judgment. The "new thing" God creates emphasizes His unique power to act outside natural laws to achieve His purposes, serving as a stark warning against spiritual pride and presumption, themes echoed throughout the wilderness narrative, particularly in events like the rebellion at Kadesh Barnea in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Spies' Report and Israel's Rebellion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, בָּרָא, _bârâ'_):** This primitive root is profoundly significant, primarily used in the Old Testament to describe God's unique, creative acts, as seen in [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth") for the creation of the heavens and the earth. Unlike verbs for "making" or "forming," *bārā'* implies an act that is unprecedented, effortless, and solely attributable to divine power. By using this term, Moses emphasizes that the impending judgment is not a natural phenomenon or an ordinary event, but a direct, supernatural, and unparalleled act of God, akin to a new work of creation, designed to leave no doubt about its divine origin and purpose.
* **new thing (Hebrew, בְּרִיאָה, _bᵉrîyʼâh'_):** Derived from the verb *bārā'*, this feminine noun literally means "a creation" or "a novelty." It reinforces the unprecedented nature of the impending judgment. This is not merely an unusual event but a divinely initiated act that establishes a new precedent for God's intervention and judgment, a unique demonstration of His power and authority that sets it apart from anything previously witnessed or naturally occurring.
* **pit (Hebrew, שְׁאוֹל, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** The Hebrew term *she'ôl* generally refers to the grave, the underworld, or the realm of the dead. It is not a place of conscious torment in the Old Testament sense, but rather the destination of all who die, a place of silence and inactivity. To "go down quick into the pit" signifies an immediate, unnatural, and supernaturally enforced consignment to death, bypassing the normal process of dying and burial. This emphasizes the immediacy, totality, and finality of God's judgment, distinguishing their demise from typical human death and underscoring the severity of divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if the LORD make a new thing":** This opening clause sets the stage for an extraordinary, unprecedented event. Moses proposes a condition that only God can fulfill—to perform an act of judgment so unique and miraculous that it defies natural explanation, thereby confirming its divine origin. This "new thing" is the ultimate proof of God's direct involvement and His vindication of Moses and Aaron.
* **"and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them":** This describes the specific, terrifying, and visually dramatic mechanism of the judgment. The personification of the earth "opening her mouth" conveys a deliberate, active, and consuming force. The inclusion of "all that appertain unto them" (their families, tents, and possessions) highlights the comprehensive and total nature of the divine judgment, signifying a complete eradication of their lineage and legacy from the living congregation.
* **"and they go down quick into the pit":** This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and finality of their demise. They are not merely dying; they are being supernaturally and instantly consigned to the realm of the dead, bypassing any natural death process or burial. This instantaneous descent underscores the directness and severity of God's wrath, leaving no room for escape or repentance in that moment.
* **"then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD."** This concluding clause states the explicit purpose and undeniable outcome of this unique judgment. The extraordinary nature of the event would serve as irrefutable proof that the rebellion was not a mere dispute with human leaders, Moses and Aaron, but a direct and grievous offense against the sovereign God Himself. The judgment would bring about a clear and undeniable understanding for the entire congregation, leaving no room for doubt about the source and reason for their demise.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Personification** is prominently used with "the earth open her mouth," giving the natural world an active, almost predatory role in executing divine judgment. This vivid imagery transforms the earth from inert ground into a living entity that consumes the rebels, emphasizing the direct and terrifying nature of God's intervention. The entire scenario functions as a **Divine Sign**, a miraculous and unmistakable demonstration of God's power and justice, designed to leave no doubt in the minds of the Israelites. The extreme and unprecedented nature of the punishment also carries elements of **Dramatic Irony**, as the very ground they walked on, from which they claimed equal holiness, turns against them to prove their profound sinfulness and provocation of the Almighty. The conditional "But if the LORD make a new thing" sets up a **Prophetic Test**, where the fulfillment of the extraordinary prophecy serves as the ultimate validation of Moses' authority and God's absolute sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:30 is a stark testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His intolerance for rebellion against His established order and chosen authority. It underscores the profound truth that challenging God's appointed leaders is, at its core, a challenge to God Himself. This event serves as a foundational example of divine judgment in the Old Testament, illustrating that while God is merciful, He is also perfectly just and holy, and His holiness demands a response to sin, especially presumptuous and direct defiance. The "new thing" God does highlights His unique power to intervene in creation to achieve His purposes, demonstrating that His ways are not limited by human expectations or natural laws. This episode stands as a perpetual warning against spiritual pride, envy, and the usurpation of roles God has not given, emphasizing the sacredness of divine calling and the severe consequences of rejecting it.

* [Deuteronomy 11:6](/deuteronomy/11-6 "Deuteronomy 11:6 - Remembering Dathan and Abiram's Fate")
* [Psalm 106:16-18](/psalms/106-16-18 "Psalm 106:16-18 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")
* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - Woe to False Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:30, though describing a unique historical event, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to a deep reverence for God's holiness and His established order, recognizing that all legitimate authority, whether in the church, family, or civil society, ultimately derives from Him. While we no longer witness the earth opening to swallow rebels, the principle remains: God takes sin, particularly rebellion, pride, and the undermining of His truth and His appointed servants, with utmost seriousness. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of envy, discontent, or a desire to usurp authority that is not ours. It reminds us that true humility involves submitting to God's will and respecting the structures He has put in place, trusting in His wisdom and justice. Ultimately, it reassures us that God will always vindicate His truth and His faithful servants, even amidst opposition, and that His power is absolute in accomplishing His purposes. It compels us to consider the profound implications of provoking the LORD and to live in a manner that honors His divine authority and sacred appointments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in this passage shape your understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways might we, in contemporary contexts, be tempted to "provoke the LORD" by challenging legitimate authority or presuming upon spiritual roles not given to us?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a spirit of humility and submission to God's established order in our lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**Was this a natural earthquake, or something else?**

Answer: The text explicitly states, "if the LORD make a new thing" (Hebrew *bārā'*, used for divine creation), which strongly indicates this was not a natural earthquake. While an earthquake might cause the ground to open, the biblical account emphasizes a unique, supernatural act of God, distinct from ordinary natural phenomena. It was a targeted, precise, and immediate judgment orchestrated by God to prove His authority and vindicate Moses and Aaron, unlike a random geological event. This divine intervention is highlighted as an unprecedented "new creation" of judgment, leaving no doubt about its miraculous origin and its specific purpose in addressing the rebellion against God's chosen leaders.

**Why was the punishment so severe, extending to families and possessions?**

Answer: The severity of the punishment underscores the gravity of the sin. Rebellion against God's appointed leadership was considered a direct affront to God Himself, a challenge to His absolute sovereignty and the covenant order He established with Israel. The inclusion of families and possessions (as also seen in the judgment of Achan in [Joshua 7:24-25](/joshua/7-24-25 "Joshua 7:24-25 - Achan's Punishment")) was likely a reflection of corporate responsibility within ancient Israelite society, where the family unit was deeply intertwined with the individual. It also served as an unmistakable, terrifying warning to the entire congregation about the dire consequences of defying God's authority, ensuring that the rebellion would not spread and that God's holiness would be upheld before all. This comprehensive judgment aimed to eradicate the very memory and lineage of those who dared to directly provoke the LORD.

**Does God still punish rebellion in such dramatic ways today?**

Answer: While we do not typically witness the earth opening to swallow people whole in the present age, the principles of God's justice and His opposition to rebellion remain constant. God's primary mode of dealing with sin since the cross is through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, offering grace and repentance (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). However, the New Testament still warns against spiritual rebellion, false teaching, and defying God's established order, indicating that there will be ultimate judgment for unrepentant sin (e.g., [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - A Warning Against Willful Sin")). The dramatic nature of the Numbers 16 judgment serves as a timeless, vivid illustration of God's holiness and the seriousness with which He views defiance, reminding us that He is a God who is not to be trifled with, even as He extends immense mercy and calls all to repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:30, with its depiction of divine judgment against rebellion, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a repeated earthly swallowing, but in the profound spiritual realities revealed through Jesus Christ. Korah's rebellion was a rejection of God's chosen mediator and priest, Moses and Aaron, leading to a literal descent into the pit. In stark contrast, Jesus is the ultimate and perfect mediator and High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus the Great High Priest")). He is the true "new thing" God has done, not for judgment upon His people, but for their salvation. The "new thing" God promised through the prophets, a new covenant and a new creation (cf. [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Does a New Thing"); [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), is fully realized in Him. While Korah and his company faced immediate death for provoking the LORD, Jesus, though innocent, bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin, descending into the "pit" of death on our behalf (cf. [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - God Will Not Abandon His Holy One"); [Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "Acts 2:27 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). His resurrection, however, was God's ultimate vindication, proving His divine authority and confirming Him as the Son of God with power (cf. [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God")). Those who reject Christ, the ultimate divine authority, face a spiritual "pit" of eternal separation from God (cf. [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Those Who Believe Are Not Condemned")). Yet, for those who believe, Jesus offers escape from the condemnation of sin and death, bringing them into a new life and a new relationship with God, establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken (cf. [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). The judgment on Korah foreshadows the seriousness of rejecting God's anointed, but Christ's sacrifice offers the glorious alternative: redemption and eternal life for all who humbly submit to His sovereign Lordship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 55:15

Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them.

Numbers 16:33

They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

Job 31:3

[Is] not destruction to the wicked? and a strange [punishment] to the workers of iniquity?

Isaiah 43:19

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 45:12

I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, [even] my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Isaiah 28:21

For the LORD shall rise up as [in] mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as [in] the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.

Isaiah 45:7

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].