Numbers 16:30

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Context of Numbers 16:30

Numbers 16:30 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron's divinely appointed leadership. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with 250 prominent men, challenged Moses and Aaron, claiming they had "lifted themselves up" above the congregation, which they asserted was entirely holy (Numbers 16:3). Moses, in response, proposed a test to determine whom the LORD had truly chosen. This verse details the extraordinary and unprecedented sign that would definitively prove whether their rebellion was against men or against God Himself. It describes a unique, supernatural judgment that would leave no doubt about the LORD's direct involvement and His vindication of Moses and Aaron.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Vindication: This verse serves as a dramatic demonstration of God's immediate and severe judgment against those who directly defy His chosen authority. It unequivocally vindicates Moses and Aaron, proving that their leadership was not self-appointed but ordained by the LORD.
  • The Seriousness of Rebellion: The extreme nature of the punishment—the earth opening up to swallow the rebels alive—underscores the gravity of rebellion against God's established order and His chosen servants. It highlights that such defiance is ultimately against God Himself.
  • God's Sovereignty and Uniqueness: The phrase "if the LORD make a new thing" emphasizes that this is not a natural disaster but a unique, supernatural intervention by God, demonstrating His absolute power and control over creation to execute His will.
  • Consequences of Provocation: The verse explicitly states that this judgment will show "that these men have provoked the LORD," making it clear that their actions were a direct offense against God, not merely a dispute with Moses.

Linguistic Insights

  • "make a new thing": The Hebrew phrase here is b'ri'ah (בְּרִיאָה), which is often translated as "creation" or "new creation" elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 43:19, "I will do a new thing"). This choice of word is significant because it highlights the absolutely unprecedented and supernatural nature of the event. It was not a common earthquake or a natural phenomenon, but a unique, direct act of God, akin to a new work of creation, designed to leave no doubt about its divine origin.
  • "go down quick into the pit": The word translated "pit" is sheol (שְׁאוֹל), which generally refers to the grave, the realm of the dead, or the underworld in Hebrew thought. To "go down quick into the pit" means they were not just dying but were being immediately and supernaturally consigned to the realm of the dead, bypassing a natural death and burial. This emphasizes the immediacy and finality of God's judgment.

Practical Application

While we do not see such dramatic, immediate judgments today, Numbers 16:30 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers:

  • Respect for Authority: The passage reminds us of the importance of respecting authority, especially that which God has established, whether in the church, home, or civil society (Romans 13:1). Rebellion against God's appointed leaders can be seen as rebellion against God Himself.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: This event serves as a stark reminder that God takes sin, particularly pride and rebellion, very seriously. While God is merciful, He is also just and holy, and there are consequences for defying Him.
  • God's Vindication: Just as God vindicated Moses and Aaron, He will ultimately vindicate His truth and His faithful servants. Those who walk in obedience to Him can trust in His justice and protection.
  • God's Sovereignty: The "new thing" God did demonstrates His absolute sovereignty and power. He is capable of acting in extraordinary ways to accomplish His purposes and reveal His will.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 55:15 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 43:19 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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