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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 16:23–34. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here the determining of the controversy with Dathan and Abiram, who rebelled against Moses, as in the next paragraph the determining of the controversy with Korah and his company, who would be rivals with Aaron. It should seem that Dathan and Abiram had set up a spacious tabernacle in the midst of the tents of their families, where they kept court, met in council, and hung out their flag of defiance against Moses; it is here called the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, Num 16:24, Num 16:27. There, as in the place of rendezvous, Dathan and Abiram staid, when Korah and his friends went up to the tabernacle of the Lord, waiting the issue of their trial; but here we are told how they had their business done, before that trial was over. For God will take what method he pleases in his judgments.
I.Public warning is given to the congregation to withdraw immediately from the tents of the rebels.
1.God bids Moses speak to this purport, Num 16:24. This was in answer to Moses's prayer. He had begged that God would not destroy the whole congregation. "Well," says God, "I will not, provided they be so wise as to shift for their own safety, and get out of the way of danger. If they will quit the rebels, well and good, they shall not perish with them; otherwise, let them take what follows." Note, We cannot expect to reap benefit by the prayers of our friends for our salvation, unless we ourselves be diligent and faithful in making use of the means of salvation; for God never promised to save by miracles those that would not save themselves by means. Moses that had prayed for them must preach this to them, and warn them to flee from this wrath to come.
2.Moses accordingly repairs to the head-quarters of the rebels, leaving Aaron at the door of the tabernacle, Num 16:25. Dathan and Abiram had contumaciously refused to come up to him (Num 16:12), yet he humbly condescends to go down to them, to try if he could yet convince and reclaim them. Ministers must thus with meekness instruct those that oppose themselves, and not think it below them to stoop to those that are most stubborn, for their good. Christ himself stretches out his hand to a rebellious and gainsaying people. The seventy elders of Israel attend Moses and his guard, to secure him from the insolence of the rabble, and by their presence to put an honour upon him, and if possible to strike an awe upon the rebels. It is our duty to contribute all we can to the countenance and support of injured innocency and honour.
3.Proclamation is made that all manner of persons, as they tendered their own safety, should forthwith depart from the tents of these wicked men (Num 16:26), and thus should signify that they deserted their cause and interest, detested their crimes and counsels, and dreaded the punishment coming upon them. Note, Those that would not perish with sinners must come out from among them, and be separate. In vain do we pray, Gather not our souls with sinners, if we save not ourselves from the untoward generation. God's people are called out of Babylon, lest they share both in her sins and in her plagues, Rev 18:4.
II.The congregation takes the warning, but the rebels themselves continue obstinate, Num 16:27.
1.God, in mercy, inclined the people to forsake the rebels: They got up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, both those whose lot it was to pitch near them (who doubtless with themselves removed their families, and all their effects) and those also who had come from all parts of their camp to see the issue. It was in answer to the prayer of Moses that God thus stirred up the hearts of the congregation to shift for their own preservation. Note, To those whom God will save he gives repentance, that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil. Grace to separate from evil doers is one of the things that accompany salvation.
2.God, in justice, left the rebels to the obstinacy and hardness of their own hearts. Though they saw themselves abandoned by all their neighbours, and set up as a mark to the arrows of God's justice, yet instead of falling down and humbling themselves before God and Moses, owning their crime and begging pardon, instead of fleeing and dispersing themselves to seek for shelter in the crowd, they impudently stood in the doors of their tents, as if they would out-face God himself, and dare him to his worst. Thus were their hearts hardened to their own destruction, and they were fearless when their case was most fearful. But what a pity was it that their little children, who were not capable of guilt or fear, should by the presumption of their parents be put in this audacious posture! Happy they who are taught betimes to bow before God, and not as those unhappy little ones to stand it out against him!
III.Sentence is solemnly pronounced upon them by Moses in the name of the Lord, and the decision of the controversy is put upon the execution of that sentence by the almighty power of God. Moses, by divine instinct and direction, when the eyes of all Israel were fastened upon him, waiting the event, moved with a just and holy indignation at the impudence of the rebels, boldly puts the whole matter to a surprising issue, Num 16:28-30. 1. If the rebels die a common death, he will be content to be called and counted an impostor; not only if they die a natural death, but if they die by any sort of judgment that has formerly been executed on other malefactors. "If they die by the plague, or by fire from heaven, or by the sword, then say, God has disowned Moses;" but, 2. "If the earth open and swallow them up" (a punishment without precedent), "then let all the house of Israel know assuredly that I am God's servant, sent by him, and employed for him, and that those that fight against me fight against him." The judgment itself would have been proof enough of God's displeasure against the rebels, and would have given all men to understand that they had provoked the Lord; but when it was thus solemnly foretold and appealed to by Moses beforehand, when there was not the least previous indication of it from without, the convincing evidence of it was much the stronger, and it was put beyond dispute that he was not only a servant but a favourite of Heaven, who was so intimately acquainted with the divine counsels, and could obtain such extraordinary appearances of the divine power in his vindication.
IV.Execution is immediately done.
It appeared that God and his servant Moses understood one another very well; for, as soon as ever Moses had spoken the word, God did the work, the earth clave asunder (Num 16:31), opened her mouth, and swallowed them all up, them and theirs (Num 16:32), and then closed upon them, Num 16:33. This judgment was,
1.Unparalleled. God, in it, created a new thing, did what he never did before; for he has many arrows in his quiver; and there are diversities of operations in wrath as well as mercy. Dathan and Abiram thought themselves safe because they were at a distance from the shechinah, whence the fire of the Lord had sometimes issued, qui procul Jove (they say) procul fulmine - he who is far from Jove is far from the thunderbolt. But God made them to know that he was not tied up to one way of punishing; the earth, when he pleases, shall serve his justice as effectually as the fire.
2.It was very terrible to the sinners themselves to go down alive into their own graves, to be dead and buried in an instant, to go down thus to the bars of the pit when they were in their full strength wholly at ease and quiet.
3.It was severe upon their poor children, who, for the greater terror of the judgment, and fuller indication of the divine wrath, perished as parts of their parents, in which, though we cannot particularly tell how bad they might be to deserve it or how good God might be otherwise to them to compensate it, yet of this we are sure in the general, that Infinite Justice did them no wrong. Far be it from God that he should do iniquity.
4.It was altogether miraculous. The cleaving of the earth was as wonderful, and as much above the power of nature, as the cleaving of the sea, and the closing of the earth again more so than the closing of the waters. God has all the creatures at his command, and can make any of them, when he pleases, instruments of his justice; nor will any of them be our friends if he be our enemy. God now confirmed to Israel what Moses had lately taught them in that prayer of his, Psa 90:11, Who knows the power of thy anger? He has, when he pleases, strange punishments for the workers of iniquity, Job 31:3. Let us therefore conclude, Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?
5.It was very significant. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their throat was an open sepulchre; justly therefore does the earth open her mouth upon them and swallow them up. They made a rent in the congregation; justly therefore is the earth rent under them. Presumptuous sinners, that hate to be reformed, are a burden to the earth, the whole creation groans under them, which here was signified by this, that the earth sunk under these rebels, as weary of bearing them and being under them. And, considering how the earth is still in like manner loaded with the weight of iniquity, we have reason to wonder that this was the only time it ever sunk under its load.
6.It was typical of the eternal ruin of sinners who die impenitent, who, perhaps in allusion to this, are said to sink down into the pit (Psa 9:15) and to go down quickly into hell, Psa 55:15. But David, even when he sinks in deep mire, yet prays in faith, Let not the pit shut her mouth upon me, as it does on the damned, between whom and life there is a gulf fixed, Psa 69:2-15. His case was bad, but not, like this, desperate.
V.All Israel is alarmed at the judgment:
They fled at the cry of them, Num 16:34. They cried for help when it was too late. Their doleful shrieks, instead of fetching their neighbours in to their relief, drove them so much the further off; for knowing their own guilt, and one another's, they hastened one another, saying, Lest the earth swallow us up also. Note, Others' ruins should be our warnings. Could we by faith hear the outcries of those that have gone down to the bottomless pit, we should give more diligence than we do to escape for our lives, lest we also come into that condemnation.
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Summary
Numbers 16:31 records the terrifying and immediate divine judgment against the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who had challenged the God-ordained authority of Moses and Aaron. As Moses concluded his prophetic declaration, the earth miraculously split open, swallowing the rebels and their households alive, serving as an unequivocal demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty, His intolerance for rebellion, and His steadfast vindication of His chosen leaders. This dramatic event underscores the profound consequences of defying divine order and the seriousness of sin against the Lord.
Context
Literary Context
This verse marks the climactic and terrifying fulfillment of Moses' prophetic declaration made just moments before in Numbers 16:28-30. The preceding narrative details a widespread and audacious rebellion led by Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, who challenged Moses' and Aaron's leadership, accusing them of exalting themselves above the congregation, which they claimed was "all holy" (Numbers 16:3). Moses, deeply distressed by this affront to God's authority, proposed a divine test to determine God's true chosen leaders. The earth opening up and swallowing the rebels was the specific, extraordinary sign Moses stipulated, making Numbers 16:31 the direct, immediate, and undeniable divine response, silencing all further dispute. This event is immediately followed by fire consuming 250 men who offered incense, further demonstrating God's wrath (Numbers 16:35).
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is the wilderness journey of the Israelites, a period marked by God's direct guidance, provision, and the establishment of His covenant laws and tabernacle worship. During this time, leadership was divinely appointed, with Moses serving as God's prophet and mediator, and Aaron as the High Priest. Challenging this leadership was not merely a political coup but a direct affront to God Himself, who had chosen and consecrated them. The concept of corporate responsibility was also prevalent, where the actions of leaders or significant individuals could have consequences for their households or the entire community, as seen in the judgment extending to the families of Dathan and Abiram who did not separate themselves (Numbers 16:27). This event served as a foundational warning for the nascent nation about the sanctity of God's appointed order and the severe repercussions of rebellion, establishing a precedent for future generations.
Key Themes
Numbers 16:31 powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it underscores Divine Authority and Sovereignty, demonstrating that God is the ultimate ruler who establishes and vindicates His chosen leaders. Challenging Moses and Aaron was tantamount to challenging God Himself, revealing the depth of their sin. Secondly, it highlights the Gravity and Consequences of Rebellion, showing God's absolute intolerance for insubordination against His divine will and order. The immediate and terrifying judgment serves as a stark warning about the dire outcomes of rejecting God's authority. Thirdly, the event emphasizes God's Holiness and Justice, revealing that He is a God who sees and judges sin, especially presumptuous sin and defiance. This was not a natural disaster but a targeted, miraculous act of divine wrath, unequivocally affirming Moses' and Aaron's leadership and establishing the divine appointment of the priesthood, a theme further explored in Numbers 17.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (בָּקַע, H1234) is a primitive root meaning "to cleave," "to rend," "to break forth," or "to rip open." Its use here emphasizes the violent, sudden, and unnatural tearing apart of the earth. It denotes a forceful, decisive action, highlighting that this was not a natural geological event but a direct, miraculous, and supernatural intervention by God. The word conveys the sheer power and destructive force unleashed by divine judgment, making the earth itself an instrument of God's wrath, demonstrating His ability to "divide" or "break through" creation itself.
This noun (אֲדָמָה, H127) refers to "soil," "earth," or "ground," often from its general reddish hue. In this context, it signifies the very surface upon which the rebels stood. The fact that the "ground" itself "clave asunder" underscores God's absolute dominion over creation. He who formed the earth can command it to open and consume those who defy Him, demonstrating His ultimate power and the inescapable nature of His judgment, turning the very foundation of life into an instrument of death.
Verse Breakdown
"And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words"
This clause emphasizes the immediate and direct correlation between Moses' prophetic declaration and its fulfillment. Moses had just pronounced the specific sign by which God would confirm His authority and judge the rebels (Numbers 16:28-30). The phrase "as he had made an end of speaking" indicates that the judgment was instantaneous, leaving no room for doubt about its divine origin or its connection to Moses' words. It highlights God's prompt response to rebellion and His vindication of His servant.
"that the ground clave asunder"
This is the core action of the verse, describing the miraculous and terrifying event. The earth did not merely tremble or crack; it "clave asunder," meaning it violently split open, creating a chasm. This supernatural act underscores the extraordinary nature of the judgment, far beyond any natural phenomenon, and serves as an unmistakable sign of God's direct intervention and wrath. It visually represents the complete separation and removal of the rebels from the community of Israel, signifying their utter rejection by God.
"that [was] under them"
This specifies the precise location of the judgment. The earth opened directly beneath Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their households, indicating a targeted and precise act of divine judgment. It was not a random disaster but a specific, localized, and personal act of God against those who had risen in rebellion. This detail reinforces the justice and intentionality behind the divine punishment, ensuring that the judgment fell squarely upon those who had defied God's appointed order.
Literary Devices
The narrative of Numbers 16:31 employs several potent Literary Devices. Foremost is Theophany or Divine Intervention, where God directly and visibly acts within human history, demonstrating His power and presence. This is not an abstract judgment but a tangible, terrifying display of divine wrath, making His presence unmistakable. The immediate fulfillment of Moses' prophecy also serves as a powerful instance of Prophetic Validation, confirming Moses' status as God's true spokesman and silencing all doubts about his authority. The event itself is rich in Symbolism: the earth opening up to swallow the rebels symbolizes God's rejection and consumption of wickedness, a reversal of the life-giving nature of the earth, turning it into an instrument of death and a tomb for the unrighteous. It also serves as a stark Warning, a didactic element intended to instill fear of the Lord and respect for His appointed order within the Israelite community and for future generations. The dramatic and sudden nature of the judgment also creates a sense of Suspense and Climax, bringing the rebellion narrative to a terrifying and decisive resolution.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 16:31 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty, His unwavering holiness, and the unwavering certainty of His justice. It reveals that rebellion against God's appointed authority is not merely a human conflict but an act of defiance against the Almighty Himself, carrying dire consequences. The severity of the judgment underscores the sanctity of God's divine order and the seriousness with which He regards insubordination, particularly within the context of His covenant people. This event serves as a foundational lesson for Israel and for all believers, reminding us that while God is merciful, He is also righteous and will not tolerate unrepentant, presumptuous sin. It highlights the principle that God will ultimately vindicate His truth and His chosen servants, even through extraordinary means, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people.
Reflection and Application
The terrifying judgment described in Numbers 16:31, while unique in its physical manifestation, carries timeless spiritual principles for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder of the gravity of sin, particularly the sin of rebellion against God's established order and authority. While we may not witness the earth opening up, the spiritual consequences of pride, divisiveness, and challenging legitimate leadership remain profound. This passage calls us to cultivate humility, submission, and a deep reverence for God's sovereignty, recognizing that all true authority ultimately flows from Him. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any seeds of rebellion, discontent, or a desire to usurp roles not given to us, urging us instead to embrace our God-given callings with faithfulness and integrity. Furthermore, it reminds us that God is just and will ultimately address all forms of rebellion, whether immediately or in His perfect timing, calling us to trust in His righteous governance of the world and His church, and to live in humble obedience to His revealed will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was this a natural earthquake, or was it a miraculous act of God?
The text clearly presents this as a direct, miraculous act of God, not a natural disaster. Moses explicitly prophesied the exact manner of death—that the earth would open and swallow them alive—as the sign that God had sent him and that the rebels had provoked the Lord (Numbers 16:28-30). The immediate and precise fulfillment of this prophecy, occurring "as he had made an end of speaking," underscores its supernatural origin and distinguishes it from a random geological event. It was a targeted, divine judgment, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation to execute His will.
Why were the families of Dathan and Abiram swallowed along with them?
The text indicates that the families, including "all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods" (Numbers 16:32), were swallowed. While Korah's sons are later mentioned as surviving (Numbers 26:11), it's understood that those who were swallowed were those who had aligned themselves with the rebellion and did not heed Moses' warning to "depart from the tents of these wicked men" (Numbers 16:26). In ancient Israel, there was often a concept of corporate responsibility, where the family unit was closely identified with the head of the household, especially in matters of covenant and rebellion. Their inclusion in the judgment emphasizes the extreme gravity of the sin and the comprehensive nature of God's wrath against those who defiantly oppose Him.
Does God still judge rebellion in such a dramatic, physical way today?
While God's character and principles of justice remain unchanging, His methods of judgment often differ in the New Covenant era. The dramatic, immediate physical judgment seen in Numbers 16:31 was a unique event designed to establish the authority of God's chosen leaders and the sanctity of His covenant in the nascent nation of Israel. Today, God's judgment against rebellion and sin is primarily spiritual, often manifesting in the consequences of sin, a hardened heart, separation from God, or ultimately, eternal condemnation for those who reject Christ (John 3:18). However, the principle remains: God is holy, sin is serious, and rebellion against His authority will not go unpunished, though the form of judgment may vary. The New Testament warns of the "wrath of God" that comes upon the children of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6), reminding us that divine judgment is a continuing reality.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The terrifying judgment in Numbers 16:31, where the earth opened to consume the rebels, profoundly underscores the absolute holiness of God and the dire consequences of rebellion against His divine authority. This dramatic display of God's wrath against sin serves as a stark backdrop against which the ultimate act of divine justice and mercy in Jesus Christ is illuminated. The earth opening up to swallow the wicked foreshadows the ultimate judgment that awaits all who reject God's appointed King and High Priest, Jesus. Unlike Korah, who presumptuously sought a priesthood not given to him, Jesus Christ is the divinely appointed and eternal High Priest, "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:17), whose perfect sacrifice fully satisfies God's righteous demands. The judgment on Korah and his company reveals the depth of human sin and the necessity of a perfect mediator. Christ, the true Lamb of God, bore the full weight of God's wrath, the judgment that we deserved, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from the consuming fire of divine justice. His descent into the grave and subsequent resurrection represent His victory over sin and death, offering life to those who would otherwise face the earth opening up for eternal condemnation. Thus, the terrifying chasm of Numbers 16:31 points forward to the chasm of sin that only Christ's atoning work could bridge, providing a way of escape from ultimate judgment for all who trust in His perfect authority and sacrifice (Romans 5:8) and are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1).