Numbers 16:31

KJV

And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that [was] under them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as he had made an end {H3615} of speaking {H1696} all these words {H1697}, that the ground {H127} clave asunder {H1234} that was under them:

Complete Jewish Bible

The moment he finished speaking, the ground under them split apart -

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as he made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them;

Commentary

### 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](/numbers/16-28 "Numbers 16:28-30 - Moses' Prophecy of Divine Judgment"). 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](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation")). 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](/numbers/16-35 "Numbers 16:35 - Fire Consumes the Incense-Bearers")).
* **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](/numbers/16-27 "Numbers 16:27 - Separation from the Tents of the Wicked")). 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.
* **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. 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](/numbers/17 "Numbers 17 - Aaron's Staff Buds").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **clave asunder (Hebrew, _bâqaʿ'_):** This verb (בָּקַע) literally means "to split," "to cleave," or "to break 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.
* **ground (Hebrew, _'erets'_):** The Hebrew word (אֶרֶץ) refers to the earth, land, or ground. In this context, it signifies the very foundation 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.

#### 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](/numbers/16-28 "Numbers 16:28-30 - Moses' Prophecy")). 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.
* **"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.

#### 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. 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. 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 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.

* [Deuteronomy 11:6](/deuteronomy/11-6 "Deuteronomy 11:6 - The Judgment of Dathan and Abiram")
* [Psalm 106:16-18](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16-18 - Israel's Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron")
* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - Woe to Those Who Follow Korah's Rebellion")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immediate and severe judgment in Numbers 16:31 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might the spirit of Korah's rebellion—challenging God-given authority or claiming self-righteousness—manifest in our lives or communities today?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility and a spirit of submission to legitimate authority, both spiritual and civil, as a reflection of our submission to God?**

### FAQ
**Was this a natural earthquake, or was it a miraculous act of God?**

Answer: 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](/numbers/16-28 "Numbers 16:28-30 - Moses' Prophecy of Divine Judgment")). 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.

**Why were the families of Dathan and Abiram swallowed along with them?**

Answer: The text indicates that the families, including "all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods" ([Numbers 16:32](/numbers/16-32 "Numbers 16:32 - The Earth Swallows the Rebels and Their Families")), were swallowed. While Korah's sons are later mentioned as surviving ([Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - The Sons of Korah Did Not Die")), 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](/numbers/16-26 "Numbers 16:26 - Moses Warns the Congregation")). 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?**

Answer: 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](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). 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.

### 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](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek")), whose 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the 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](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love for Us")).

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

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.

Deuteronomy 11:6

And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that [was] in their possession, in the midst of all Israel:

Psalms 106:17

The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.

Psalms 106:18

And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

Numbers 26:10

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

Numbers 26:11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.