Numbers 16:32

KJV

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that [appertained] unto Korah, and all [their] goods.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the earth {H776} opened {H6605} her mouth {H6310}, and swallowed them up {H1104}, and their houses {H1004}, and all the men {H120} that appertained unto Korah {H7141}, and all their goods {H7399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their households, all the people who had sided with Korach and everything they owned.

Berean Standard Bible

and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions.

American Standard Version

and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:32 vividly portrays the immediate and terrifying divine judgment upon Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with all who aligned with their rebellion against the divinely established leadership of Moses and Aaron. In an unprecedented display of God's sovereign power, the very earth miraculously opened its mouth and swallowed them whole—their families, their homes, and all their possessions—causing them to descend alive into the realm of the dead as an undeniable demonstration of God's fierce wrath against insubordination, defiance of His sacred order, and the usurpation of priestly authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:32 serves as the climactic and terrifying fulfillment of Moses' prophetic declaration of divine judgment against the rebellion of Korah, a Levite, and the Reubenites Dathan and Abiram. The preceding narrative details their audacious challenge to Moses' and Aaron's God-given authority, accusing them of exalting themselves above the congregation of the Lord ([Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation")). Deeply distressed, Moses proposed a divine test involving censers to determine who truly belonged to the Lord and who was holy ([Numbers 16:5-7](/numbers/16-5-7 "Numbers 16:5-7 - Moses' Challenge to Korah")). Specifically addressing Dathan and Abiram, who defiantly refused to come before him, Moses declared that if they died a natural death, the Lord had not sent him, but if the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them alive, it would be clear they had provoked the Lord ([Numbers 16:29-30](/numbers/16-29-30 "Numbers 16:29-30 - Moses' Prophecy of Judgment")). Verse 32 directly describes the terrifying execution of this unique judgment, immediately following Moses' command for the congregation to separate themselves from the tents of these wicked men ([Numbers 16:26](/numbers/16-26 "Numbers 16:26 - Separation from the Rebels"))—a warning that many heeded, but some tragically did not.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This cataclysmic event unfolded during Israel's arduous forty-year wilderness wandering, a period characterized by miraculous divine provision, but also by persistent murmuring and outright rebellion against God and His chosen leaders. The Israelite camp was meticulously structured around the Tabernacle, with distinct and divinely ordained roles for the Levites (Korah's lineage) and the Aaronic priesthood (Aaron's lineage). Korah, as a Kohathite Levite, held a privileged position in serving the Tabernacle, but he coveted the priesthood, which was exclusively reserved for Aaron's descendants. This rebellion was far more than a mere challenge to human leadership; it was a direct affront to God's divinely established order for worship, governance, and the very identity of the nascent nation. In a theocratic society, challenging God's appointed representatives was tantamount to challenging God Himself, carrying severe consequences, as demonstrated by previous judgments, such as those at Taberah and Kibroth-hattaavah ([Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - Murmuring and Quail and Divine Judgment")). The public, supernatural nature of this judgment served as an undeniable sign to the entire congregation, reinforcing God's absolute authority, the sanctity of the roles He ordained, and the dire peril of presumptuous sin.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:32 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment** as a direct, supernatural act of God against profound rebellion. This was not a natural disaster but a targeted, immediate, and unique response to human defiance, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. Secondly, it highlights the **Comprehensive Consequences of Rebellion** against God's established authority and order, demonstrating that such sin carries severe, even comprehensive, penalties extending beyond the immediate perpetrators to their households and possessions, serving as a corporate object lesson. Thirdly, the event serves as a profound **Vindication of God's Chosen Servants**, Moses and Aaron, confirming that their leadership was divinely sanctioned and not self-appointed, thereby solidifying their authority in the eyes of the people. Finally, this dramatic punishment emphasizes the **Seriousness of Sin**, particularly insubordination and defiance against God's revealed will and His appointed instruments, serving as a stark warning against challenging the divine order and the sanctity of God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **earth (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** This word (H776) refers to the physical ground or land, but in this context, it is personified as an active agent. The earth, which is typically seen as stable and foundational, becomes an instrument of divine judgment, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty even over the very elements of creation. Its action here signifies a reversal of the natural order, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the judgment.
* **opened (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** The verb (H6605) means "to open wide," "to loosen," or "to break forth." When applied to the earth, it conveys a deliberate, forceful, and unprecedented action. This is not a passive crack or fissure, but an active, intentional gape, as if the earth itself is responding to a direct divine command, making the judgment all the more terrifying and miraculous.
* **swallowed them up (Hebrew, _bâlaʻ'_):** This verb (H1104) denotes a complete and irreversible absorption or consumption. It implies that the rebels and all their belongings were not merely buried or descended into a pit, but were utterly engulfed and made to disappear without a trace. This emphasizes the finality and totality of God's judgment, signifying a complete removal from the land of the living and from memory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the earth opened her mouth":** This clause immediately establishes the supernatural and miraculous nature of the event. The earth, typically inert, is portrayed with anthropomorphic agency, actively responding to God's command. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation, compelling the very ground to execute His judgment in a way that defies natural explanation.
* **"and swallowed them up":** This signifies the immediate, complete, and irreversible engulfment of the rebels. It emphasizes the totality of their disappearance, indicating that they were not merely buried but consumed, removed from the face of the earth in a unique and terrifying manner, leaving no possibility of escape or recovery.
* **"and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah":** This expands the scope of the judgment beyond the primary instigators (Korah, Dathan, Abiram) to include their entire households and any individuals who were directly associated with or living in their tents, thus implicitly or explicitly part of their rebellion. This inclusion underscores the corporate responsibility and the comprehensive nature of God's wrath against such a profound challenge to His authority and order.
* **"and all their goods":** The final phrase further emphasizes the completeness of the judgment. Not only were the people and their homes consumed, but also all their possessions. This ensured that no physical trace of their rebellion remained, serving as a lasting, tangible warning to the rest of the congregation and future generations, signifying a complete obliteration of their presence and legacy.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity and supernatural nature of the event. **Anthropomorphism** is prominently featured, as the earth is personified, described as "opening her mouth" and "swallowing" the rebels. This imbues the natural world with an active, almost sentient role in executing divine judgment, making the event far more vivid and terrifying than a mere geological occurrence. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** is also evident in the repeated use of "all" ("all the men," "all their goods"), underscoring the comprehensive and total destruction, leaving absolutely nothing behind. This serves to amplify the severity of God's wrath and the finality of the judgment. Furthermore, the event functions as a dramatic **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, directly validating Moses' words in [Numbers 16:29-30](/numbers/16-29-30 "Numbers 16:29-30 - Moses' Prophecy of Judgment"), thereby confirming Moses' divine authority and God's unwavering commitment to His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:32 stands as a profound theological statement on God's holiness, justice, and absolute sovereignty. It unequivocally reveals that God is not indifferent to challenges against His divine order, particularly when it involves His chosen leadership and the integrity of His covenant community. The unique and terrifying nature of this judgment underscores the extreme seriousness with which God views rebellion, insubordination, and the usurpation of sacred authority. It serves as a stark reminder that sin, especially presumptuous sin against God's established will, carries severe consequences, demonstrating that God will actively vindicate His name and His servants. This event is a foundational narrative for understanding the dangers of pride, envy, and a disregard for divine appointment, illustrating that God's judgment is both precise and comprehensive, extending to all who align with defiance.

* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Way of Cain, the Error of Balaam, and the Rebellion of Korah")
* [Deuteronomy 11:6](/deuteronomy/11-6 "Deuteronomy 11:6 - The Example of Dathan and Abiram")
* [Psalm 106:17](/psalm/106-17 "Psalm 106:17 - God's Judgment on Dathan and Abiram")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of Numbers 16:32 offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today, compelling us to reflect deeply on the profound seriousness of sin, particularly that of rebellion against God's established order and His appointed authorities, whether in the church, family, or civil society. While the New Covenant operates under the glorious banner of grace, the eternal principles of humility, respect for leadership, and the dangers of pride and division remain profoundly relevant. This passage calls us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of envy, discontent, or a desire to usurp roles not given to us by divine appointment. It reminds us that God is a holy and just God who will not be mocked, and that true spiritual authority flows from Him alone, not from human ambition or popular acclaim. Ultimately, this narrative encourages a posture of humble submission to God's sovereign will, a careful discernment of legitimate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to unity and peace within the body of Christ, recognizing that challenging divine order can have devastating consequences, both temporal and eternal, for individuals and communities alike.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of the judgment in Numbers 16:32 challenge my understanding of God's justice and holiness, particularly in light of His mercy?**
* **In what specific ways might I, subtly or overtly, be tempted to challenge legitimate authority in my life, whether in spiritual, familial, or societal contexts, and how can I guard against this?**
* **What enduring lessons can I draw from this account about the importance of humility, the dangers of pride and envy, and the sanctity of God's established order in my own spiritual walk and interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**Why did the judgment extend to their families and possessions?**

Answer: The comprehensive nature of the judgment, including families and possessions, reflects several profound aspects of ancient Israelite understanding and divine justice. Firstly, it highlights the concept of corporate responsibility, where the actions of a leader or a household could bring consequences upon the entire unit. This was a common and powerful deterrent in the ancient Near East, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the community. Secondly, the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram was not a private sin but a public, audacious challenge to God's divinely established order, threatening the very fabric of the Israelite community and their covenant relationship with God. The judgment needed to be absolute and undeniable to serve as a clear sign to the entire congregation, ensuring that no trace of the rebellion or its perpetrators remained to perpetuate their defiance or serve as a memorial to their sin. Examples like Achan's sin in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Punishment"), which brought defeat upon the entire nation, illustrate a similar principle of comprehensive judgment for corporate sin that endangered the community's standing with God.

**Is this incident relevant for Christians today, given God's grace in the New Covenant?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the New Covenant emphasizes God's boundless grace and forgiveness through Christ, the principles underlying this event remain profoundly relevant and enduring. Numbers 16:32 serves as an enduring warning against rebellion, a clear demonstration of God's unchanging character (His holiness, justice, and intolerance for sin), and a stark reminder of the seriousness of challenging divine authority. The New Testament itself references this event, with Jude warning against those who follow "the way of Cain... and perish in the rebellion of Korah" ([Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Way of Cain, the Error of Balaam, and the Rebellion of Korah")). It reminds us that God is still "a consuming fire" ([Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")) and that while believers are saved by grace through faith, willful rebellion and disregard for God's truth and established order are still grievous sins. The Old Testament serves as "examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did" ([1 Corinthians 10:6](/1_corinthians/10-6 "1 Corinthians 10:6 - Warnings from Israel's History")), and this account especially underscores the importance of humility, submission to God's will, and respect for spiritual authority within the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The terrifying judgment described in Numbers 16:32, where the earth supernaturally opens to swallow the rebellious, profoundly highlights the severity of sin and the absolute necessity of a perfect mediator. In the Old Covenant, Moses, though a faithful servant and intercessor, could only stand by and witness God's judgment; he could not ultimately prevent it for those who defiantly challenged God's decree. This dramatic event foreshadows the ultimate rebellion of all humanity against a holy God, a rebellion that demands an even greater, eternal judgment. However, in stark contrast to Korah's fate, Jesus Christ, the true and ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), willingly descended into the "earth" of death and the grave, not as a recipient of judgment for His own sin, but as the sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He bore the full weight of divine wrath, absorbing the wages of sin—death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death"))—so that all who trust in Him would never face the "swallowing" judgment of eternal separation from God. The very earth that opened to consume Korah now testifies to Christ's triumphant victory over death and the grave, for He rose from it, demonstrating that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). Thus, Numbers 16:32, while a terrifying display of divine justice and a warning against rebellion, ultimately points to the greater salvation offered through Christ, who absorbed the judgment we deserved, offering life and redemption to all who believe.

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 26:11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

Revelation 12:16

And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Psalms 106:17

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

Isaiah 5:14

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

1 Chronicles 6:22

The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

Psalms 88:1

¶ A Song [or] Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day [and] night before thee:

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.