Numbers 16:34

KJV

And all Israel that [were] round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up [also].

KJV (with Strong's)

And all Israel {H3478} that were round about {H5439} them fled {H5127} at the cry {H6963} of them: for they said {H559}, Lest the earth {H776} swallow us up {H1104} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

All Isra'el around them fled at their shrieks, shouting, "The earth might swallow us too!"

Berean Standard Bible

At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!”

American Standard Version

And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them; for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:34 vividly captures the immediate, terror-stricken reaction of the surrounding Israelite congregation to the unprecedented divine judgment unleashed upon Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Having just witnessed the earth supernaturally open and swallow the rebels and their households alive, the horrifying screams of the perishing filled the air, prompting "all Israel" to flee in a desperate, panicked scramble, lest the same terrifying fate of being consumed by the earth should be befall them as well. This verse powerfully underscores the profound awe and fear of the Lord that seized the people in response to God's manifest holiness and righteous wrath against rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:34 serves as the dramatic climax and immediate aftermath of the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, detailed in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). This chapter narrates a significant challenge to the divinely appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron, stemming from a mixture of priestly ambition (Korah, a Levite) and tribal discontent (Dathan and Abiram, Reubenites). Following a series of confrontations and tests, God commands the entire congregation to separate themselves from the tents of these rebellious men [Numbers 16:26](/numbers/16-26 "Numbers 16:26 - Separate Yourselves"). The judgment that follows is swift and unique: the earth opens its mouth and swallows the rebels, their families, and all their possessions, sending them alive into Sheol [Numbers 16:31-33](/numbers/16-31 "Numbers 16:31 - The Earth Opens"). Verse 34 describes the visceral, immediate reaction of the remaining Israelites to this horrifying spectacle, highlighting the profound impact of God's direct intervention and judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 16 occur during Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, a period marked by frequent murmuring, rebellion, and divine discipline. This era was foundational for Israel's identity as God's covenant people, and the establishment of proper authority structures (Mosaic leadership, Aaronic priesthood) was crucial for their spiritual and social order. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, divine judgment was often perceived as a direct, physical manifestation of a deity's displeasure, and natural phenomena like earthquakes or the earth opening were sometimes associated with divine wrath. The concept of corporate solidarity was also strong; the actions of leaders or a significant group could bring consequences upon the wider community, making the Israelites' fear of being "swallowed up also" culturally understandable and biblically warranted given God's prior judgments on the nation for collective sin (e.g., [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Spies and Rebellion")).
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:34 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute holiness and sovereignty of God** and His intolerance for rebellion against His established order and chosen leaders. The judgment is a stark demonstration that God takes sin, particularly defiance of His divine authority, with utmost seriousness. Secondly, the Israelites' flight exemplifies the **fear of the Lord**, not merely as terror, but as a necessary, awe-filled response to witnessing God's immense power, justice, and righteous wrath. This reverential awe is foundational to wisdom and obedience, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Thirdly, the verse vividly illustrates the **dire and immediate consequences of rebellion** against God, serving as a potent warning to the entire nation and future generations about the perils of challenging divine decrees. Finally, the act of fleeing signifies the crucial theme of **separation from sin and its consequences**. The Israelites instinctively understood the need to distance themselves from those on whom God's judgment was falling, recognizing that proximity to unrighteousness could lead to shared condemnation, a principle echoed in later biblical calls to spiritual purity (e.g., [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fled (Hebrew, _vayyanusu'_):** This verb, וַיָּנֻסוּ (vayyanusu), from the root נוּס (nus), means "to flee, escape, take flight." Its use here conveys an immediate, panicked, and desperate movement away from danger. It's not a calm withdrawal but a rapid, urgent scramble, reflecting the profound terror that gripped the congregation. The perfect tense with a waw consecutive emphasizes the swift, decisive nature of their reaction.
* **Cry (Hebrew, _qol'_):** The Hebrew word קוֹל (qol) translates to "voice, sound, cry." In this context, "the cry of them" refers to the horrific screams and sounds of those being swallowed by the earth. This auditory stimulus was not just noise but the terrifying sound of divine judgment in action, a visceral trigger for the Israelites' flight. It implies a sound of agony and ultimate despair, amplifying the horror of the scene.
* **Swallow us up (Hebrew, _tivla'enu'_):** The verb בָּלַע (balaʿ), "to swallow, engulf, consume," is used here in the imperfect tense, expressing a potential future action. The specific fear of being "swallowed up" by the earth directly reflects the unique nature of the judgment just witnessed. It highlights their immediate understanding of the direct link between the rebels' sin and the divine punishment, and their rational fear that proximity to such sin could lead to a similar, terrifying fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all Israel that [were] round about them":** This phrase identifies the subjects of the action – the vast majority of the Israelite congregation who had gathered to witness the confrontation and were now positioned near the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, as commanded by God. It emphasizes that this was a widespread, collective reaction from those who were direct eyewitnesses to the divine judgment.
* **"fled at the cry of them":** This clause describes the immediate, visceral response of the Israelites. Their flight was not merely a physical movement but an instinctive reaction to the terrifying sounds emanating from the earth as it consumed the rebels. The "cry" signifies the horror and finality of the judgment, prompting an urgent, self-preservational escape.
* **"for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up [also].":** This final clause reveals the underlying motivation for their flight: a profound, rational fear of shared judgment. They understood that the earth's action was not random but a targeted divine punishment, and their proximity to the condemned made them fear that they, too, might be engulfed if they did not separate themselves quickly. This demonstrates their immediate recognition of God's power and the seriousness of the rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:34 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of the moment. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as "all Israel" fleeing suggests a widespread, almost universal panic, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the terror rather than a literal count of every single person. The phrase "fled at the cry of them" uses **Sensory Imagery**, specifically auditory, to immerse the reader in the horrifying experience, making the judgment tangible and immediate through the screams of the perishing. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; while the Israelites flee from the specific judgment meted out to the rebels, their fear is entirely justified given the spectacle, highlighting the profound chasm between human rebellion and divine power. The opening of the earth itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's absolute power to judge and His ability to unravel the very foundations of creation in response to sin. The verse's concise, declarative structure contributes to its **Impact**, delivering the scene with stark, unadorned force that leaves a lasting impression of divine wrath and human terror.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:34 stands as a profound testament to God's unyielding holiness and the severe consequences of defying His established order. It reveals a God who is not to be trifled with, whose justice is real and immediate when His authority is challenged or His holiness profaned. The terror that gripped Israel was a divinely intended response, meant to instill a healthy, reverential "fear of the Lord" – an awe that acknowledges His absolute sovereignty and power, leading to humility and obedience. This incident serves as a foundational narrative illustrating the principle that sin, particularly rebellion against God's chosen leadership, has dire and often corporate consequences. It also highlights the imperative for God's people to separate themselves from unrighteousness, recognizing that proximity to sin can lead to shared judgment and that true spiritual safety lies in obedience and alignment with God's will.

* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17-18](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - Separation from Unbelievers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:34 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us of the profound seriousness of sin, especially rebellion against God's revealed will and His appointed authorities. While we no longer expect the earth to open and swallow the disobedient, the spiritual principles remain potent. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep, reverential fear of God, recognizing His omnipotence, holiness, and unwavering justice. Such fear is not paralyzing terror but a profound awe that leads to humble obedience and a desire to live in alignment with His purposes. It also underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to separate ourselves from attitudes, teachings, or associations that are in open rebellion against God's truth, lest we be drawn into their negative consequences. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of pride or defiance, urging us to submit to God's authority in all areas of our lives and to respect those He has placed in positions of leadership, both within the church and in society.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Israelites' reaction to divine judgment inform our understanding of the "fear of the Lord" today?**
* **In what ways might we, subtly or overtly, challenge God's authority in our lives or within the church?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to separate from ungodliness?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness and justice in a world that often minimizes sin?**

### FAQ
**Was the Israelites' fear of being "swallowed up also" justified, or was it an overreaction?**

Answer: The Israelites' fear was entirely justified given the immediate context. God had just performed an unprecedented act of judgment, causing the earth to literally open and consume the rebels. While the judgment was specifically targeted at Korah and his company, the fear of being "swallowed up also" stemmed from a valid understanding of corporate solidarity and the potential for shared consequences when in proximity to grievous sin. God had previously demonstrated His willingness to judge the entire congregation for collective disobedience (e.g., the golden calf incident, the murmuring after the spies' report). The command to separate themselves from the rebels' tents [Numbers 16:26](/numbers/16-26 "Numbers 16:26 - Separate Yourselves") implicitly warned of shared danger. Their flight was a rational, self-preservational response to a terrifying display of divine wrath, demonstrating a healthy, albeit primal, fear of the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:34, with its raw depiction of divine judgment and the terror it inspires, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The terrifying prospect of being "swallowed up" by divine wrath, a consequence of rebellion against God's holiness, is precisely what Christ averted for those who believe. He became the one who was "swallowed up" by judgment on the cross, bearing the full weight of God's wrath against sin, so that believers might never experience it [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"). The fear of the Lord, initially a terror-driven flight from judgment, is transformed in Christ into a reverent awe and love, knowing that through His sacrifice, we have been reconciled to God [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - Reconciliation Through Christ"). Furthermore, the theme of separation from sin and its consequences is fulfilled in Christ's call to new life; believers are now called to "come out from among them and be separate" [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them"), not by fleeing physical judgment, but by dying to sin and living for righteousness through identification with Christ's death and resurrection [Romans 6:4-11](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ Through Baptism"). The ultimate authority, challenged in Korah's rebellion, is now fully vested in Christ, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Thus, the terror of Numbers 16:34 points to the glorious salvation offered in Christ, where judgment is satisfied, and a new, obedient relationship with God is made possible.

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

Revelation 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Revelation 6:17

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Zechariah 14:5

And ye shall flee [to] the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee.

Isaiah 33:3

At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered.

Numbers 17:12

And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

Numbers 17:13

Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?