Numbers 16:32

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Numbers 16:32 describes the dramatic and terrifying climax of the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the divinely appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron. This verse vividly portrays God's immediate and supernatural judgment against those who challenged His authority and the established order in Israel.

Context

This verse is the direct consequence of a significant challenge to Moses' and Aaron's spiritual and political authority within the Israelite camp. Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and On, sons of Reuben, gathered 250 prominent men to confront Moses and Aaron, accusing them of exalting themselves above the congregation (Numbers 16:3). Moses challenged them to a test before the Lord, proposing that if the earth opened and swallowed them, it would be clear that they had provoked the Lord (Numbers 16:29-30). Numbers 16:32 details the fulfillment of this prophecy, demonstrating God's swift and unique judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's direct intervention and severe judgment against rebellion and disrespect for His chosen leaders. This was not a natural disaster but a targeted, supernatural act.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: It underscores the grave consequences of challenging God's established order and His chosen authority. The judgment extended not only to the leaders but also to their families and possessions who were aligned with them.
  • God's Vindication of His Servants: The event served as a clear vindication of Moses' and Aaron's leadership, confirming that their authority was from God and not self-appointed.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: This dramatic punishment highlights the extreme seriousness with which God views insubordination and defiance against His will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated as "opened her mouth" is patsah piha (פָּצְתָה פִּיהָ), which literally means "she opened her mouth." This anthropomorphic language emphasizes the deliberate and active role of the earth in executing God's judgment, almost as if it were a living entity obeying a divine command. The verb "swallowed them up" is bala (בָּלַע), meaning to engulf or consume, indicating a complete and irreversible disappearance.

Practical Application

The account of Korah's rebellion and its outcome serves as a timeless warning. It reminds us of the importance of respecting God-given authority, whether in spiritual leadership or in civil governance, as long as it operates within God's moral framework. It teaches that challenging divine order can lead to severe consequences. Furthermore, it highlights God's unwavering justice and His commitment to upholding His truth and His chosen instruments. For believers today, it encourages humility, submission to God's will, and discernment concerning those who would sow discord or challenge legitimate authority within the body of Christ.

This event is also referenced in the New Testament, notably by Jude, who warns against those who follow "the gainsaying of Core" (Jude 1:11), signifying continued relevance of the principles of obedience and respect for divine authority.

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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

  • Numbers 26:11 (5 votes)

    Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

  • Revelation 12:16 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 5:14 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 88:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.