What does Numbers 16:31 mean?
"¶ 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:" - Numbers 16:31
Numbers 16:31 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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." This verse is part of the story of Korah's rebellion, which is found in the Old Testament book of Numbers.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its full meaning. In the preceding verses, we learn about a rebellion led by a man named Korah, who was from the tribe of Levi. Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 others, challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, claiming that they too were called by God to be priests. This rebellion was a direct challenge to the established authority and leadership structure that God had ordained for the Israelites.
In response to the rebellion, Moses tells the rebels to bring their censers and present themselves before the Lord. He then declares that God will make known who is holy and who is unholy by how these men are dealt with. This sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in verse 31.
The ground literally opens up and swallows Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with their households and all their possessions. This is a stunning display of divine judgment, as the earth itself responds to the rebellion by consuming those who had defied God's appointed leaders. This is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and his defense of those whom he has chosen to lead his people.
The imagery in this verse is rich with symbolism and meaning. The ground opening up and swallowing the rebels serves as a visual representation of the consequences of rebellion against God's ordained authority. It emphasizes the seriousness of defying God's chosen leaders and the severe punishment that comes with it.
The earth itself is depicted as being responsive to God's will, as it "clave asunder" at his command. This emphasizes the idea that all of creation is subject to God's authority and will ultimately obey his commands. This is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the futility of resisting his divine plan.
This account also highlights the theme of divine justice. The rebels receive a swift and decisive punishment for their disobedience, serving as a warning to others who might consider defying God's chosen leaders. It underscores the principle that God is just and will ultimately deal with those who rebel against his authority.
Furthermore, this verse underscores the importance of respecting and honoring the leaders that God has appointed. It serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience and rebellion against God-ordained authority will not go unpunished.
In conclusion, Numbers 16:31 is a powerful and evocative verse that captures the dramatic and awe-inspiring events surrounding Korah's rebellion. It underscores the themes of divine justice, God's sovereignty, and the consequences of defying his appointed leaders. The imagery and symbolism in this verse serve as a stark reminder of the severity of rebellion against God and the importance of honoring those whom he has chosen to lead his people.
Have questions about Numbers 16:31?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 16:31 Artwork
Numbers 16:31 - "¶ 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:"
Numbers 16:31-35 - "Numbers 16:31-35: As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, “The earth is going to swallow us too!” And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense."
"¶ 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:" - Numbers 16:31
"Numbers 16:31-35: As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, “The earth is going to swallow us too!” And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense." - Numbers 16:31-35
luke 3:1-6
Luke 3:1-6
Luke 3:1-6
Numbers 31:16 - "Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD."
Numbers 31:31 - "And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses."
Numbers 31 graphics
Numbers 31:46 - "And sixteen thousand persons;)"
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." - Acts 16:31
numbers 31:14-15
Numbers 31:33 - "And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,"
Numbers 31:34 - "And threescore and one thousand asses,"
Numbers 31:44 - "And thirty and six thousand beeves,"
Numbers 31:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 31:25 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 31:45 - "And thirty thousand asses and five hundred,"
Numbers 21:31 - "¶ Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites."
"And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses." - Numbers 31:31
Numbers 26:31 - "And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:"
Numbers 33:31 - "And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan."
Numbers 31:22 - "Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,"
Numbers 31:37 - "And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen."
"And sixteen thousand persons;)" - Numbers 31:46
"Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD." - Numbers 31:16
Numbers 31:53 - "(For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)"
Numbers 31:11 - "And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts."
Numbers 31:10 - "And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire."