Numbers 16:30

Translations

Modern

But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”

Traditional

But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.

Literal

But if YHWH creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will know that these men have spurned YHWH.”

Latin

…sin autem novam rem fecerit Dominus, ut aperiens terra os suum deglutiat eos et omnia quæ ad illos pertinent, descenderintque viventes in infernum, scietis quod blasphemaverint Dominum.

Original

Hebrew

English

But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”

Notes

Numbers 16:28–30

Moses believed that God would deliver justice, and God did so (16:31–35; compare 1 Kings 18:18–40).
into Sheol: This was the place of the dead in the Old Testament. Sheol describes the realm where people go after death (see 1 Samuel 2:6; 2 Samuel 22:5–6; Job 3:20–22; Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27–33; 1 Corinthians 15:15; Revelation 20:13–14).

Numbers 16:1–17:13

Another rebellion demanded a clear separation of duties between priests and Levites. This power struggle was more serious than previous rebellions against God's authority (chapter 11; 12:1–15; 14:1–45).

In these historical events, the rebels protested minor issues and questioned their leaders' actions. Yet, Moses reminded them that they were actually rebelling against God. As a result, the Israelites suffered deadly consequences for their rebellion.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Apostasy Life After Death Remove the Evil Retribution The Dangers of Sin

Related verses

Psalm 55:15
Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes.
Numbers 16:33
They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly.
Job 31:3
Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
Isaiah 45:12
It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host.
Jeremiah 31:22
How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land—a woman will shelter a man.”
Isaiah 45:7
I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.
Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
Isaiah 28:21
For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task.

Glossary

Aaron Aaron’s Rod Abiram Courts and Trials Deuteronomy, Book of Incense Jude, Letter of Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea Numbers, Book of Place of the Dead Sheol Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Conspiracy: Miriam and Aaron, Against Moses Dathan: A Conspirator Against Moses Death of the Wicked Gates of Hell Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Israel: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Returned by the Way to the Red Sea: Korah Punished Miracles Wrought Through Servants of God: Moses and Aaron: Destruction of Korah Miracles: Design of Priests: Punishment for Invading the office of Rebellion Against God: Provokes God The Levites: Punishment of Korah and Others of, for offering Incense Treason of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses and Aaron

Numbers 16:30

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