Keraia
Numbers 16

Numbers 16:35

The Earth Swallows Korah · Numbers 16:28–35
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Translations

Modern
And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.
Traditional
And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Literal
And a fire came out from YHWH and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the incense.
Latin
Sed et ignis egressus a Domino interfecit ducentos quinquaginta viros, qui offerebant incensum.

Original

Hebrew
English
And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.

Notes

Numbers 16:34–35

The 250 Israelite leaders tried to offer incense even though they were not priests. Their fate was like that of Nadab and Abihu, who also offered unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1–2). They also shared the same judgment as those who complained about the hardships in the wilderness (Numbers 11:1; compare 2 Kings 1:10).

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.

Glossary

Aaron Aaron’s Rod Courts and Trials Deuteronomy, Book of Incense Jude, Letter of Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea Korah Korahite, Korathite Numbers, Book of Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Conspiracy: Miriam and Aaron, Against Moses Dathan: A Conspirator Against Moses Fire: Consumes the Conspirators with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah 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 Judgments: Upon Individuals - Exemplified: Korah Miracles: Catalogue of The Destruction of Korah Miracles: Design of Priests: Punishment for Invading the office of The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Korah The Levites: Punishment of Korah and Others of, for offering Incense