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:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Context of Korah's Rebellion: This judgment occurred during Israel's wilderness wandering, likely around 1445-1444 BC. Korah, a Levite, led 250 prominent Israelites in challenging Moses and Aaron's authority, claiming that all the congregation was holy. The rebellion represented both political uprising and religious schism.
Wilderness Setting: The Israelite encampment was organized with the Tabernacle at center and tribes positioned around it. The dramatic opening of the earth would have been witnessed by thousands, creating an unforgettable communal memory. This event became a permanent warning in Israel's history, referenced in later scriptures (Numbers 26:10, Deuteronomy 11:6, Psalm 106:17) as an example of divine judgment against rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the immediate timing of God's judgment ("as he had made an end of speaking") teach us about God's vindication of His servants?
- How does the splitting of the ground compare to other miraculous acts of God in the Exodus narrative, and what theological connections exist?
- Why was such dramatic and public judgment necessary for this particular rebellion?
- What does this event reveal about the seriousness with which God views challenges to His established authority?
- How should Christian leaders today understand this passage in relation to authority, accountability, and divine calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Divine Judgment Manifested: This verse marks the climactic moment of God's judgment upon Korah's rebellion. The Hebrew phrase תִּבָּקַע הָאֲדָמָה (tibaqa ha-adamah, "the ground split") emphasizes the supernatural nature of this event—this was no ordinary earthquake but a direct divine intervention. Immediate Causation: The text notes this occurred "as he had made an end of speaking," demonstrating the precise timing of God's judgment and Moses' prophetic authority.
The phrase "clave asunder" translates the Hebrew בָּקַע (baqa), meaning to split or cleave, used elsewhere of the Red Sea parting (Exodus 14:16). This linguistic connection suggests God was demonstrating His same power that delivered Israel from Egypt. Theological Significance: This event established a precedent that challenging God's appointed leadership brings immediate and terrible consequences, reinforcing the priesthood's sanctity and Moses' unique role as mediator between God and Israel.