Numbers 16:35
And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Original Language Analysis
יָֽצְאָ֖ה
And there came out
H3318
יָֽצְאָ֖ה
And there came out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מֵאֵ֣ת
H853
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֑ה
from the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
from the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּמָאתַ֙יִם֙
the two hundred
H3967
וּמָאתַ֙יִם֙
the two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
8 of 11
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
אִ֔ישׁ
men
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Leviticus 10:2And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.Numbers 26:10And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.Psalms 106:18And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.Numbers 16:2And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:Numbers 16:17And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.
Historical Context
The 250 incense-offering rebels were tribal leaders who claimed equal holiness with Aaron (v.3). Their destruction by divine fire vindicated Aaron's exclusive priestly role and warned against presumptuous worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does judgment on those who presume priestly ministry teach about approaching God rightly?
- How does Christ's high priesthood provide the only legitimate access to God's presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Simultaneous with earth swallowing rebels, 'there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.' This dual judgment—earth and fire—demonstrated God's comprehensive authority over creation. That fire specifically targeted those presuming priestly ministry showed God's jealousy for proper worship and His ordained priesthood.