Numbers 16:30 - But if Yahweh makes a new thing, and the ground opens its mouth, and swallows them up, with all that belong to them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then you shall understand that these men have despised Yahweh.”
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What does "Numbers 16:30" mean?
This verse, Numbers 16:30, is a powerful statement delivered by Moses as a judgment upon Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who had rebelled against his leadership and the authority of Yahweh. It outlines a specific, divinely ordained punishment meant to serve as a definitive sign of their transgression. Let's break it down:
"But if Yahweh makes a new thing...": This introduces the condition. Moses is not merely predicting an ordinary natural disaster; he is invoking divine intervention. The phrase "new thing" (Hebrew: beriah) suggests a unique and unprecedented act of God's power.
"...and the ground opens its mouth, and swallows them up, with all that belong to them...": This describes the nature of the punishment. The earth itself will miraculously open, and the rebels, along with their possessions and families, will be consumed. This imagery of the earth swallowing people is striking and emphasizes the complete and utter destruction.
"...and they go down alive into Sheol...": This clarifies their fate. "Sheol" is the Hebrew word for the underworld, the realm of the dead. The key here is "alive." They aren't dying naturally; they are being plunged into the realm of the dead while still living, an extraordinary and terrifying judgment. This emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the event and the completeness of the punishment.
"...then you shall understand that these men have despised Yahweh.": This states the purpose of the punishment. This miraculous event will serve as undeniable proof that Korah, Dathan, and Abiram have shown utter contempt and disregard for Yahweh's authority. The judgment is a sign, a public display of God's displeasure intended to deter others from similar rebellion.
In Summary:
The verse describes a specific, divinely orchestrated event where the earth opens and swallows the rebels alive into Sheol. This event serves as a clear and unmistakable sign to the Israelites that Korah, Dathan, and Abiram had deeply offended Yahweh by challenging His chosen leadership (Moses and Aaron). The "new thing" signifies a unique act of divine power, emphasizing the severity of the sin and the authority of Yahweh. The punishment is both a judgment and a warning.
Numbers 16:30 - But if Yahweh makes a new thing, and the ground opens its mouth, and swallows them up, with all that belong to them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then you shall understand that these men have despised Yahweh.”
What does "Numbers 16:30" mean?
This verse, Numbers 16:30, is a powerful statement delivered by Moses as a judgment upon Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who had rebelled against his leadership and the authority of Yahweh. It outlines a specific, divinely ordained punishment meant to serve as a definitive sign of their transgression. Let's break it down:
"But if Yahweh makes a new thing...": This introduces the condition. Moses is not merely predicting an ordinary natural disaster; he is invoking divine intervention. The phrase "new thing" (Hebrew: beriah) suggests a unique and unprecedented act of God's power.
"...and the ground opens its mouth, and swallows them up, with all that belong to them...": This describes the nature of the punishment. The earth itself will miraculously open, and the rebels, along with their possessions and families, will be consumed. This imagery of the earth swallowing people is striking and emphasizes the complete and utter destruction.
"...and they go down alive into Sheol...": This clarifies their fate. "Sheol" is the Hebrew word for the underworld, the realm of the dead. The key here is "alive." They aren't dying naturally; they are being plunged into the realm of the dead while still living, an extraordinary and terrifying judgment. This emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the event and the completeness of the punishment.
"...then you shall understand that these men have despised Yahweh.": This states the purpose of the punishment. This miraculous event will serve as undeniable proof that Korah, Dathan, and Abiram have shown utter contempt and disregard for Yahweh's authority. The judgment is a sign, a public display of God's displeasure intended to deter others from similar rebellion.
In Summary:
The verse describes a specific, divinely orchestrated event where the earth opens and swallows the rebels alive into Sheol. This event serves as a clear and unmistakable sign to the Israelites that Korah, Dathan, and Abiram had deeply offended Yahweh by challenging His chosen leadership (Moses and Aaron). The "new thing" signifies a unique act of divine power, emphasizing the severity of the sin and the authority of Yahweh. The punishment is both a judgment and a warning.