What is the meaning of Numbers 26:10? And the earth opened its mouth “and the earth opened its mouth” (Numbers 26:10) • A literal, miraculous splitting of the ground—God Himself intervened, just as He promised in Numbers 16:30–32. • Scripture presents similar acts of judgment: “The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan” (Psalm 106:17), “what He did to Dathan and Abiram…when the earth opened its mouth” (Deuteronomy 11:6). • The scene underscores that creation is under the Lord’s command; nothing is outside His reach (Revelation 16:18‐19). and swallowed them “and swallowed them” • Total, irrevocable judgment—there was no escape, no place to hide (Numbers 16:33). • A visual picture of how sin consumes: “They went down alive into Sheol” (Numbers 16:33). • God’s justice is thorough; rebellion is never shrugged off (Hebrews 10:30‐31). along with Korah “along with Korah” • The chief instigator is named so no one misses the link between leadership and responsibility (James 3:1). • Jude 11 warns of “the rebellion of Korah,” showing that spiritual mutiny is timeless. • Korah had coveted the priesthood (Numbers 16:8-10); now he is publicly removed, teaching that self‐exaltation leads to ruin (Proverbs 16:18). whose followers died when the fire consumed 250 men “whose followers died when the fire consumed 250 men” • A second judgment—fire from the LORD (Numbers 16:35)—fell on those waving unauthorized censers. • Similar fire judgments: Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2); Elijah’s confrontation (2 Kings 1:10-12). • God is impartial: rank, title, or numbers (250!) cannot shield anyone from divine holiness (Romans 2:11). They serve as a warning sign “They serve as a warning sign.” • Memorial judgment: the bronze plates from the censers were hammered into altar covering “as a reminder” (Numbers 16:38). • New Testament writers echo the warning: “These things happened as examples for us” (1 Corinthians 10:6,11); “see that you do not refuse Him who speaks” (Hebrews 12:25). • Practical takeaways: – Approach God on His terms, not ours. – Honor the authorities He establishes (Romans 13:1-2). – Remember that hidden attitudes of pride eventually surface in open rebellion (Psalm 19:13). Summary Numbers 26:10 recalls God’s literal, twofold judgment on Korah and his company: the earth swallowed the ringleaders, and fire consumed the 250 followers. The episode magnifies God’s sovereignty, the seriousness of rebellion, and the certainty that sin invites swift, decisive response. Preserved in Scripture as a “warning sign,” the event urges every generation to pursue humility, obedience, and reverent fear before the Lord who still rules heaven and earth. |
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