Topical Bible: Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah

◄ Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The miraculous fire that consumed the company of Korah is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, illustrating God's judgment and the sanctity of His chosen leaders. This event is detailed in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 16.

Context and Background

The rebellion of Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and On, was a direct challenge to the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Korah, a Levite, along with 250 leaders of the congregation, rose up against Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and the special status of the priesthood. They argued that the entire community was holy and that Moses and Aaron were exalting themselves above the assembly of the Lord.

The Divine Response

In response to this rebellion, Moses fell facedown and sought the Lord's guidance. God instructed Moses to separate the congregation from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses warned the people, saying, "Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away in all their sins" (Numbers 16:26).

The Miraculous Fire

As a sign of divine judgment, the earth opened its mouth and swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their households. Following this, fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who were offering incense. Numbers 16:35 states, "And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense."

Significance

This miraculous fire served as a powerful demonstration of God's holiness and His chosen order. It reaffirmed the authority of Moses and Aaron, emphasizing that the priesthood was not a matter of personal ambition but a divine appointment. The event underscored the seriousness of rebellion against God's established leaders and the consequences of challenging His ordained structure.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the consuming fire represents God's purity and His intolerance of sin and rebellion. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence for God's commands. The event also highlights the concept of divine justice, where God's judgment is both immediate and absolute.

Legacy and Lessons

The account of Korah's rebellion and the consuming fire is referenced in later biblical texts as a warning against similar acts of defiance. Jude 1:11 mentions those who "perished in Korah's rebellion," using it as an example of the consequences of rejecting divine authority. This narrative continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of respecting God's chosen leaders.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 16:35
And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
... out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two ... are his messengers and the flames
of fire his ministers. ... Jews this, by a strange and miraculous education, that ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiii korah dathan and.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... of thee, and thou didst scorn His miraculous mercies ... or as John, they are baptized
with this fire, and he ... that flaming sword, not burned up or consumed, we may ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

The Mystery
... a great assemblage of wonders, by supposed cures, and miraculous visions, by ... With
frankincense and fire,. ... be given to God, before any thing was consumed for own ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... to be suddenly smitten and consumed by fire ... of dissensions, and render the blazing
fire inextinguishable. ... the benevolent exercise of the miraculous powers with ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... as the godly, though their life is consumed in wickedness ... the delivering of thee
from hell fire, from the ... to an unconverted soul, but with such company, as wast ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm