Numbers 16:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet they remained obstinate, unyielding, and unchecked in their pride until their folly led them to the destruction in which “the earth opened its mouth,” swallowing them along with their families and belongings, plunging them into an extraordinary ruin, for “they descended ... alive into the underworld,” as it is written. Therefore, it is deemed sinful and subject to divine judgment to rebel against authority and to disregard those appointed over us, who have been bestowed with special honor by God.

We are also aware of grave afflictions of a different nature, imposed by the righteous decree of God, intended to purify those drawn to sin. A case in point is Dathan and Abiron, who were swallowed up by the earth into the depths that were opened before them. In their instance, this punishment did not lead to their own repentance (is such a thing possible for those who have fallen into perdition?), but rather through their fate, they served as a warning to others, leading them toward purity.

The reality of God's judgment surpasses Moses' compassion for his fellow countrymen. By divine will, the earth opens its mouth and envelops all those who had raised themselves in rebellion against Moses’ authority and then closes again, containing within it their entire lineage.

They were consumed, engulfed by the earth's opening, while the remnants of that great multitude were struck down by lightning. This account, I believe, conveys the message that the culmination of arrogant self-exaltation is a descent into the realm of the dead. Some might reasonably argue that pride can rightly be defined as a descent into the underworld. Yet, should some perceive an opposite interpretation, it should not surprise you; many interpret pride as being elevated above others.

Korah, Dathan, and Abiron, who opposed Moses and Aaron the priest, sought to usurp the privilege of offering sacrifices for themselves and were swiftly met with divine retribution. The ground opened up and engulfed them alive, while God's wrath did not spare the instigators. The divine fire also quickly consumed the two hundred and fifty others who had aligned themselves with them, demonstrating that all endeavors by the wicked to undermine the divine order are ultimately a rebellion against God.

The rebellion emerged as a result of insatiable desires, which often lay the groundwork for perilous and destructive outcomes. It is noted that a person may become agitated and predisposed to wrath due to the wickedness of others or through harsh speech. This illustrates the situation of Dathan and Abiron, who incited the community and fervently sought honor for themselves rather than for Moses and Aaron. Their punishment ensued because they incited the righteous to anger, driven by envy that was clearly offensive to the Lord. It is widely acknowledged that this demonstrates praise to God, for He asserts that He will safeguard His servants. The earth opened up and consumed Dathan while it engulfed the followers of Abiron.

The living are aware of their surroundings and experience their reality, while the deceased are devoid of sensation. Should the dead commit wickedness out of ignorance, they would face descent into hell. However, being conscious of their wrongdoing and still choosing to act in such a manner, the unfortunate find themselves alive and aware in the torment of unrighteousness.

Regarding Corey and his associates' descent into Sheol, it is clear that they are among the condemned. However, it is misleading to interpret Sheol as synonymous with hell, the final place of eternal punishment, as some might assert. If this were the case, then the estates of the offenders would also face a similar fate. Moreover, it seems unreasonable to suggest that infants, who were innocent of the sins of their elders, should endure spiritual, everlasting condemnation. Thus, Sheol in this context should be understood as the opening of the earth, functioning akin to a grave, which engulfed and entombed the wrongdoers.