The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 16:34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But all Israel, that was standing round about, fled at the cry of them that were perishing: saying: Lest perhaps the earth swallow us up also.

Douay-Rheims

וְכָל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֛ר סְבִיבֹתֵיהֶ֖ם נָ֣סוּ לְקֹלָ֑ם כִּ֣י אָֽמְר֔וּ פֶּן־תִּבְלָעֵ֖נוּ הָאָֽרֶץ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Cyprian of Carthage

3rd centuryChurch Father

Korah, Dathan, and Abiron rose in rebellion against Moses and Aaron, seeking to claim the right to offer sacrifices for themselves. They faced immediate judgment for their actions: the ground beneath them opened and took them in, while the Lord's fury also struck down the two hundred and fifty others who conspired with them, sharing in their misguided rebellion. This serves as a stark reminder that any efforts by the wicked to undermine God's established order are ultimately efforts against the Divine.

Cassiodorus the Senator

6th centuryChurch Father

The insurrection stemmed from the fulfillment of desire, which predominantly paves the way for perilous and disastrous outcomes. It is often observed that a person may become agitated and predisposed to anger due to the malevolent deeds of others or through harsh speech. This is illustrated by Dathan and Abiron, who incited the community and fervently sought recognition for themselves over Moses and Aaron. Their actions resulted in severe consequences, as they stirred wrath among the saints, leading to their own downfall, driven by envy that was known to displease the Lord. This is seen as a testament to the Lord's glory, for He proclaims His commitment to safeguard His servants. The earth opened up and consumed Dathan, while it covered the followers of Abiron.

Read more (83 words)

As noted in the Book of Numbers, this event unfolded before the eyes of all who sought to take by force the divine favor granted to Aaron and Moses, striving to acquire the honor that they understood had been graciously bestowed by God upon those figures. A similar fate awaited them, for the very nature of their rebellion was the catalyst for the division: those who relied on earthly wisdom were overtaken by the ground, serving as a powerful witness to their transgressions.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.